The Best Baby Wraps to Keep Baby Close
Baby wraps have been used for centuries. They’re a great way to keep your baby close and your hands free.
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Truth: babies love to be held, especially during the newborn days.
Also truth: sometimes your arms just need a break.
Meet the wrap, one of the best baby carriers to use with newborns and a favorite among many new parents. A baby wrap is a piece of long fabric you tie around yourself to create a pouch on your chest, hip or back where your baby can sit. Wraps have been around for centuries and are used across cultures as a way to keep babies close while also freeing up parents' hands so they can get other things done. They may look a bit intimidating at first—and there is a learning curve to overcome—–but with a little practice, a wrap may quickly become your go-to carrier of choice.
After testing and researching dozens of baby wraps and analyzing feedback from thousands of parents, we recommend the Solly Baby Wrap Carrier as the best wrap for most caregivers. It’s made with lightweight, breathable fabric, is easy to pack into a diaper bag, safe for babies and comfortable for caregivers of all body types.
If you’d like other options to shop, including wraps that are lighter, more structured and made with unique fabrics, we chose five other wraps to help you find the right one for your family.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
I’m a journalist and a mom of two kids, ages two and four at the time of this writing. I’ve reviewed pretty much every category of baby and kid gear, from strollers to backpacks to bouncers to carriers. I was a babywearing mom with both kids and preferred wearing them in soft wraps during the newborn stage. For an expert POV, I spoke with Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who works with postpartum parents frequently, and Dr. Joel ‘Gator’ Warsh, a board-certified pediatrician and author of Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years. I included insight from Babylist Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many baby wraps. And I analyzed data from Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of thousands of Babylist users.
How We Judged the Best Baby Wraps
Best Baby Wrap Overall
Pros
- Breathable, super-soft fabric
- Easy to store
- Universal fit
Cons
- Only allows for one type of hold
- Lower weight limit
The Solly Baby Wrap Carrier is one of the most-registered-for baby products in the Babylist Shop and has over 1,500 positive reviews. It’s also my pick for the best baby wrap overall; I used it for both of my children over the course of four years, in both the depths of winter and the height of summer. While the thicker fabrics of some other wraps can make them good options for cooler climates, the Solly is made from a thin piece of super-breathable modal fabric, which is why it can transition so well between seasons. The Solly also has zero bulk and folds easily into almost any size bag. I’ve traveled all over the United States with it in my suitcase, and we often threw it in our diaper bag just in case. And thanks to the wrap’s universal fit, my husband was able to use it just as easily even though he’s over a foot taller than me.
My preemie son was also able to use this wrap right out of the hospital. The Solly Wrap "gently eases baby’s transition from womb to world,” said a Babylist parent. It’s also a wrap you may want to try if you delivered via C-section. I handed mine down to a friend who did and she was able to immediately use it comfortably.
There are a few downsides: You’ll only be able to do a front, upright, inward-facing carry with the Solly. This means it works best for newborns and smaller infants, but babies will outgrow it more quickly. (The weight limit is 25 pounds, a bit lower than many other wraps.) We used this wrap for the first six months or so with my kids, then transitioned into a more structured carrier. And like all wraps, there’s a learning curve to overcome when it comes to getting the wrap positioned correctly and making sure both the caregiver and baby are comfortable; a video tutorial can help.
Additional Specs
Weight limits: 8-25 lbs
Fabric: TENCEL Modal
Available positions for baby: Front-inward
Best Lightweight Baby Wrap
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable bamboo-blend fabric
- Higher weight limit
- Universal fit
Cons
- Only allows for one type of hold
- Fabric can be too long for some users
The Boba Serenity Light Baby Wrap Carrier offers a womb-like experience for babies, with a stretchy spandex hold and super-soft, lightweight fabric. Many parents note that their babies cuddled right up due to the softness of the fabric. “I used it every single day during the fourth trimester and still use it on occasion to help my little one calm down,” one Babylist parent told us in the Best Baby Products survey. The lightweight fabric is especially great in the summer months or if you run warm, as it traps less heat. (As someone who lives in the desert, I consider bamboo a must for my kids’ pajamas and wraps.)
The Boba has a slightly higher weight limit compared to the other wraps in this guide; it can hold children up to 35 pounds, although it works best up to 20 pounds. Like most wraps, the Boba is meant to be used by caregivers of all heights and weights, although several Babylist parents note that the fabric can be long if you’re shorter. And the fabric stays in place, no matter your body type, so your baby doesn’t slip down. “I found tying it slightly tighter than you would think keeps it in place better so baby doesn't slip down helps a lot,” recommends one Babylist parent.
Like other baby wraps, the learning curve can be a bit steep, so we recommend using instructional videos to help you figure it out. The Boba also comes with a one-year warranty and is machine washable, which is helpful when dealing with blowouts or intensive use.
