Best Baby Wraps of 2024
Baby wraps have been used for centuries, and they're a great way to keep your baby close and your hands free.
By Jen LaBracio | Medically Reviewed by Brittany DiBardino DO
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 new parents everywhere. Baby wraps have been around for centuries and used across cultures as a way to keep your little one close while also freeing up your hands to 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.
Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Baby Wraps
- Softest: Solly Baby Wrap Carrier
- Best for Extra Stretch: Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
- Best Multi-Purpose: Moby Classic Wrap Carrier
- Easiest: Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier
- Best Organic: Happy Baby Stretchy Baby Wrap
- Best Hybrid: Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier
- Best Woven: Mama & Roo Long Woven Wrap, Pastels
In This Article
Babylist’s Picks for the Best Baby Wraps
Softest Baby Wrap
What Our Experts Say
The Solly is one of the most-registered-for baby products in the Babylist Shop and has over 1,500 positive reviews—and it’s no surprise why. 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. It’s not only ultra-soft but can be used all year long in any weather without turning you in a sweaty mess. There’s zero bulk and the wrap folds easily into almost any size bag, and the universal fit works for wearers of all sizes.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll only be able to do a front upright inward-facing carry with the Solly. Like all wraps, there’s a learning curve to overcome. And the weight limit is 25 pounds, a bit lower than many other wraps.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Easy to use and my baby loves being carried in it. Watch the instructional videos and practice a few times before you try to put a baby in it. Maybe test it with a teddy bear to make sure you know how to position the baby in it. I actually found it easier to use than my structured carrier.” -Shelby
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Best Baby Wrap for Extra Stretch
What Our Experts Say
Similar to the Solly, the Boba is a swath of fabric you use to bind your baby to your torso in the inward front-facing position. The standout feature here is the fabric; it’s soft French terry and made from five percent spandex so it’s stretchy yet snug at the same time. It fits parents of all sizes and works for babies up to 35 pounds.
What’s Worth Considering
While the elasticity of the wrap is great for tying tightly around you and your child, some Babylist parents report that the weight of a heavier baby can stretch out the fabric. Parents also say the wrap isn’t great for warmer environments as the thicker fabric makes it easier to overheat. For a lighterweight version of the same wrap, check out Boba’s Serenity Light Baby Wrap Carrier.
What Babylist Parents Say
“My daughter LOVES to be worn, and sometimes, will sleep for several hours in this wrap. I was initially intimidated by it, but our doula showed me how to wear it, and it’s been amazing. YouTube videos also will work! Try it! Don’t let it intimidate you. It’s worth it!” -Kasha
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | Newborn to 35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Best Multi-Position Baby Wrap
What Our Experts Say
Like the Solly and the Boba, the Moby 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. The Moby fits wearers of all sizes and can be used with babies from eight pounds up to 35.
What’s Worth Considering
Because the fabric is so long, it drags on the ground and can get dirty when you put it on in public places. 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.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I use this every single day. I had to get a second one as a back up for when baby spits up or pees on the one I’m wearing! He loves sleeping in it and loves being close to me while I grocery shop or do chores around the house.” -Bree
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward, hip |
Easiest Baby Wrap
What Our Experts Say
If you love the idea of a baby wrap but are intimidated by the origami-like wapping process, the K’Tan is for you. It’s made from two loops of fabric that are already stitched together to hold your baby safely and securely in place. Simply slip it over your head, put an arm through each loop and position your baby where the two loops cross over. Belt the fabric sash around you and the baby for extra security and you’re ready to go. Another great perk of the K’Tan: five carry positions, including front and back options.
What’s Worth Considering
Unlike most wraps, the Baby K’Tan comes in clothing sizes. That means other caregivers won’t be able to use it unless they’re the same size as you. The brand recommends sizing down if you’re between sizes.
Also worth a look: Baby K’tan wraps come in many other fabric styles for different preferences and climates. There’s an organic option, a lightweight cotton style and a wrap made from wicking fabric, among others.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Sooo much easier to use and understand than the normal wraps of one long piece of fabric, but with all the benefits of being super portable and lightweight!” -Julie
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Kangaroo, sling, front-inward, front-outward, hip |
Best Organic Baby Wrap
What Our Experts Say
Made from organic bamboo and cotton, this wrap is sturdy but soft and wicks away moisture, making it a solid year-round choice. It’s also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. The bonus? Happy Baby makes all of its products in the US and employs stay-at-home moms in the sewing process.
What’s Worth Considering
Like all classic wraps, this one takes some getting used to. Plan time to watch the instructional video and do some practice babywearing sessions around the house.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I love that the Happy Wrap was so lightweight compared to the Moby. It was still very durable and strong but was much better in our sweltering Florida heat. It was also just as soft as the day we bought it after every wash!” -Brittany
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Best Hybrid Baby Wrap
What Our Experts Say
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. The ComfyFit Adjust is made from soft, lightweight yoga-inspired material with four-way stretch. The wrap is size-inculsive, with adjustable arm straps, wraps and belt, and can also be shared among caregivers. (The adjustable arm straps also means 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.
What’s Worth Considering
Parents complain that the wrap is a bit cumbersome can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Both of my kids were very curious babies who wanted to see the world while in the carrier. I’ve searched for hours for a structured carrier that would be both comfortable for me and my kids while also allowing facing out. To sum up, there are not many in the market but Boppy Hybrid carrier actually fits the bill. I was impressed how easy and comfortable it was when I used with my big chunky baby.” -BrooklynMom
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward (2 positions, newborn and baby), front-outward |
Best Woven Wrap
What Our Experts Say
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, this beautiful pastel wrap from Mama & Roo 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).
What’s Worth Considering
Be sure to consult the size chart and recommendations on the Mama & Roo website before ordering. Also check out YouTube 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 |
| Available positions for baby: | Front, back and hip carry |
How We Chose Our Best Baby Wraps
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including 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.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
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’s body.
Is a baby wrap good for a newborn?
Wraps can typically be used with newborns (as long as they meet the weight requirement) up until your child is 18 months old or so, although parents tend to get the most use out of them in the first several months.
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? It’s a good idea to get a baby carrier of some sort, and a wrap is just one of the choices. Others include a ring sling, 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, 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 different types of fabrics such as 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.
Are Baby Wraps Safe?
When used properly, baby wraps are safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends following certain 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.
- Always bend at the knees, not at the waist, when wearing your baby.
In addition to the recommendations above, you can use the T.I.C.K.S. acronym 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
Jen LaBracio
Senior Gear Editor
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.
