There are so many reasons people chose to babywear, and they may even vary from child to child for the same person!
Initially, for me, babywearing was a matter of convenience. I had an older child I needed to walk to school across a muddy field and really didn’t relish the thought of cleaning those pram wheels!
I dug out the same close caboo carrier with my third baby, but this time round I really didn’t like it. I was wanting to use it more often and for longer periods of time as this time around I needed to babywear for a different reason; my husband was deployed and this baby would not be put down. I was so stressed, I felt like a failure – unable to calm my baby and also unable to give my older children the attention they needed. Add postnatal depression into the mix and we had a recipe for disaster. It was then that I found out about a sling libary and we managed to get an appointment, which was a game changer.
Babywearing helped me to feel less stressed as it enabled me to be hands free with the older children, whilst still fulfilling the needs of the baby to be held close to me.
One day I realised that actually I had felt less of a failure that day, and each day after that was an improvement. I finally felt like I was able to bond with my youngest and wearing her became something I enjoyed, rather than something that was an essential to getting through daily life. I was able to wean off of the antidepressents I was on and by the time my husband came home I was, dare I say it, doing well at the whole solo parenting thing! I even purchased a house whilst he was away!
By the time I had my fourth child babywearing was so ingrained into my parenting practice that it was a natural part of parenting for me. It was literally a lifesaver for us when she was diagnosed with severe reflux. Unless she was upright she was in so much pain and so much discomfort that she would just scream, thankfully the sling allowed her to get some much needed rest and relief from the pain. That child is now 4 and still enjoys a sling snuggle, especially on a long walk when her little legs become tired. Though she insists on a rainbow sling now, and nothing else will suffice!
By baby number 5 I had amassed a variety of slings and carriers, and even more reasons for babywearing! I love the fact that I can express myself through the wraps and carriers I chose and the fact that I am not limited on where I go – with babywearing the world is more accessible than with a pram!
So in summary – why might you babywear?
To have your hands free for tasks or other children
For practicality
To bond or to enhance your bonding experience
To help with your mental health
To access areas that aren’t pram friendly
To express yourself
To help with a medical condition
To be able to comfort a baby who needs you close whilst you need to do other things.
Most importantly, because it is what works for you and your little one!
What is the difference between all the carriers and slings available? Which one will work best for me?
Every day on social media I see these questions asked. The original poster is often flooded with information they didn’t ask for and the world of babywearing suddenly becomes confusing and overwhelming!
Although there is no definitive answer to what is most suitable for you without a visit to your nearby sling library, which you can locate here, and experimenting with different options, this guide aims to provide you with an overview of the available choices. Some options may be missing as they’re no longer available to buy brand new – such as the close caboo.
Carriers and slings are like jeans; they come in a variety of sizes, styles, colours and patterns. Relying on recommendations without any professional advice can be costly. It would be similar to me asking for recommendations on jeans and being told that next long bootcut jeans are super comfy and will fit really well, so I go and buy them, and they do fit fantastically around the waist, but I discover at 5’3 that long jeans probably weren’t a great idea! Whilst this analogy is rather basic the principle is there – yes, I could have given more information when asking for recommendations, but then I might have been advised to buy newlook jeans, which I happen to know I don’t really get along with, but I know that from having tried them on in the shop – and that’s where a sling library really comes into its own. It offers you the opportunity to try slings and carriers without the costly price tag.
However, what can you do if you can’t get to the local sling library, or there isn’t one? How do you narrow down your options? Hopefully this post will help.
What types of carriers are there?
The types of carriers and slings I’m going to look at in this post are detailed below:
Stretchy wraps are a a single long peice of material that you wrap around you and your baby. See this post for more detailed information on stretchy wraps.
There are two types of stretchy wrap a 1-way and a 2-way, both types are tested from around 7lbs – 20lbs, though some brands, such as Izmi, have undergone testing for lower birth weights and state they can be used from 5lbs. Regardless of which type of wrap you choose you will have three layers over baby, two cross passes, which should be spread from knee to knee and up to the nape of the neck and a wrap pass that goes from under baby’s knees up to the nape of their neck. This third pass is essential to prevent baby from falling out.
2-way stretchy wrap
They are only suitable for front and hip carries in which the baby is facing the wearer. Many people will move on from a stretchy wrap to something else when their baby is around 4-6 months old.
You can usually pick up good quality stretchy wraps second hand, which ofsets the cost against the longevity. However, even brand new stretchy wraps are reasonably priced.
A stretchy wrap is a great option for a newborn, especially those with low birth weights with consultant support.
Woven Wraps
Woven wraps are also a long piece of material that you wrap around yourself and your baby. They are suitable from newborn to big kid and can be used on the front, back and hip.
Woven wraps are arguably the most adaptable carrier on the market, they come in a variety of sizes, blends, colours and patterns – there truly is something for everyone and every age!
However, thay also come with a significant learning curve which can be offputting to a sleep deprived new parent! Conversely, once you have the hang of it wrapping and experimenting can be great fun!
Size 4 Oscha Slings woven wrap
Anybody can make most sizes from a size 4 upwards work for them, you just need to adjust the carry that you use.
For a begninner I would recommend starting with a lightweight wrap in your base size or shorter and an easycare blend. However, if you’re looking at wrapping a toddler a lightweight cotton wrap may not be the most comfortable.
Carries will generally be described as a base+ or – carry. For more about working out your base size and woven blends etc see this post.
