Recommended starter carries:
Always master front carries before attempting back carries. Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) is a great first carry, as is kangaroo. For shorter wraps, learning a front or hip rebozo is a great beginner carry. After you get front wrapping down, try out some hip carries such as Poppins Hip Carry and Robin's Hip Carry. If you have a stretchy wrap such as a Moby, you can only do Front Wrap Cross Carry, Pocket Wrap Cross Carry (PWCC), and Hip Wrap Cross Carry (HWCC). Back carries are not safe in a stretchy wrap. Check out our stretchy wrap videos here.
Back carries:
It is best to practice getting your baby on and off your back first. Practicing over a bed can help ensure safety and give you confidence. Having a spotter there is recommended when you are first starting out.
Safety tips:
- Always make sure the wrap comes up at least to baby's armpits.
- Make sure you have a deep, secure seat. For tips on making a seat, check out our videos here.
- Pin your top rail while making your seat. Some people bite the wrap, others pin it under their chin, and others pin it between their knees if it is long enough.
Different carries click for different people, so don't give up if these don't work for you. Keep practicing, take breaks so you don't get frustrated, and try different carries.
Ruck Tied in Front: Videos here.
Pros: Easy to get on and off your back. Can be done quickly for squirmy babies. A pretty simple carry with very few steps. It's easy to adjust the height of the carry, so you can do a high ruck for curious babies who like to look over your shoulder.
Cons: It is very dependent on a getting a good deep seat. The seat makes or breaks a ruck. Seats are one of the most important aspect of wrapping, so mastering it is definitely useful.
Secure High Back Carry: Videos here.
Pros: It's a great ergonomic alternative to forward facing out for curious babies because it's a very high back carry. Your baby will easily be able to see over your shoulder. It's a great carry for smaller babies (although you never want to back wrap a baby without head control unless you are an experienced wrapper). It starts with a half knot which makes it feel more secure while you finish wrapping.
Cons: Some people find the shoulder flips tricky to get down.
Reinforced Ruck: Videos here.
Pros: A great carry to learn the hang of reinforced passes, especially after you master ruck tied in front. It often feels more secure and supportive than a ruck tied in front due to the multiple layers. A relatively simple multi-layer back carry.
Cons: Like a ruck tied in front, it also requires a good seat. Some struggle to get the passes high enough on the baby's back.
Back Wrap Cross Carry: Videos here.
Pros: It starts with a half knot from under the arm's which can make things feel secure while you finish wrapping.
Cons: Slightly more steps than a ruck or reinforced ruck. It is a lower back carry which some find uncomfortable.
Wrap Sizes
In general it is best to start with a size 6 if you are petite or average, or a size 7 if you are plus size, extremely tall, or large chested. You may find you need less length as you get more proficient at wrapping, but those are good starting points.
Here is a chart that is a guideline for what carries you can do with each size. Again, it is a guideline. You may find you need more or less fabric depending on the wrap moldability, depth of tapers, size of your baby, or height/tightness of the wrap job. We realize not everyone falls into 3 distinct body type categories-- it is really just a guideline to know where to begin. The chart contains links to tutorial videos for each carry as well as abbreviations for the carries to help you learn the lingo. Please note, just because a section is blank doesn't mean you cannot do any carries. You can wrap any extra length around yourself and tie off, add a chestbelt or finish, or just brave long tails.
Which Wrap Should I Get?
First and foremost, make sure you love the look of the wrap. Storchenwiege Leos, Colimacon + Cie Miel et Malice, Didymos Waves, and BBslens are recommended beginner wraps that can last you from newborn to toddlerhood. Check out our Great Beginner Wraps Pinterest board for photos and more detailed information.
Breaking in a wrap? What is that and how do I do it?
Wraps are generally more moldable and easier to wrap with when they are broken in. Breaking in means, literally, breaking down the fibers. Think about a brand new shirt and think about your favorite old t-shirt. One is a lot softer, floppier, and cuddly, right? It's the same concept with wraps. Check out our pinterest board on how to break in wraps here.
How do I wash my wrap?
You should always wash your wrap when you get it. New wraps get much softer with a wash. Check out our Washing and Care Guide here.
