The Best Baby Wraps to Keep Baby Close

Pros

• Breathable, super-soft fabric
• Easy to store
• Universal fit

Cons

• Only allows for one type of hold
• Lower weight limit

The Solly Baby Wrap Carrier is one of the most-registered-for baby products in the Babylist Shop and has over 1,500 positive reviews. It’s also my pick for the best baby wrap overall; I used it for both of my children over the course of four years, in both the depths of winter and the height of summer. 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, which is why it can transition so well between seasons. The Solly also has zero bulk and folds easily into almost any size bag. I’ve traveled all over the United States with it in my suitcase, and we often threw it in our diaper bag just in case. And thanks to the wrap’s universal fit, my husband was able to use it just as easily even though he’s over a foot taller than me.

My preemie son was also able to use this wrap right out of the hospital. “The Solly Wrap…gently ease(s) baby’s transition from womb to world,” said a Babylist parent. It’s also a wrap you may want to try if you delivered via C-section. I handed mine down to a friend who did and she was able to immediately use it comfortably.

There are a few downsides: You’ll only be able to do a front, upright, inward-facing carry with the Solly. This means it works best for newborns and smaller infants, but babies will outgrow it more quickly. (The weight limit is 25 pounds, a bit lower than many other wraps.) We used this wrap for the first six months or so months with my kids, then transitioned into a more structured carrier. And like all wraps, there’s a learning curve to overcome when it comes to getting the wrap positioned correctly and making sure both the caregiver and baby are comfortable; a video tutorial can help.

Real Parent Reviews

“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

“It took some getting used to for both baby and me, but really glad I got this. The fabric is soft and holds baby well. I use it all the time inside and for taking baby on walks. It is a great place to help baby fall asleep. I agree the fabric is kind of long, and minus 1 star because $70 is insane for a piece of stretchy fabric which is definitely all this is.”— Sophia

“Soft, versatile, grows with baby. Watch the YouTube videos that show how to wrap it; this was easier for me than reading the instructions! If possible, practice with a baby doll or at least practice tying it without your baby before you use it. All baby carriers have a learning curve, and my baby had to get used to the solly wrap, but I was persistent and tried for a few minutes each day until one day she fell asleep in it, and ever since she is generally happy in her wrap. She often fussed at first, but after a couple of minutes she is fine. Make sure baby’s legs aren’t spread too wide, and tie it tighter than you think you will need it, because the fabric stretches and it’s easy to tie it too loosely—you want baby tight against you and right under your chin” — Ashley

Additional Specs

Pros

• Lightweight, breathable bamboo-blend fabric
• Higher weight limit
• Universal fit

Cons

• Only allows for one type of hold
• Fabric can be too long for some users

The Boba Serenity Light Baby Wrap Carrier offers a womb-like experience for babies, with a stretchy spandex hold and super-soft, lightweight fabric. Many parents note that their babies cuddled right up due to the softness of the fabric. “I used it every single day during the fourth trimester and still use it on occasion to help my little one calm down,” one Babylist parent told us in the Best Baby Products survey. The lightweight fabric is especially great in the summer months or if you run warm, as it traps less heat. (As someone who lives in the desert, I consider bamboo a must for my kids’ pajamas and wraps.)

The Boba has a slightly higher weight limit compared to the other wraps in this guide; it can hold children up to 35 pounds, although it works best up to 20 pounds. Like most wraps, the Boba is meant to be used by caregivers of all heights and weights, although several Babylist parents note that the fabric can be long if you’re shorter. And the fabric stays in place, no matter your body type, so your baby doesn’t slip down. “I found tying it slightly tighter than you would think keeps it in place better so baby doesn’t slip down helps a lot,” recommends one Babylist parent.

Like other baby wraps, the learning curve can be a bit steep, so we recommend using instructional videos to help you figure it out. The Boba also comes with a one-year warranty and is machine washable, which is helpful when dealing with blowouts or intensive use.

