the Sling connection
the best for newborns
versatile and so comfortable
front carries aren’t that hard to learn
A wrap or wraparound carrier is a rectangle of cloth. They have a high learning curve, but you may find it to be well worth the effort. Really, it is the back carries that are such a challenge. The front carries are where a wrap really excels, and they are seriously not that hard.
Wraps have been described as “magically” comfortable. Like a mei tai, a wrap is a two shoulder carrier. It distributes the child’s weight over both shoulders, your back, and your hips. Because you can spread the cloth out and adjust every little part, you may find it to be even more comfortable than a mei tai. Just as with the mei tai, the older baby’s legs are wrapped around you (rather than dangling down as they would in a typical front pack), and his or her weight is close to your center of gravity. (A newborn’s legs are tucked inside.) This means that the child’s weight “becomes” your own. If you wear one, you’ll feel the difference.
Some wraps are stretchy (such as the Moby), some are woven. A stretchy wrap is perfect for newborns up through about 20 pounds. It can actually be pre-tied so that you just pop baby in! Because it is stretchy, it is easy to shift your infant from one position to another without retying the wrap. The soft cotton knit fabric and variety of positions available make this an excellent choice for a new baby. A stretchy wrap is easier to use and makes a great first wrap.
A woven wrap (such as the EllaRoo) will be supportive enough to comfortably carry a child up to 35 pounds (and beyond) and can certainly be used with an infant, but requires a bit more skill than a stretchy wrap. Also, the EllaRoo is a nice breathable weave and preferable to the Moby for the summer months. A woven wrap is the most versatile baby carrier. You may use it from birth to about 35 pounds (around 3 years old). It can be securely tied in virtually any position.
Both provide excellent head support for a sleeping baby, and distribute the weight evenly on both shoulders for optimal comfort.
Wraparounds are so good for newborns because they allow you to wear baby in a snuggle or cradle position - while providing you the comfort of a two shoulder carrier. Most newborns love a wrap. It is so adjustable you can cater to even a finicky baby.
You can also, with a little practice, learn to nurse in a wrap. (Ring sling is easier for nursing.)
a wraparound
a wraparound
cradle with newborn in a stretchy wrap
snuggle with newborn in a stretchy wrap
nursing in a woven wrap
nursing in a stretchy wrap
kangaroo position (front facing out legs in)
wrap
facing out
front facing out legs out
wrap
facing out
tummy to tummy
tummy to tummy
this position could be used for nursing an older baby
head support for a sleeping baby
hip
hip
wrap
hip
tummy to tummy
back carry with a newborn
back
high back in a woven wrap
“rucksack” back carry
back
back
wrap
Wrap Basics