Buckle Carriers (AKA full buckle carriers or Semi- Structured Carriers)
This section can be a bit of a minefield as there are so many options – how do you know what to pick? What is suitable for your child? What is likely to work for you? Thispostgoes into more detail about some of the most common brands and their features. However, to give you a starting point if interested in a buckle carrier this section should be informative.
Buckle carriers have a buckle waist belt, with straps that can be crossed or form a H shape on your back and buckle up under your arms. There are a variety of options here, with apron and waterfall style carriers, carriers suitable for newborns and those aimed at toddlers. Full buckle carriers are the only carriers in which you will find front facing outward positions recommended by the manufacturer.
Oscha slings new Bairn carrier
As a quick starting point many carriers claim to be suitable from newborn, but are difficult to get a good fit with. However, the Mamaruga Zen Sling, Ergobaby Embrace and Oscha Bairn do seem to be good options for newborns, and with the exception of the embrace do offer a good longevity if purchased for a newborn. None of these options offer forward facing out.
Some buckle carriers work well for newborns with some adjustments or with an insert, such as the IzmiBaby, Integra size 1, Kahubaby and some ergobaby carriers. The beauty of the Izmi and integra carriers is that they are thin and soft against your new baby’s skin, with minimal padding.
If your child is over 4 months most baby size buckle carriers will give you a good fit, so it’s just deciding if you would like to opt for a carrier with lots of padding, like the ergobaby 360, or a thinner apron style carrier like the Kahubaby, you will also want to consider if forward facing is an option that you really need, and bear in mind that it is only recommended for short periods of time after your child is sitting independently and only until around 12 months. Most buckle carriers will offer the options of front facing parent, hip and back carries as standard. If you are looking for a toddler buckle carrier, many of the already named brands also offer toddler and preschool sizes.
Half buckle carriers
Half buckle carriers are carriers that have a buckle waist band attached to a panel in which baby sits with wrap type straps that you wrap around your body and baby and tie off to secure. They offer front parent facing, hip and back carrying positions.
Didymos Didyklick half buckle
They are usually made out of woven wrap fabric, and you may have the choice of full wrap straps as pictured below or padded to wrap straps, which is more similar to a standard buckle carrier. As with buckle carriers, they do come in a variety of sizes, with some more adjustable than others. However, due to how soft they are they are easily adjusted to get a good fit for smaller babies and so can justifiably claim to be suitable from newborn. Many are also adaptable to much bigger children too.
Some brands that make halfbuckle carriers are: Didymos Didyklick, Oscha Cairis, or the LennyLamb LennyHybrid. There is also the option of buying a woven wrap and having it professionally converted, which will also give you more scope on the features you include.
Meh Dai
A Meh Dai carrier can be used from newborn, and like a half buckle, is easily adaptable. It is usually made out of a woven fabric, and can be used on the front, hip and back.
Didymos Meh Dai DidyTai
It is used similarly to a half buckle, but instead of a buckle waist band it has fabric straps that you tie around your waist.
This is a great option for pregnant women who would like to continue carrying, but for whom structured waistbands have become uncomfortable.
Meh-Dai carriers may also be described as a bei-dai or formally a Meh-Tai, some may also come with a ring fastening option at the waist.
Onbuhimo
An Ombuhimo is a traditional Japenese carrier that has become incredibly popular recently. Traditionally it offers a high back carry for children who have good torso control.
Oscha Slings Ombuhimo
An ombuhimo has no waist band and the child’s legs fit through the straps, with their arms over the top of the panel. Most come with a chest strap to help prevent the straps from slipping down.
Whilst the ideal height is to have the child with their shoulders level with yours, a slightly lower carry is still safe. Some brands have tested their ombuhimos for younger children in a front carry poisiton too, so if you are wanting this as an option, do look around!
Ring Slings
Ring slings are a good option for newborns and big kids alike, although, as with woven wraps the blend you chose for your ring sling could impact how comfortable it is with a toddler. See this post (coming soon) for information on woven wraps and their blends.
Oscha gathered shoulder ring sling
Ring slings offer a one shoulder carry and can be used front off centre for a newborn, on the hip, or if more eperienced, on the back. They are suitable for all ages and one size will fit all children, generally.
They are quick to set up and can be worn under a coat ready for those quick up and downs. They are a great option for carrying a baby from the car to school on a school run, or for toddler ups and downs when they’re not sure what they want to do!
Summary
Whilst I’ve done my best to cover the most common options here there are options I haven’t covered, and if you would like more information on those, please feel free to connect with me! Furthermore, I haven’t gone into depth on all of the options available, though more indepth posts will be coming soon!
All of the options I have covered are available to hire from the library. If you would like a 1:1 consultation to work out what works best for you, you can book thathere.
Finally, as a non-profit library we rely on donations to expand our collection. If you would like to help us out please feel free to donate through here.
Stretchy wraps are a single long piece of material that you wrap around you and your baby.
There are two types of stretchy wrap a 1-way and a 2-way, both types are tested from around 7lbs – 20lbs, though some brands, such as Izmi, have undergone testing for lower birth weights and state they can be used from 5lbs.
A hanababy 2- way stretchy warp with an hour old baby
Regardless of which type of wrap you choose you will have three layers over baby, two cross passes, which should be spread from knee to knee and up to the nape of the neck and a wrap pass that goes from under baby’s knees up to the nape of their neck. This third pass is essential to prevent baby from falling out.
Stretchy wraps of both types can come in a variety of different materials, colours and patterns, however do be wary of extra cheap ones as after a couple of washes some of these can lose their elasticity.