Real Parent Reviews

“This was a lifesaver and still is. My daughter sometimes would become fussy and overtired in the daytime if she missed a nap and having her in this wrap put her right to sleep since it feels like they are in the womb, she would stay asleep for 2+ hours (You can breastfeed them while they are in it) It also made things so much easier to do things around the house or even go for walks with the dog with her in the wrap, I highly recommend it! There’s easier tutorials on how to wrap a newborn in it on YouTube as well. The only thing I don’t like about it is how long the wrap is and I have to tuck the ends of the wrap where I tied it, but it’s manageable!” — Breanna

“Super soft fabric and very comfortable to use. I’ve tried several carriers before and never found one that was comfortable for me to use but this one is nice because you can tie it to fit your body instead of worrying about adjusting straps correctly etc. I found tying it slightly tighter than you would think keeps it in place better so baby doesn’t slip down helps a lot. I’ve used it with my newborn on walks to the store while also pushing our 14-month-old in a stroller and it’s easy to manage. I can wear it at the playground without getting too uncomfortable and sometimes just use it around the house doing chores when my baby doesn’t want to be put down. I really like the coloring of it too, it pairs well with just about anything without some crazy print or color. I also haven’t overheated in it on hot summer days.” — Marisa

“I was gifted the classic boba at my baby shower and I love it so much, I decided to buy the serenity wrap for the summer because it’s lighter and not as thick as the classic wrap. I love both so much, I alternate depending on the weather outside. Oh and baby boy loves it too!” — Sweets

Additional Specs

Pros

• Two carry options
• Higher weight limit

Cons

• Thick fabric
• Fit isn’t ideal for some plus-size users
• Fabric can be too long for some users

Like the Solly and the Boba, the Moby Classic Wrap Carrier 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. This means you can use the wrap longer and with older children. (You can use the wrap with babies from eight pounds up to 35.) I briefly used the Moby with my son and although I preferred the Solly’s thinner fabric, he was comfortable in the Moby and fell asleep quickly.

There are a few downsides. Several plus-sized users said the wrap didn’t fit them, and I found the fabric to be too long for my petite frame. This is because the fabric doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, which makes it less adaptable. (In my case, the extra fabric dragged on the ground and got dirty when I wore the wrap in public, which wasn’t ideal.) The longer fabric also made it harder for me to tie because I had to wrap it around my body a few extra times. As one parent notes, the learning curve is high: “After I watched a video and figured out how to work it, I used it all the time!”

The Moby’s fabric also requires using a gentle or delicate wash cycle, which can be hard to remember when you’re in the throes of the newborn phase. 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.

Real Parent Reviews

“I use this every single day. I had to get a second one as a backup 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

“The fabric is too long and cumbersome to use with a small baby. The fabric is also very thick and hot, which didn’t feel safe for use with an infant.” - Julia C

“I am a very busy mom of two. The Moby wrap is my life! The wrap makes it easy for me to get on with my day while bonding with my baby as they sleep on my chest. I had one for my daughter, and now my son. I was recently asked if it causes back pain. I wear my Moby wrap a LOT and honestly, carrying my baby without a Moby wrap causes more back and hip pain. The Moby wrap helps support the weight evenly and keeps them from swaying. It also helps to wrap your baby higher up on your chest, so their head reaches the front of your shoulder. rather than let them hang lower in the mid-chest range. I get all my expecting friends a Moby wrap. I love this product.” — Fatimah

“We started using this wrap within the first week of our baby’s life and plan to use it up to the weight limit. The wrap comes with instructions for three different holds but there are a lot more instructions online. There was a bit of a learning curve to get baby in the carrier and it’s a bit annoying to wear over clothing until you get the hang of it. The trick is to put it on really tight and know it will stretch around baby. I love that a wrap is more washable and skin-to-skin friendly than a structured carrier. However, a structured carrier is better for longer walks. The wrap is ideal for around the house.” — Nicole

Additional Specs

Pros

• Easy to put on
• Breathable mesh material
• 13 size adjustments for baby
• High weight limit

Cons

• Sized to wearer; can’t share between people of different sizes
• Can only be washed on cold
• More structured

The Konny Baby Carrier FLEX AirMesh doesn’t require complicated wrapping skills like other carriers featured in this guide. Instead, it can be put on like a T-shirt, which I was able to do in under a minute. (Most other wraps require at least a few minutes of very specific movements and wrap angles.) It’s also specifically designed to ensure that your baby’s head stays above the carrier on your chest, which is important for safety.

The Konny works for babies from birth to 12 months, depending on size; there are 13 adjustable levels that you can lengthen to accommodate your growing child. However, the setup of this wrap means it feels a bit more like a carrier than a wrap; your infant won’t experience quite the same “hugging” sensation due to the carrier’s structure.