Additional Specs
Weight limits: Birth-35 pounds
Fabric: Cotton, bamboo, spandex mix
Available positions for baby: Front-inward
Best Multipurpose Baby Wrap
Pros
- Two carry options
- Higher weight limit
Cons
- Thick fabric
- Fit isn’t ideal for some plus-size users
- Fabric can be too long for some users
Like the Solly and the Boba, the Moby Classic Wrap Carrier is also made from one long piece of soft, stretchy fabric. But unlike the other two wraps, you’ll have two carry options here: inward front-facing and hip carry. This means you can use the wrap longer and with older children. (You can use the wrap with babies from eight pounds up to 35.) I briefly used the Moby with my son and although I preferred the Solly’s thinner fabric, he was comfortable in the Moby and fell asleep quickly.
There are a few downsides. Several plus-sized users said the wrap didn’t fit them, and I found the fabric to be too long for my petite frame. This is because the fabric doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, which makes it less adaptable. (In my case, the extra fabric dragged on the ground and got dirty when I wore the wrap in public, which wasn’t ideal.) The longer fabric also made it harder for me to tie because I had to wrap it around my body a few extra times. As one parent notes, the learning curve is high: “After I watched a video and figured out how to work it, I used it all the time!”
The Moby’s fabric also requires using a gentle or delicate wash cycle, which can be hard to remember when you’re in the throes of the newborn phase. Also, parents report that the thicker fabric of the Moby can make you and your baby hot and sweaty, especially when it’s warm.
Moby also makes a hybrid carrier, the Easy Wrap. It slips on like a T-shirt and has buckles on each side.
Additional Specs
Weight limits: 8-35 lbs
Fabric: Cotton
Available positions for baby: Front-inward, hip
Easiest to Use Baby Wrap
Konny Baby Wrap Carrier Flex Airmesh - Charcoal, M-4 Xl
From $59.99Pros
- Easy to put on
- Breathable mesh material
- 13 size adjustments for wearer
- High weight limit
Cons
- Can only be washed on cold
- More structured
The Konny Baby Carrier FLEX AirMesh doesn’t require complicated wrapping skills like other carriers featured in this guide. Instead, it can be put on like a T-shirt, which I was able to do in under a minute. (Most other wraps require at least a few minutes of very specific movements and wrap angles.) It’s also specifically designed to ensure that your baby's head stays above the carrier on your chest, which is important for safety.
The Konny works for babies from birth to 12 months, depending on size. And speaking of size, there are 13 different adjustments on the wrap for parents and caregivers to achieve just the right fit. (You will have to pick a wrap size, but it's a really wide range—XS-XL, for example—so most wearers of different sizes will still be able to share the same wrap.) However, the setup of this wrap means it feels a bit more like a carrier than a wrap; your infant won’t experience quite the same “hugging” sensation due to the carrier’s structure.
Unlike the other wraps we tried, the Konny is made from polyester and elastane. The benefits are that the carrier is lightweight and fairly breathable. But the material can be harder to wash (you can pop it into the washing machine, but it must be washed alone with cold water).
Additional Specs
Weight limits: Birth to 44 lbs
Fabric: Polyester-elastane
Available positions for baby:13, all inward-facing
Best Hybrid Baby Wrap
Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier - Heather Gray
From $41.99Pros
- Easier to get on than a traditional baby wrap
- Soft material
- Adjustable for caregivers
- 3 carry positions
Cons
- Uncomfortable for long periods of time
- Bulky
Not quite a wrap and not quite a soft structured carrier, this hybrid option falls somewhere in the middle and is a good alternative if you’re looking for a carrier with a little extra support that’s easier to get on and off than a traditional baby wrap. Babylist parents note that the combo option makes it easy to put on by yourself. “I use it all the time,” said one parent.
The Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier is made from soft, lightweight yoga-inspired material with four-way stretch. The wrap is size-inclusive, with adjustable arm straps, wraps and belt, and can also be shared among caregivers. (The adjustable arm straps also mean you’re able to nurse your baby while wearing the wrap.) And there are three carry positions: newborn front-facing, baby front-facing and outward-facing.
But all this adaptability comes with a downside: parents complain that the wrap is a bit bulky. It can be tough to get all the settings just right. And most parents prefer it for shorter stints of babywearing; it can be uncomfortable if you're wearing it for a long period of time.
Additional Specs
Weight limits: 8-35 lbs
Materials: Polyester, spandex
Available positions for baby: Front-inward (2 positions, newborn and baby), front-outward
Best Woven Baby Wrap
Pros
- Unique
- Many carry positions
- Grows with your child
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Complex sizing
- Sized to wearer; can't share between people of different sizes
- Can be too long for some users
Woven wraps are a category unto themselves within the babywearing world. They come in all different fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp and bamboo, varied thicknesses (measured by their weight and abbreviated as gsm—grams per meter squared) and different lengths depending on your body size and preferences.
Parents who love woven wraps really love them; they’re beautiful and unique, offer countless carry positions and, because they distribute weight so comfortably across your body, can be used from the infant days long into your child’s early years. But woven wraps come with a steep learning curve. Wearing your baby in a woven wrap is a skill—one that often takes lots and lots of practice. If you’re willing to put in the work, many parents love them, but they’re a much bigger commitment than many other types of wraps or baby carriers.
