Every mom you know has probably told you that you’ll regret not using a baby carrier (I’m one of those moms). However, there are so many wraps out there, that it can be confusing for moms and dads to figure out what type of baby wrap to use much less how to use it. And you’ve likely heard or seen terms online like carrier, ring sling and infant wrap. These terms, and baby gear in general, can be really confusing.
In this post, we’ll go over why you’d want a baby wrap, how to tie a baby wrap and tips for tying and using a baby wrap.
If you’re like me, you can’t seem to make any big, or slightly big, decisions without drafting up a Rory Gilmore-style pro-con list. Here’s yours for a baby wrap carrier.
Baby wraps are an excellent choice for mamas in the early days postpartum. While several of our carriers are newborn friendly (like the Omni 360) and can be used from birth on up, a baby wrap like the Aura Baby wrap can be extra cozy and snuggly, especially in the early days postpartum where you’ll mostly be home, bonding, cuddling, feeding, and napping.
The benefits of holding baby close to you are many. The fourth trimester refers to the first three months after birth and it’s when your little one is moving from the familiar comfort of your warm, dark womb to a new environment full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. At this time, baby is adjusting to a time of enormous change and development. Babywearing and baby wraps in particular can help support this transition for baby by keeping baby close and connected to you. They need a lot of touch, containment, and holding. Whether wrapped up in a baby wrap or in a carrier, babywearing promotes that critical bond between you and your child during the days that matter most. Babywearing allows you to stay connected and close throughout the day and attuned to baby’s cues and needs.
The benefits of skin to skin contact are innumerable. Essentially, this means holding baby skin to skin against mother (or father’s) chest.
“Skin to skin contact has been demonstrated as key component to help a baby regulate his heart and breathing rate, maintain body temperature, gain weight, enhance his immune system, spend more time in deep, restful sleep, and while awake it can aid in more quiet and alert time, fewer crying hours and make him more amenable to breastfeeding.
If you haven’t tried our Aura Baby Wrap, the material is soft, cozy, and lightweight. Depending on the type of birth experience you’ve had (such as a C-section or for anyone those first 40 days), the bulkiness of a carrier waist belt or a large buckle may not be ideal right away as your body and skin are healing. The soft material of the baby wrap may be ideal for you and won’t put too much pressure around your waist or any scarring you may have. The compression of the wrap may even feel supportive and helpful or you can try tying off the wrap above your incision if you’ve had a C-section.
While you can’t leave baby in the wrap in the car for obvious reasons, you can wear your wrap like a fashion statement and keep it ready to go for baby. It’s comfortable to wear you can easily leave it on and ready for baby as you go out and about without having to take the full wrap on and off.
This is really a benefit of any baby carrier, but freeing up your hands to around the house or out in the world is one of the most brilliant aspects of babywearing.
As babies grow older, their increased weight and boundless curiosity about the world might pose a slight challenge when using baby wraps. Maneuvering an active, more substantial little one into a wrap can initially seem a tad more intricate than with a newborn. However, with adaptable wrapping techniques and a bit of adjustment, caregivers can tailor the wrap to accommodate the growing baby’s weight and restless energy.
Mastering the art of using baby wraps often comes with a gentle learning curve, much like tying the perfect knot or finding the ideal snug fit. Initially, it might feel like navigating uncharted waters, but with practice, patience, and a sprinkle of trial and error, caregivers soon find their rhythm, turning those initial fumbles into confident, graceful wraps that cocoon their little one with ease. The learning curve evolves into a journey of discovery, transforming uncertainties into a skillful dance of comfort and closeness between parent and baby.
Let’s address one of the main cons in the above list and talk more about how to tie a baby wrap. Compared to soft-structured baby carriers (ones with padded straps and a waist belt) or even a ring sling (long, rectangular piece of cloth with two rings sewn into an end), baby wrap carriers (a long piece of rectangular fabric wrapped entirely around the caregiver’s and baby’s bodies and tied to secure it) typically take a little more time and practice to get used to correctly tying for first-time baby wrap users. But once you get the hang of it, tying a wrap will become second nature to you.
While you can use different carrying positions with most baby wraps—front inward facing, hip carry and back carry for example—the most common position is the front inward facing carry, especially for newborns. This easy-to-follow video visually guides you through these steps so you can watch to make sure you’re correctly tying your Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap.
This easy-to-follow video visually guides you through these steps so you can watch to make sure you’re correctly tying your Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap.
Choosing the perfect baby wrap is a blend of personal preference and practical considerations. Start by considering the fabric—some prefer the softness of cotton, while others opt for the elasticity of bamboo or the support offered by linen. Assess your lifestyle too; if you’re constantly on the move, a lightweight, breathable wrap might suit you best, whereas a sturdier one could be ideal for longer carrying sessions.
Pay attention to the wrap’s length and width, ensuring it accommodates your body size and allows for the wrapping styles you prefer. Lastly, explore the designs and patterns available—beyond aesthetics, these can also guide you in understanding the wrap’s different tying options and versatility. Ultimately, the best baby wrap is the one that aligns with your comfort, lifestyle, and bonding needs, facilitating a seamless and delightful experience for both you and your little one.
As your baby gets older, you can try out the other baby wrap carry positions with an all-position carrier. Hip carry is best for babies who are around 5-6 months old and older who have good head and neck control.
The back carry with a baby wrap is not a recommended carry position for infant wrap use because the infant’s head and neck wouldn’t be supported. It’s best to try out the back carry when your child is around 1 year old and has great head, neck and upper body control. Or better yet, use a soft-structured carrier that’s made for safe, supportive back carrying.
If you’re in the market for a versatile carrier, be sure to take a look at the offerings from Ergobaby.
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