Unlike the other wraps we tried, the Konny is made from polyester and elastane. The benefits are that the carrier is lightweight and fairly breathable. But the material can be harder to wash (you can pop it into the washing machine, but it must be washed alone with cold water). You also need to choose a size, which means parents and caregivers of different heights and body types cannot share the carrier.

Real Parent Reviews

“I absolutely love love this wrap. Other Kony baby wraps are hard for me to like because they aren’t as adjustable. This one is amazing. I can adjust to my body size and to my growing baby. I love the breathable fabric; it’s perfect for hot Georgia weather. Other wraps I feel like I still have to have my hand on her bum to support her or keep her from sliding down…not this one. Hands. Free. Love it.” — C.

“I had two carriers before this one - a bulky one and a cloth wrap. The bulky one was too much for just around the house and the cloth ones were too hard to put on when I needed it. I was looking for something soft and easy but sturdy enough for it to feel safe, and the Konny is it. The air mesh is great for our hot Texas weather, and it’s super easy to use. Thank you, Konny!” — Holly

“The Konny baby wrap was by far the easiest to use. I also got an ergo baby but the amount of straps and buckles was SO overwhelming.” — survey

Additional Specs

Pros

• Easier to get on than a traditional baby wrap
• Soft material
• Adjustable for caregivers
• 3 carry positions

Cons

• Uncomfortable for long periods of time
• Bulky

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. Babylist parents note that the combo option makes it easy to put on by yourself. “I use it all the time,” said one parent.

The Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier is made from soft, lightweight yoga-inspired material with four-way stretch. The wrap is size-inclusive, with adjustable arm straps, wraps and belt, and can also be shared among caregivers. (The adjustable arm straps also mean 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.

But all this adaptability comes with a downside: parents complain that the wrap is a bit bulky. It can be tough to get all the settings just right. And most parents prefer it for shorter stints of babywearing; it can be uncomfortable if you’re wearing it for a long period of time.

Real Parent Reviews

“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 it with my big chunky baby.” — BrooklynMom

“We tried it while we were traveling over the Christmas holiday visiting family with our 18-month-old. Perfect for making nap time happen on a busy Christmas Day. It is however very heavy and a bit cumbersome for this age.” — CG

“The shoulder placement was uncomfortable when I tried it on and I thought it would be more evenly distributed with the weight of a baby in it, but as it turned out, I didn’t love how the shoulder straps sat with the baby in it either. I’m usually a woven wrap kind of girl and prefer cotton when wearing babies - this product was a synthetic material. So if that’s something that is important to you, please note.” — Mrs. P

“I can’t express how much I love this carrier. It fits perfectly where the arm holes are adjustable for “fluffy” people. My little one gets to snuggle up against me. The quality of the Boppy ComfyFit is beyond my expectations. Very stretchy and breathable. The Heather gray color is neutral so even my husband can use it. The selection of products Boppy has to offer just blows me away. I am forever grateful for this item and will recommend it to all.” — Whitney

Additional Specs

Pros

• Unique
• Many carry positions
• Grows with your child

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Complex sizing
• Sized to wearer; can’t share between people of different sizes
• Can be too long for some users

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, the Mama & Roo Long Woven Wrap, Pastels 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).

Be sure to consult the size chart and recommendations on the Mama & Roo website before ordering. (The complex sizing means two caregivers cannot share this wrap. It’s also based on the size and age of the child and the fabric type.) Also check out YouTube or TikTok for content around woven wraps, as many parents say that’s how they learned.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is my first woven wrap and I’m so in love with it! It’s so beautiful in person and incredibly soft. I’m 25 weeks pregnant with my second child and although I can still front carry my toddler for short periods of time, I love that I’ll be able to back carry her in this wrap without any straps or weight against my baby bump as my belly gets bigger.” — Brianna

“This wrap is a lifesaver. Keeps my baby close to me and makes tasks a lot easier!! Everyone always comment on how beautiful it is.” — Kelley

“This wrap is perfect for beginners. It’s thin and soft and the stripes allow for learning how to tighten properly.” — Becka

“This is a pretty weave, but the fabric is pretty rough compared to another wrap I bought at the same time.” - Samantha

Additional Specs