Who is it good for?
A stretchy wrap is a great option for most newborns as it moulds perfectly to baby’s body. Furthermore, with consultant support it is an excellent option for babies born prematurely or with low birth weights.
Stretchy wraps are usually best from birth to around 4-6 months, although they can be used for longer if both wearer and baby are comfortable.
How do I use it?
A stretchy wrap can be tied in several ways, however, most instruction manuals only show the pocket wrap cross carry method of tying. It can be used on the hip and front, and can be breastfed in.
How you use a stretchy wrap will vary depending on which type you are using. In many online spaces unhelpful comments such ‘tie it swimsuit tight’ are given to parents asking for a fit check. This is unhelpful as it does not apply to a 1-way stretchy and can cause frustration for sleep deprived parents who are trying to follow those instructions.
There are many good tutorials on youtube, but I would recommed this one for a 2 – way stretchy, and this one for a 1 – way stretchy for the most common carry, a pocket wrap cross carry. However, for a 1-way stretchy I personally prefer a front wrap cross carry – similar to an early woven wrap carry, and I would recommend using this video for it – I find that it is easier to tighten than a pocket wrap cross carry with a 1 way stretchy.
So what is the difference between the two types?
2-way stretchy wrap
A 2-way stretchy wrap with a 3 month old baby
A 2-way stretchy wrap will stretch equally both along and across the wrap, this means you can get it nice and snug and is easier to get right when pre-tied. It makes it easier to ‘pop’ the carry, meaning you can tie the wrap when you get dressed in the morning and pop your little one in and out throughout the day as you need. This is the type of wrap that you will often see people telling you needs to be ‘swimsuit tight’.
Brands such as Izmi, Hana, Lifft, and Joy and Joe are UK based businesses that offer 2-way stretchy wraps.
1-way stretchy wrap
A one way stretchy wrap will only stretch noticeably in one direction – usually this is across the width. Whilst this does offer more support, and thus the wearer may find it comfortable to reach the upper weight limits, it is harder to pretie and will often require tightening and adjusting once it is on. Although, as you can see from this video, once you have some experience you may well find that you can do your adjustments prior to putting baby in. However, it is not as easily ‘poppable’ as a 2-way!
Brands that sell 1-way stretchy wraps include: Freerider, Funky Flamingo and Moby
Benefits of a stretchy wrap
You can usually pick up good quality stretchy wraps second hand.
They are reasonably priced brand new
They are a good option for keeping on throughout the day and popping baby in and out as needed
They are lightweight
They adjust to fit baby and wearer perfectly
Genuinely suitable for newborns, including premature babies.
Breastfeeding friendly.
Lots of UK manufacturers to choose from and support a small business for 2-way stretchy wraps
Lots of places to buy 1-way stretchy wraps
Lots of tutorial videos available
Disadvantages of a stretchy wrap
They do have a bit of a learning curve
They are only suitable for front and hip carries in which the baby is facing the wearer.
They are not as long-lasting as some of the other options out there, with many people moving on from a stretchy wrap to something else when their baby is around 4-6 months old.
Summary
Stretchy wraps are a great option for all new parents if you don’t mind the learning curve.
Arguably the most adaptable, but most confusing form of babywearing out there!
Ever wondered what a woven wrap is, or how to use one? How do you decide what size to buy? What about the blend or brand? These are all really common questions and whilst the answers are out there they can often be hard to find.
Oscha woven wrap
A woven wrap is a length of woven fabric used to carry a baby. The length can vary most commonly from 2.7m – 5.7m.
The practice of wrapping babies has existed for hundreds of years, though how it looks varies between cultures. This article is a wonderful exploration of the cultural traditions of wrapping babies.
This guide can be read in its entirity, or you can click on the links below to go directly to the section you need most.
A woven wrap is a great option for most people looking to wear their child. They are one of the few options that are genuinely suitable from birth until the end of your carrying days. They don’t need adjusting when switching between parents or carers.
Woven wraps also offer the chance to adapt carries to suit your needs and mood. There are many pre-tieable options as well, so you can tie it before you go out, then all you need to do is pop baby in and tighten it before you’re good to go. A set of sling rings can make ‘poppable’ carries even easier!
Whilst many people may have multiple wraps, or choose to continually update their collection, there are just as many people who stick to just the one wrap for the duration of their babywearing days. More about why people may decide to change or add new wraps to their collections can be found in the section on blends. Therefore, woven wraps can be a very cost effective option, especially given that they can easily be picked up secondhand.
Finally, they also give a wonderful way of expressing yourself outside of parenthood. They come in such a variety of colours, patterns that there truly is something for everyone.
What size do I need?
Woven wraps are generally sold in sizes starting at a 2 and going up to a 9, though size 9s are increasingly difficult to find. Most people will start with what is known as their base size. This is the smallest size in which you can comfortably tie off a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) which is the usual first carry to learn – see carries for more information.
Size chart from Oscha Slings
In the UK the most common base size is a 6 or 7. This chart from Oscha Slings sets out how to work out your base size, however, it is not fail proof. If you are wrapping an older child you may wish to size up, and if you are particularly petite you may wish to size down. You should also be aware that base sizes can change as your child grows.
To answer the question, the short answer is: almost any size! There are common and comfortable carries that are easily available for sizes from base – 3/4 to beautiful fancy finishes with base+2 wraps.
The long answer is that it depends on what carry you would like to do. When researching woven wrap carries you will notice that they tend to refer to carries as a base carry, a base + or base – carry. In order to work out what size wrap you need it is important to work out your base size.
