Our 8 Best Baby Wraps for Hands-Free Parenting

A quick look at the best baby wraps

• Best overall: CuddleBug Baby Wrap
• Best for beginners: Baby K’tan Original
• Best ring sling: Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling
• Best stretchy wrap: Boba Wrap
• Best for breastfeeding: Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier
• Best for all sizes: MOBY Wrap Classic
• Best for dads: Baby K’tan Active
• Best for around the house: KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

No matter how much you love cuddling your infant, you’ll need to use your hands to accomplish tasks every once in a while. Enter a busy parent’s best friend: the baby wrap.

If you have a little one who needs to be upright after feeds or just loves that skin-to-skin time, a baby wrap can be a lifesaver.

Curious about this miracle product that can give you back valuable time while still keeping your baby close? We’ve got all the info you need to choose the perfect baby wrap for you and your baby.

What is a baby wrap?

A baby wrap is a long piece of fabric that can be knotted and tied around a person to create a pouch on their chest, hip, or back. It typically wraps over the shoulders and across the torso to help distribute weight.

You can secure your baby in the pouch for baby wearing.

Although some wraps may be used for babies up to 18 months, many parents find them most enjoyable and useful during the first months of their child’s life.

Keep in mind that baby-wearing products can lead to a greater risk of injury and hospitalizations in children under age 1. Using a baby carrier that is the correct size and wear can help reduce risk of injury. As your little one ages, you may want to switch to a more structured carrier.

Do you need one?

While it’s not mandatory to use a baby wrap, many parents find that having one is super useful. After all, baby wraps offer your little one comfort and affection while allowing you to get things done!

If your baby enjoys swings or bouncy seats, you may find you don’t need a wrap as much, but it’s still helpful if you need to be out and about.

If budget is a concern, know that it’s possible to find these on clearance or even being sold very lightly used. That said, when buying a used wrap, you’ll want to make sure that it doesn’t have any defects.

What’s the difference between a baby carrier and a wrap?

One of the big differences between a baby carrier and a wrap is the lack of clasps and buckles on the wrap.

Many parents of very young newborns love that wraps don’t include these features because they can dig into an infant’s sensitive skin.

On the other hand, as your baby ages, you may find that the added structure and support offered by clasps and buckles is nice to have.

How we chose the best baby wraps

When thinking about which baby wraps rise above the rest, we considered the things that we know matter to you — like fit, cost, and comfort.

In addition to comfort and affordability, we gave extra points to those wraps that could serve multiple purposes like being a breastfeeding cover, postpartum belly band, or having pockets to keep track of pacifiers. Those wraps that were especially eco-friendly or otherwise supported making the world a better place through charitable donations, etc. got bonus points, too.

We also took into account what parents who actually use these wraps had to say when making our decisions. After all, who better to judge the pros and cons of a baby wrap than the adults using them?

Pricing guide

• $ = under $30
• $$ = $30–$59
• $$$ = over $59

Healthline Parenthood’s picks for the best baby wraps

Best overall

CuddleBug Baby Wrap

• Price: $
• Weight range: 2–36 pounds
• Number of color options: 5
• Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

One of the more affordable baby wraps, the CuddleBug model is also super soft. It’s extremely versatile and can be used as a breastfeeding cover, tied as sling, or even wound to provide postpartum support to your torso!

This wrap also gets rave reviews from parents of colicky babies for its ability to soothe them.

While it can take some practice to get the wrap just right, the manufacturer produced a great video that also includes the proper way to position your baby in the wrap.

Parents say it can get a little hot during the summer months, but the extra warmth can feel great in the autumn, winter, and even spring.

Best for beginners

Baby K’tan Original

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: 8–35 pounds
• Number of color options: 18
• Fabric: cotton

One of the most intimidating parts of baby wraps for new parents is learning how to wrap the fabric around yourself to make a safe space for baby.

Because the K’tan Original is two loops of fabric stitched together, you just have to slip it over your head and put a hand through each loop. Place your baby where the fabric crosses, slip the extra piece of fabric around the outside for security, and you’re done!

Downsides? The K’tan Original comes in clothing sizes, so only people who are the same size can use the same wrap. While some parents say it stretches a little, washing and drying it usually restores the fabric’s tension.

Best ring sling

Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: 7–35 pounds
• Number of color options: 23
• Fabric: cotton

Slightly easier to put on than a wrap, ring slings offer many of the same benefits.

The Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling stands out for its exceptional padding and pocket placement.

The padded fabric in the shoulder area helps keep it from digging in when you’re carrying your baby. And the pocket in the tail of the sling is perfect for your phone, baby’s diaper, or a pacifier.

Plus, because the fabric is 100 percent cotton, it stays cooler than some other ring slings.