Keeping that in mind, the Mama & Roo Long Woven Wrap is a good place to start if you want to explore the world of woven baby wraps. It’s made from cotton, considered the best material for first-time wrappers, and is soft and easy to care for. The large bands of stripes make learning different carries easier, as do the different color rails (the top and bottom of the wrap).
Be sure to consult the size chart and recommendations on the Mama & Roo website before ordering. (The complex sizing means two caregivers cannot share this wrap. It's also based on the size and age of the child and the fabric type.) Also check out YouTube or TikTok for content around woven wraps, as many parents say that’s how they learned.
Additional Specs
Weight limits: Newborn (6.6 lbs) to 55 lbs
Material: 100% cotton
Available positions for baby: Front, back and hip carry
What Is a Baby Wrap?
A baby wrap is a piece of long fabric you tie and knot around yourself to create a pouch on your chest, hip or back where your baby can sit. The fabric usually wraps over your shoulders and across your torso. It’s meant to distribute the baby’s weight across your shoulders and hips. Unlike other baby carriers, there are no clasps, rings or buckles that might dig into you or your child.
Is a baby wrap good for a newborn?
Wraps can typically be used with newborns (as long as they meet the weight requirement) until about 18 months old, although parents tend to use them most often in the first several months.
“You can wrap a baby from the first newborn days all the way up to a more structured carrier on your back when they’re a big kid,” says Pagliano. “The 'best time' to use a wrap is when it works for the parents and keeping baby happy! Some babies also don’t like to be in a carrier early on, but enjoy it later, so don’t give up on it if your baby doesn’t take to it right away.”
Do You Need a Baby Wrap?
While a baby wrap isn’t necessarily a need, it’s one of the most popular items Babylist parents choose when building their baby registries. That’s because wraps have so many benefits both for parents and babies, especially during the fourth trimester (the first three months of your little one’s life). Wearing your baby in a wrap can help calm and soothe them, help them fall asleep (and stay asleep) and free up your hands so you can get other things done.
A few things to consider when you’re deciding whether or not you need a baby wrap:
Are you registering for a swing or bouncer? If not, a wrap is a good spot for baby to hang while you get stuff done. (Even if you are registering for one of these items, you may want a wrap as an option too.)
Are you adding any other carriers to your list? Many parents like to get a baby carrier of some sort, and a wrap is just one of the choices. Others include a ring sling, a babywearing shirt, or a soft structured or hybrid carrier. How to Choose a Baby Carrier can help you decide.
If your stroller doesn’t accommodate a newborn or an infant car seat, or if, despite all of your time spent choosing the best stroller, your baby isn’t a fan of riding in it, a baby wrap is a great way to get around with your little one in tow.
What is the best fabric for baby wraps?
Baby slings and wraps come in all types of fabrics like cotton, linen, modal, bamboo and more. One type of fabric isn’t necessarily better than another; it’s more about what’s the most comfortable for you.
If you’re choosing a baby wrap or sling based on fabric, you’ll want to think about what type of climate you live in (a warmer climate means you’ll want a lighter, more breathable wrap to avoid overheating), what feels the most comfortable against your skin and how stretchy you want the wrap to be. Cotton is typically less breathable, while a fabric like linen, modal or bamboo will be more comfortable on hot days.
Are Baby Wraps Safe?
When used properly, baby wraps are safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends following certain baby carrier guidelines when babywearing, including these:
Always consult your pediatrician before babywearing with an infant born prematurely or with respiratory problems.
Ensure your baby’s mouth and nose are never blocked by the wrap’s fabric or that your baby’s face isn’t pressed too tightly against your body. Dr. Warsh notes that the biggest safety key is to protect your baby’s airways. “It is vital to ensure that the baby’s face remains visible and that their chin doesn’t rest on their chest,” he says. You should also ensure that your baby’s face isn’t pressed too tightly against your body.
Be sure your child’s legs are in an “M” shape, with knees elevated above their bottom and legs spread, to promote healthy hip development and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Their spine, on the other hand, should be in a naturally curved position with their tummy pressed against your body. (If this is hard to visualize, we recommend Googling how to wear the specific wrap you’ve purchased.)
When reaching or bending while babywearing, always bend from the knees, not at the waist. And pay attention to your posture. “Posture is key for keeping your body strong and avoiding end-of-day aches,” says Warsh. Think about activating your core muscles (avoid arching your back) and keep the baby high and close near your center of gravity. Make sure the wrap distributes baby’s weight evenly across your shoulders and back.
Check your carrier periodically for rips, tears or other damage.
The T.I.C.K.S. acronym is an easy way to check for a safe carry any time you wear your baby in a wrap:
T. Tight
I. In view at all times
C. Close enough to kiss
K. Keep chin off chest
S. Supported back
If you’re experiencing low back pain while babywearing or have a pelvic injury, you may need a more structured carrier rather than a baby wrap, advises Pagliano, who specializes in physical therapy for parents. “Many of my patients love soft wraps but many others don’t,” she says. If you find that a non-structured carrier isn’t working for you, it’s okay to opt for a different model.