However, whatever wrap you opt for can still be used, regardless of your base size, which means it can still be shared between people of different base sizes – the only thing that needs adapting is the carry that you use.
Blends
Ok, so now I know what a woven wrap is, and what my base size is – how do I pick what materials I want?
The blend you pick will make a difference to how the wrap feels and wraps.
A piece of fabric being woven by hand
The majority of machine woven wraps have a cotton warp, and the weft yarn then varies. In the image, the warp is the yarn that is attached to the loom, the weft is the part that goes across.
Common wefts include: cotton, linen, hemp, wool and silk. They all have different properties and some may be combined so you get the benefits of different materials in the same wrap.
Cotton is an excellent allrounder. It is easycare so great for newborns who may have nappy explosions, or be sick as it can be easily washed and dried. It is fairly supportive, though better in multilayer carries for toddlers.
Linen is strong and breathable, though depending on the type of linen it can require a bit of work to break in, but is suitable for all ages. Thinner linen wraps are a great option for warmer weather. Thick linen offers more comfort on the shoulders with big kids. It is also easy care, but does wrinkle very easily!
Hemp is very much like linen, in that it offers a lot of support, but can take some work to soften up if brand new. More on methods of breaking in a wrap in this post. (Coming soon). It is also easy care, so can handle most things thrown at it! Hemp is a great option for toddlers, but if broken in can be used for newborns.
Wools: Apart from cashwool, wraps containing wool generally have to be handwashed only, and laid flat to dry. However, as a natural material they do help with temperature regulation. They generally offer a little bit of bounce and cush on the shoulders so are great for toddlers. Thinner wraps also work well for newborns.
Silks: There are several types of silks that are used in wraps and what type may vary between manufacturers, but the most common types that I have come across are bourette, peace silk and tussah silk.
Bourette and peace silk are both fairly thin and very strong. They are temperature regulating as a natural material and work well for all ages.
Comparison between Tussah Silk and Peace Silk
Tussah silk is a bit thicker, but gives a gentle cush to the wrap which I feel works better for bigger babies and toddlers.
In the picture you can see how much thicker the Tussah wrap on the left is when compared the the peace silk one on the right.
GSM
GSM refers to the weight of the wrap, the higher the GSM the thicker the wrap is likely to feel. For someone with a small baby and limited experience of wrapping I would recommend opting for a wrap that is around or less than 250gsm – this makes it somewhat easier to learn as the wrap is fairly thin in hand and easier to work with.
A variety of woven wraps labelled with their GSM
However, for a toddler, you may prefer something a bit heavier for more support, unless you are using multilayer carries – which I tend to anyway. However, even if using single layer carries I would recommend sticking to a wrap under 300gsm and closer to 280gsm would likely be easier.
Where to buy a woven wrap
There are many places you can purchase a woven wrap in the UK. Once you have an idea of what size you want, you can search the various manufacturer or distributer websites.
UK distributers are a great way to access European brands without worrying about customs charges. Ruth at Carrying Connects is a UK retailer of Little Frog slings, which are a very reasonably priced option for beginning your wrapping journey. She also regularly places orders so if she hasn’t got something in stock she will likely be able to get it for you, though you may have to wait for the order to come through.
There are several UK retailers of Lenny Lamb slings:
Outside of the UK, Yaro wraps are very good with ensuring that parcels under £135 are appropriately labelled to ensure no customs charges, but the postage is a little steep. However, their wraps are less expensive than some other brands.
Mokosh is another brand that I love, but at the time of writing I am unsure of their import and postage costs to the UK.
There are so many other reputable and excellent brands, but I have only listed the ones I have experience with here.
If you would like to buy second hand, there is usually a good variety of wraps listed on vinted, and on facebook in the babywearing groups, and brand specific groups, so it is always worth checking these groups out if you use social media.
Finally, don’t forget to contact your local sling library if you would like support when buying your first wrap – they are able to give you advice on your choice and often a discount code too!
How do I use a woven wrap?
Using your wrap really depends on how old your child is, and what size wrap you have. However, to get you started I have included some carries below with links to reputable tutorials on youtube. They are organised by the minimum size wrap you will need. You can use longer wraps if you have them. I have tried to include a mixture of pre-tied carries and ones that you tie as you go.
Front Carries
Base – 2
Pre-Tied Kangaroo carry – this carry can also be tied around a sleeping child and is a lovely newborn carry.
Front Wrap Cross Carry Tied under Bum (FWCC TUB) – this is a variation on the usual beginner carry that can be done with a shorter wrap. It is suitable for all ages of front carrying.
Short Cross Carry Variation Oscha Trees of Gondor (Base – 2)
Short Cross Carry – this is not great for children who lean a lot, but is a lovely pre-tie carry. The carry in the image is a variation which is pretied in the same manner, but the top pass goes over both legs instead of under one leg and over the other. It is tightened in the same manner.
Base – 1
Anne’s Cross Carry (Base-1) Oscha Legend of Frodo
Short Anne’s Cross Carry – Suitable for all ages of front carrying. This is a supportive and leaner friendly carry.
Base
Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) this is the usual starting point for learning to wrap as it gives you the opportunity to learn how to tighten the wrap properly. There are many variations on this for how it can be finished. Some common variations are a pond finish and a lexi twist.