Although the price tag is on the higher end, many parents have found the extras this ring sling offers worth it.

Best stretchy wrap

Boba Wrap

• Price: $$
• Weight range: 7–35 pounds
• Number of color options: 22
• Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

In many ways, the Boba Wrap is similar to the MOBY Wrap Classic (reviewed below). However, this one only allows for a baby to be sitting up and positioned toward you.

One thing that makes the Boba Wrap stand apart from the MOBY version in a positive way is the 5 percent spandex in its cotton knit. This offers just enough stretch to perfectly position the wrap but also lets you feel like your baby is still snug and secure.

One caution from parents who used this wrap is that as your baby ages, their extra weight may cause the fabric to stretch and not properly hold them. You’ll want to keep an eye out for this issue or plan on switching to a structured carrier.

Best for breastfeeding

Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier

• Price: $$
• Weight range: 8–35 pounds
• Number of color options: 3
• Fabric: cotton blend

Newborn infants frequently feed in a more reclined position, but as your little one develops more neck strength and head control, you may want to feed them in a more upright position to help with digestion.

The Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier offers the option of a ring sling that holds the baby in a reclined position and a wrap style that will keep your little one upright, which means you can breastfeeding in whichever position works best.

In addition to a ring sling and wrap carrier, it can be used as a breastfeeding cover and postpartum belly band.

The price is also one of the most affordable on our list, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Best for all sizes

MOBY Wrap Classic

• Price: $$
• Weight range: 8–33 pounds
• Number of color options: 18
• Fabric: cotton

The Wrap Classic is one long strip of soft, thick fabric that’s fairly easy to tie into a wrap. Because the fabric is so long, it’s possible to form a good wrap with almost any size body or body shape. This makes it perfect for multiple caregivers in a family to take turns wearing and using it!

Downsides? The tail can drag on the ground and get dirty if you’re on the shorter side. The thicker fabric can also leave you and your little one sweaty in the hotter summer months.

Best for dads

Baby K’tan Active Oasis

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: maximum recommended weight of 35 pounds
• Number of color options: 2
• Fabric: hi-tech performance fabric

Two common problems for dads when it comes to baby wraps are finding ones that can fit them and remembering how to put it on if they don’t wear it every day.

Baby K’tan solves both of these problems with the Active model. With sizes specifically designed to fit male bodies and a wrap that slips on like a T-shirt, it makes it easier for dads to safely wear their baby.

Still, like the Baby K’tan Original, the carrier is sized to a specific shirt size and probably won’t fit all caregivers.

Best for around the house

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

• Price: $
• Weight range: 7–35 pounds
• Number of color options: 15
• Fabric: cotton

This wrap is super affordable — it’s less expensive than many other options while still being incredibly versatile. It can be used as a sling, postpartum belt, or breastfeeding cover.

A long wrap, this is a great choice for individuals in larger bodies and can be easily wrapped twice around the waist if you’re short. The fabric is on the warmer side, but it’s perfect for getting cozy.

A comparison of the best baby wraps

How to choose a wrap

When deciding on the perfect baby wrap, you’ll want to consider:

• The fabric. How stretchy, breathable, or bulky is the fabric? How long is it? Will you be able to tie it by yourself?
• The cost. Does it fit within your price range?
• The extras. Is it produced in eco-friendly ways? Does the wrap include any extra features, like hidden pockets?

Frequently asked questions

How safe are baby wraps for newborns?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby wraps can be safely used for newborns.

Before using one, though, you’ll want to make sure your baby meets any minimum weight requirements for the wrap, and that there are no tears in the wraps seams or fasteners.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out that the baby’s face isn’t covered by the wrap or your body. This can lead to suffocation.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure to be careful when bending over so your baby doesn’t shift or fall out of the wrap.

At what age should you stop using a baby wrap?

Some caregivers stop using a baby wrap after the first few months, others around 18 months, and some use one even with their older toddlers.

There’s no specific age when you must stop using a baby wrap. Instead, refer to a wrap’s specific guidelines around height and weight.

Also consider what size child you feel comfortable carrying in a wrap.

How do you put a baby wrap on?

You’ll need to follow the specific directions that come with your chosen wrap.

Wraps can tie and fasten in different ways, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the fit is safe. Many brands offer instructional videos to help you learn how to properly put on their wrap.

Takeaway

Ready to give your hands a break from holding your baby?

If you’re in the market for a baby wrap, make sure to check with your friends and local parent support businesses first. They may have wraps you can test out with your baby before you buy (or even be willing to let you borrow one for a few months).

They also can be a great source of encouragement and guidance as you learn how to appropriately wrap the fabric around yourself.