Wraps (stretchy and woven) are the most unstructured of all carriers - they are long pieces of material that you wrap around your body and tie with a knot, making them easily adjustable for all body types.
I can provide brief demonstrations of how to tie wraps at a library session and recommend useful YouTube tutorials if needed. If you would like some more focussed 1:1 help using your wrap, just ask Emma about booking a private consultation.
I can provide brief demonstrations of how to tie wraps at a library session and recommend useful YouTube tutorials if needed. If you would like some more focussed 1:1 help using your wrap, just ask Emma about booking a private consultation.
STRETCHY WRAPS
Stretchy wraps are popular for carrying newborns and can be tied on your body in a way that allows you to pop baby in and out without having to re-tie each time. There will come a point when your growing baby's weight will be a bit much for the stretchy fabric, making it feel less supportive; this is usually something you will be able to feel yourself, rather than happening at an exact stage.
Stretchy wraps are popular for carrying newborns and can be tied on your body in a way that allows you to pop baby in and out without having to re-tie each time. There will come a point when your growing baby's weight will be a bit much for the stretchy fabric, making it feel less supportive; this is usually something you will be able to feel yourself, rather than happening at an exact stage.
![]() Two-way stretchy wraps These are all examples of two-way stretchy wraps, which can stretch widthways and lengthways. It is much easier to get a two-way stretchy tight enough for a pre-tied carry. Here's a great way to tie your two way stretchy wrap: Pocket wrap cross carry video (from left to right) JPMBB Basic, in olive green Hanababy, Teal (below JPMBB Basic) Cot2Tot, mustard Sleepy Wrap, purple - now rebranded as BobaWrap Kari-Me, navy |
Carrier: Stretchy wrap, 5m approx
Brand: JPMBB (Je Porte Mon Bebe), grey/green and olive colourway This long stretchy wrap by JPMBB is a unique blend of cotton and spandex, making it stretchable in all directions yet feeling firmer than other stretchy materials. It is wider than many stretchy wraps and supportive enough to be comfortable with a heavier baby, past the point where another stretchy might not be supportive enough. Manufacturer's instruction webpage, which has loads of great videos and information! |
WOVEN WRAPS
Woven wraps (not stretchy) are the ultimate 'birth-to-whenever' carrier and completely versatile fit-wise. There are a huge number of ways to tie them on your front, hip or back, although it's best to just start off with one tying technique first and get familiar with how the fabric tightens around you. The longer the wrap is, the more tying options you will manage, although it can also depend on your build, your baby's size and your tightening technique. Generally, a size 6 or 7 is a good length to choose for most carries - if you're taller and/or broader, you might want to go for a 7.
If you're looking for a carrier to see you through from your baby's newborn days until they're much older (big kids get tired and enjoy piggybacks too!) a woven wrap is a great choice, and there are many quality, affordable brands available.
Although there are numerous ways to tie woven wraps on your front, hip or back, here's a great, basic front carry to get started with:
Front wrap cross carry video
Woven wraps (not stretchy) are the ultimate 'birth-to-whenever' carrier and completely versatile fit-wise. There are a huge number of ways to tie them on your front, hip or back, although it's best to just start off with one tying technique first and get familiar with how the fabric tightens around you. The longer the wrap is, the more tying options you will manage, although it can also depend on your build, your baby's size and your tightening technique. Generally, a size 6 or 7 is a good length to choose for most carries - if you're taller and/or broader, you might want to go for a 7.
If you're looking for a carrier to see you through from your baby's newborn days until they're much older (big kids get tired and enjoy piggybacks too!) a woven wrap is a great choice, and there are many quality, affordable brands available.
Although there are numerous ways to tie woven wraps on your front, hip or back, here's a great, basic front carry to get started with:
Front wrap cross carry video
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 7 (5.2m approx)
Brand: Babylonia/BBSlen 'Pineapple' This size 7 wrap can be used to tie a wide range of carries. Although it has a pattern of multicoloured stripes, these give an attractive, muted effect and will go with most outfits! The BBSlen wrap is made by a Belgian company called Babylonia and is woven in a Fairtrade workshop in India. Manufacturer's instruction video |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 7 (5.2m approx)
Brand: Easycare 'Prism' This long wrap can be used for a wide variety of tying methods on front, hip or back. It is quite thin 100% cotton, supportive and a striking black with flashes of rainbow stripes. Manufacturer's instructions not available, but other woven wrap instructions on this page are suitable, or see video at top for front wrap cross carry |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 7 (5.2m approx)
Brand: Lenny Lamb, 'Corfu' colourway This long length wrap is part of the very affordable range made by Lenny Lamb. It is a cotton and bamboo blend, giving it a silky soft feel and making it an easy wrap to tighten. The bamboo also gives it a lightness which is ideal for warmer weather. Manufacturer's instruction booklet (PDF) |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 6 (4.6m approx)
Brand: Wrapsody Breeze, 'Sophia' colourway Wrapsody Breeze wraps are hand-dyed in Bali, made of fair trade cotton and are very light and cool. The length will give you a good range of tying options, as with any woven wrap in this size, and the very breathable fabric is great for warmer weather. Manufacturer's instructions (webpage with links) |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 6 (4.6m approx)
Brand: Hoppediz, 'Delhi' colourway Hoppediz make great quality, affordable wraps which are supportive and easy to look after. This length is a great long length for many people and will allow for many tying methods on front, hip or back. The warm sunny colours are bright and cheerful! Manufacturer's instructions (PDF) |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 6 (4.6m approx)
Brand: Didymos, 'Olaf' colourway In attractive earthy tones, this size 6 wrap is well-broken in and a great choice for people wishing to try out a woven wrap for the first time. 100% cotton. Manufacturer's webpage with lots of tutorials and safety information |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 6 (4.6m approx)
Brand: Didymos, 'Iris' colourway Another size 6 for average size people wanting a versatile longer length wrap, 'Iris' is a stunning mix of blues and greens and nice and floppy to wrap with. 100% cotton. Didymos webpage, same as above |
Carrier: Woven wrap, size 4 (c. 3.7 m long)
Brand: Didymos, 'Lisa' colourway This 100% cotton mid-length wrap is good for tying in a variety of front, hip and back carries but not too bulky to carry in your bag. With beautiful multicoloured stripes on dark blue, this wrap is well broken-in and soft. Didymos webpage, same as above |
Carrier: Woven wrap, 2.75m long ('shortie')
Brand: Bara Barn Knot Shawl, 'Salt & Pepper' colourway This short wrap is wide and the cotton fabric is thin and light, meaning it will fold away to a tiny size and is great for warm weather. This length is good for quick hip and back carries, while the neutral colourway will go with anything! Manufacturer's instructions |