Front Double Hammock (Base) with Oscha Mithril
Front Double Hammock – this is a lovely carry for pre-tying, especially if you use a ring to secure it as it can then be easily ‘popped’ and tightened as required and you don’t need to keep rewrapping throughout the day. As a double layer carry it is super comfortable for bigger kids too! I have finished with a ring in the image, but you can finish with a secure double knot too.
Anne’s Front Wrap Cross Carry – this is the full length version of the short carry above, but gives longer, swishier tailes. This is an alternative method for tying it, but if you prefer the way of tying in the short version, that is fine too!
Base +1
Popparoo carry (Base +1) Oscha Hobbit Quest
Popparoo carry – this is a lovely carry for all ages and very supportive. It also looks incredibly pretty. With experience you may also find you can do this with a
shorter wrap.
Back Carries
Back carries are where shorter wraps really come into their own. Many carries are easily adapted to suit the size of wrap you own. Once you have mastered getting baby on your back and tying a ruck it can become quite fun, exploring new carries together and finding what works for you. This youtube playlist is a good starting point for learning about back carrying.
There are several methods you can use to get your child on your back, the most common ones are:
Santa Toss – this is generally used for very little babies
You may need to practice to find the method that works best for you, and I would highly recommend doing so with someone to catch baby if anything goes wrong, or by sitting on the edge of a bed or sofa so there is a close and soft landing until you are confident!
Carries
Ruck TUB in a firespiral wrap (Base -2)
Base – 4
Ruck tied under bum (Ruck TUB) – A basic ruck is the foundation of most back carries, and this one can be done with a very short wrap if you tie it off behind you under your child’s bum. This video shows it using the hip scoot method.
Base – 3
Double Hammock – Double Rings (DHDR) – this is a great carry for heavier children with the second layer giving more support, and being more comfortable for the caregiver.
Ruck with a Candy Cane Chest Belt (Ruck CCCB) – this is a lovely carry and still a basic carry. The chestbelt option ensures that the straps don’t slip and looks really pretty too! This carry starts off centre, which isn’t shown in the video.
Base -2
Base-2 wraps are a really popular size for a short wrap as they give you a lot of options to play with, but less fabric to work with.
Shepherd’s Carry – this is a more complicated carry with multiple layers, but a great back carry for leaners and bigger babies/toddlers. It is fairly supportive and looks pretty as well! The video below shows it with a flipped chest pass which helps with leg strighteners!
Base -1
Double Hammock Tied at Shoulder (DH TAS) – This is another multilayer carry so is good for bigger children. It is also a nice carry for children who like to lean!
Ruck tied knotless Tibetan – This is a great all round carry and is another variation of the basic ruck.
Base
Back Wrap Cross Carry (BWCC) – this is a great bigger child option, however, it isn’t great for leaners. There are a couple of different methods for this.
Double Hammock (DH) – this is a good carry to move on to after a basic ruck and once mastered you can do lots of fancy finishes with a longer wrap.
There are many more back carries available that you can try, but I recommend starting with these as it will get you used to how the passes work and what works best for you and your child. Most of the above carries also have fancy finish options that you can do with base+ wraps.
Summary
Whilst this guide has aimed to give you somewhere to start with woven wraps, it is impossible to give you every scrap of information and it was intended to be a starting point. There are a lot of excellent resources online, and your local sling library will be able to offer you further in person support.
As with any type of baby carrier – if you are unsure seek professional support. This guide is not intended to be a tutorial, but a basic guide to selecting and using a woven wrap.
There is no affiliation with any of the companies or videos linked in this article.
The latest Oscha PO has arrived and I’ve been lucky enough to have a little play with Rohan.
I still regularly wrap my one year old and am lucky enough to get my 4 year old up on average once or twice a week – though since this beautiful wrap arrived it has been more frequent, which has been lovely!
Oscha Rohan Rainbow Obsidian
As a massive Middle Earth fan I am rather easily excited by Oscha’s Middle Earth range, and this release was no exception.
Wraptrack describes the Rohan design as being based on the descriptions of the tapestries hanging in the halls of Meduseld along with the banner of Rohan and shield of Theoden. Currently there are 23 models in the Rohan pattern.
At the time of writing spares have not yet been released, so there may be a chance to grab one for yourself still, though Oscha do not guarantee spares from preorders.
An image showing the blend and care instructions
I have a size 4. It is a cotton, cashwool, tussah blend and 284gsm. I’ve tried both tussah and cashwool in other wraps (reviews of those are coming soon and will be linked). They are some of my favourite yarns, so I was incredibly excited to try this out.
As with all of Oscha’s brand new slings and wraps it comes with it’s own tote bag. This is a luxe wrap so it came in an upgrade tote, which I absolutely love!
First Impressions
Flat shot of the ‘right side’ of the wrap
Straight out of the bag the wrap felt fairly soft, though there was some stiffness there. The tussah nubs make this wrap almost glitter, and the rainbow warp is bright and happy. The colours shine, with the dark weft really making the pattern pop beautifully against the bright rainbow warp. It is an absolutely stunning wrap and I genuinely can’t decide if I prefer the right or wrong side of it! You definitely get two wraps for the price of one with this one!
I did feel that it was a lot thinner out of the bag than I anticipated, but this changed after its first wash.
Testing
From experience, although Oscha claim their wraps are ready to use out of the bag I have learned to always wash a new wrap, so my loomstate testing of this was very minimal. However, I just couldn’t wait for washing and drying before trying it out!
4 year old in a sloppy ruck
The first ups were with my rainbow loving 4 year old in a ruck with candycane chestbelt. Despite my very sloppy wrapping the wrap was wonderfully comfortable even in a single layer carry. I was concerned that it may be diggy on my very picky shoulders, but it wasn’t and it held up very well indeed. Although I did find it still to be a little bit stiff. I also loved how pretty the chestbelt is with this carry.
After a wash I was able to really put this wrap through its paces and tried several of my favourite short wrap carries – Shepherds carry with a slipknot, and with a ring finsh and a short front cross carry. I also managed to put my 9 year old up in a ruck and it was still remarkably comfortable! It has rapidly become a favourite wrap that has quickly softened, though I think it will soften more still with use, based on my experience with other wraps with cashwool or tussah.
Loom to Bloom shot
This wrap has a wonderful amount of grip, but not so much that getting multiple passes into place becomes an issue. It is forgiving of a sloppy wrap job, and doesn’t feel thick or unmanageable in hand. It knots easily, and holds well in a slipknot. One thing to note here is that if using a ring finish I recommend a larger ring!
I even achieved a first with it being the first time my loom to bloom images actually show a marked difference!
I’m not sure that it’s a wrap I would pick for a newborn currently, but fully broken in I may change my mind! However, it is without doubt suitable for older infants and bigger kids alike.
Finally, I felt it deserved to be compared with another Oscha rainbow release and so I did compare it to Oscha’s Sekai Rhodes, which also has a dark weft.
Pros and Cons
Pros: There are a lot of pros for me with this wrap and its wrap qualities – it is a toddler levitator for sure, it is comfortable on the shoulders and gives good support, with a little bounce from the wool. Multiple passes glide into place, but it is grippy enough to be forgiving of a rushed wrap job – something that happens quite frequently here these days!
I love the way that the wrap looks and how soft it is becoming; it really hasn’t taken much to be well on the way to being broken in and I can only imagine how it will feel once fully broken in! My 4 year old rarely asks to go up these days, but she has claimed the rainbow horses as her own and I can totally see why!
Cons: There aren’t many cons for me in this wrap and they are more asthetic than practical, with the exception of feeling it wouldn’t be my first choice of newborn wrap. As is usual with Oscha they come with a huge safety label attached, whilst this can be removed I am rather cautious of doing so, so find that it does detract somewhat from the overall beauty of the wrap! The only other disadvantage to the wrap is that it is handwash only, but this is the nature of the yarns that give the wrap the great wrap qualities it has!
Summary
This wrap is a beautiful wrap for older babies and toddlers that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend if you can pick one up.
Don’t forget that if you are in the market for a new wrap you can pick one up from the Oscha website using my affiliate link.
Yume are a new brand on the market in the UK, though they ship internationally. They have shared this warp with Baie slings, reviving some old Baie favourites. However, Reflections is a brand new Yume design, hand drawn by the owner’s mother, and I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to test one of their first wraps.
It’s exciting to see a new brand enter a pretty established market and I’m really looking forward to seeing what else Yume bring us in the future. If this wrap is anything to go by I think we’re in for a treat!
The wrap arrived in a free tote bag sporting the Yume logo and motto, which I have to say I really love. In this house without a wrap it’s hands and hearts full, but I really like how Yume have captured one of the best parts of babywearing; keeping your little ones close to you and filling your heart with the love and snuggles whilst keeping your hands free.
Flat shot of Yume Reflections Whisper
The first thing you notice is how beautiful and intricate the pattern is. I prefer bigger patterns that kind of tell a story, after all, each of my wraps also tells a story and this pattern suggests all sorts of stories within its design. You can almost hear the whisper of the wind through the trees as the deer studies its reflection in the water.
The colours are simply stunning, and the reverse is just as beautiful – it almost glimmers when the light catches it. With this wrap being able to be worn either way up or either way out, you get 4 wraps for the price of 1. It truly is an aptly named wrap. I also really like the absence of a huge sewn in safety label.
Reverse side
I’ve only previously had experience with Oscha hemp, which I didn’t like enough to fully break in, so I was a bit worried about this one, however, I didn’t need to be!
Out of the bag the wrap feels thin, lightweight, and good for summer. It did feel pretty stiff and I struggled to tighten it fully in my loomstate tests, but I noticed after trying it out for photos with my nearly 9 year old and my 4 year old it was already softening nicely.
Yume’s plush weave is a looser weave than many other brands that adds a bit of cush and a sense of airiness to the wrapped wrap, not too disimilar to mokosh wraps. It is somewhere between the density of a standard Oscha weave and Firespiral alchemy weave. I quite like it.
Double Hammock with nearly 9 year old
Loomstate testing included a double sling shoulder to shoulder with my 4 year old and a double hammock with my 9 year old. I was really surprised by the lack of ‘digginess’ in both carries with it loomstate and feeling pretty thin in hand, especially given my previous experiences with hemp. The passes slid into place nicely, but thankfully, there was also a good amount of grip from the hemp to support my poor tightening! Better yet, both children claimed to be very comfortable!
Testing
Loom to Bloom
The bloom on this wrap was amazing and the beautiful pattern really does pop. The reverse side didn’t loose any of it’s beauty either; something I was a little worried about post wash. I decided to also measure the GSM and made it 284, which is slightly higher than the listed GSM on wraptrack, but certainly feels more realistic.
I decided to attempt breaking it in a bit as I thought it still felt a bit stiff. I gave it an iron on both sides, ran it through some rings a few times and braided it. However, after wrapping I’m not sure it really needed it! It was like a totally different wrap and already felt so soft to wrap with! I honestly can’t wait to see how this is fully broken in.
The reverse side
I tested this wrap post-wash with my one year old. My favourite carries are triple layer carries, and I usually opt for a Charlie’s Cross Carry or a Back Wrap Cross Carry, but decided to attempt a new carry. I opted to try out Bean’s Wiggleproof Carry designed by wrigglebeanmama on instagram. I didn’t manage to get it quite right, but what I did get was still an amazingly comfortable wrap job. The passes held wonderfully in place and to my relief it was much easier to tighten, even with a wriggly toddler. There was a nice cush on my picky shoulders.
I have to say that so far, I’m very impressed with this wrap and may even be convinced by it to love hemp!
Pros and Cons
What I love:
There are a lot of things to love in this wrap, both in how it looks and how it wraps. The pictures don’t do it justice, it truly is beautiful and the pattern is stunning. It’s hard to believe it was hand drawn especially for Yume.
An attempt at Bean’s Wiggleproof Carry
Wrapping wise, it is soft, airy and amazingly comfortable. The hemp makes it strong and it doesn’t seem to require much to soften it up. It softens very quickly, with just a few uses and a wash and I can already see how amazing this will be.
Passes aren’t difficult to get into place, but hold really well, without preventing tightening; a perfect balance in my book. The strength paired with the airiness of the plush weave lend a comfort that I can’t really compare to any other wrap I’ve tried when wrapping big kids – and I’ve tried my fair share! I think this really shines when it comes to big kids, and although I’ve tried this in my base size I think it would also make an excellent shortie for those up and down toddler days.
Another huge plus in my book is that it is easy care! I washed and tumble dried this and it was good to go within a few hours, rather than needing to wait for what seems like forever for it to dry flat. It also means I wouldn’t be too worried about wrapping in the wild, or explosive nappies!
What I didn’t love:
Ok, so here I’m being picky really as I genuinely love this wrap, but feel it only fair to try and give a balanced review!
Close up of the weave and middle marker
I feel that the looser plush weave could be more pull prone than a tighter weave, though I don’t think it is as likely to be as pull prone as firespiral’s alchemy weave, and quite frankly, given that small pulls do not affect the safety of a wrap that’s something I’d be willing to deal with and fix in exchange for the comfort this wrap offers!
Another thing I would have liked to have seen on this wrap is for the top and bottom hems to have been hemmed on opposite sides with a label on each side. I truly feel that this is a fully reversible wrap and can be worn either way up, so having a middle marker and hem on each side would have been lovely. This is perhaps something Yume may consider in future.
Finally, the main thing I was surprised by with this wrap was the lack of an instructions booklet, or safety leaflet. Whilst, for me personally this is not an issue, for someone coming into wrapping and buying Yume as their first wrap it would seem a sensible addition to include.
Summary
In summary, I feel like Yume have really nailed their entrance into the market with this wrap and it’s sister wrap Abyss Sandcastle. It is evident that Yume know their market and know what makes a great wrap and they’ve delievered on their first attempt. There may be things they wish to change moving forward, but these things are so minor that even were they not changed I will still be looking forward to trying Yume’s future releases!
Luluna Slings are a Polish babywearing brand. Many of their designs take inspiration from fantasy books, or mythical stories and creatures.
I’m not 100% certain where the naming inspiration for Safira springs from, but if I had guess I would suggest maybe the Eragon series of books. Luluna say that ‘this is female version of dragon because it reminds us of motherhood. You have to be strong for your families.’ I really like the idea of being a mama dragon sometimes, protecting my brood as they’re my most precious treasure!
I love dragons, and so was very pleased to have the chance to test this thanks to Natalia organising a UK tester tour of the wrap.
Price for a size 6: £127 – Though this is to be confirmed.
Initial thoughts of Luluna Safira Rustical
Like many brands the wrap comes with a branded tote bag – this is something I really like as they’re so useful! It also came with safety leaflets and an instruction booklet.
Flat shot of Safira Rustical
I was number 6 on the tester list, and so I can’t speak for how the wrap is loomstate as it had been washed and used prior to arriving here.
I’ve not had any previous experience with Shantung viscose, and I expected it to be a bit stiffer, but it was so soft and floppy I just wanted to snuggle up in it! The wrap feels quite light in hand and I think it would be a fairly suitable option for the UK summer. I only got one warm-ish day in which test it and found it was not too warm at all!
After I had appreciated the softness the pattern draws the eye, depicting a beautifully detailed dragon. The confetti shatung is visible, but adds a splash of colour to this wrap.
Testing
I tested this wrap with my one year old. We mainly back carry now, so all test carries were back carries. I tend to opt for triple layer carries if carrying for a while, with my favourite being a Charlie’s Cross Carry.
Charlie’s Cross Carry with ring finish
Therefore, the first carry I tried on arrival was a Charlie’s Cross Carry. I found it to be very spongey on my shoulders which is great as I have pretty picky shoulders. The wrap stayed put perfectly in the rings and getting mulitiple passes in to place wasn’t a chore, though I wouldn’t describe this wrap as having much glide.
Next up on my list of carries to try was Bean’s Wiggleproof Carry designed by wrigglebeanmama on instagram. I actually managed to get it right this time round and truly experience the comfort of this wrap and carry combination. It also gave me the chance to see how the wrap looks with a candycane chest belt, and how that held. I can confirm it held really well and I felt it looked really pretty too! Whilst I’m not a big fan of the reverse side of this wrap on its own, I can see how it would be attractive for some, and works really well in this carry.
Double Hammock Xena Finish
The final carry I tried prior to writing this review was a double hammock with Xena finish. I love how my rose gold rings add so much to this wrap. Again, I wasn’t disappointed in the comfort offered by the wrap. However, I did find that there was a bit of a sag with this carry, but the spread shoulder straps offset any discomfort. I should probably add that I was wrapping a very reluctant toddler too, so that may have contributed to this!
Pros and Cons
What I love:
I love how soft this wrap is and Luluna are generally among the reasonably priced brands, so that is an additional bonus too! The pattern is beautiful and the idea of it resembling motherhood really speaks to me.
Double Hammock Xena Finish
Wrapping wise, I love how spongey it felt on my shoulders and that it wasn’t tedious to tighten. I’m not sure that I would enjoy it as much in a single layer carry with a toddler, but it is toddler worthy in multilayer carries.
What I didn’t love:
I didn’t much like the reverse of the wrap – I felt that the lime and pink confetti of the shatung viscose detracted from the beautiful pattern. However, I can see how for some that would be appealing.
I feel that it could be quite easily pulled, and hard to notice pulls, much like tussah which seems to have similar visual properties.
Summary
In summary, I did really like this wrap and will be sad to send it on to the next tester. I think it would be an amazing newborn wrap and works well for toddlers too. Visually the ‘correct’ side is beautful, but I’m just not sold on the reverse. However, the fact it wraps beautifully kind of outweighs this!
Oscha are a UK brand, based in Scotland. They also offer a variety of carriers made from some of their woven wrap fabrics.
Oscha Slings tend to release new wraps every 2 weeks, so if you can’t find something that you fall in love with it is likely that there may be something released soon! They are also the home of Middle Earth wraps.
It was the Middle Earth wraps that drew me to Oscha, but on this occasion I couldn’t turn down the chance of playing with the re-released Constellation Cielo.
Constellation Cielo comes beautifully packaged in its own tote bag. It’s actually quite nice to have one of the mainline bags as most of the ones I have are Middle Earth ones.
Knot comparison of Constellation Cielo (bottom) and Evenstar Elendil (top)
Straight out of the bag I was struck by how soft this wrap was, and may have spent a bit of time just wrapped up in it myself – it would make an amazing wrap throw, or beach blanket, for sure!
I did think it felt thinner than I was expecting for a towel wrap, but I was also comparing it (possibly unfavourably) to my Evenstar Elendil which uses the old chenille. However, upon trying it I was incredibly pleased with how it wrapped!
Loomstate I tried Christina’s Ruckless, which was a new carry for me and found it incredibly comfortable. I also managed to just about tie off a double hammock tied in front, but I don’t think I will have the length to repeat this in future!
Testing
So far I have only tested this with my nearly 2 year old, and every carry we have tried has been incredibly comfortable! Though I do recommend sizing up as the thickness of this wrap does make it feel shorter.
Ruck
Post wash and iron I was worried that the wrap had lost a lot of its softeness. However, when I actually wrapped with it I found I was wrong. It was just as soft and cushy as it was loomstate!
I do find that Constellation Cielo is a pretty grippy wrap. Whilst I was able to get passes into place pretty easily, I couldn’t always tighten it as much as I can with other wraps. However, beacuse of its cushiness and grippiness it stays put, and most importantly – stays comfortable, even in a single layer carry.
I usually avoid a ruck for any length of time unless using a tussah wrap, but with Cielo it was incredibly comfortable as I hosted my son’s birthday party.
I would also say that despite its gsm it is a great warm weather wrap as it seems to wick away moisture to prevent you overheating and I didn’t find it uncomfortable at all. I can’t wait to try it on the beach and will update this review when I have done so!
Pros and Cons
Double Hammock
What I love:
Soft and cushy wrap
Would make an amazing beach wrap
Would make a wonderful throw
Pattern is clear and looks great
4 wraps in one as can be worn either way up, with either side facing out!
Suitable for littles and bigs unlike the old chenille that I felt was too thick for littles
Great wrap for any age in any size
Easy care – this wrap can be easily washed and then dried in the dryer.
What I didn’t love:
Christina’s Ruckless
The new instructions leaflet – whilst I don’t need this personally, having to scan to get digital instructions that need zooming in on to see clearly on a phone screen isn’t as practical as the old instructions booklets that you could follow as you wrapped, without needing to move things around on your phone screen.
If wanting to order a throw the grad is stacked, rather than mirrored – this is common on all Oscha throws, which is a shame as it puts me off the throws.
The shrinkage – whilst Oscha cut their wraps to accomodate for this and the wrap still measured as a 5 after washing and drying I was surprised by how much it did shrink. Loomstate it was 458cm and post wash it was 426cm.
Summary
In summary, I really love this wrap, though it’s a shame there isn’t a Middle Earth release currently in the new chenille as then it would have been just perfect! I would recommend sizing up if you are buying for a specific carry as the thickness does make it wrap shorter. I can’t wait to try it on the beach!
Oscha’s new style Bairn is a buckle carrier available on a made to order basis. It is recommended as being suitable from newborn (7lbs) to around 2 years (45lbs). It is an apron style carrier with padded shoulder straps. It offers front facing in with cross or ‘h’ style straps, hip carry or back carry positions.
Testing:
I have tested this with my 20 month old and 4 year old. The 20 month old is in age 12-18month clothes and the 4 year old is in 18-24 months and some 2-3.
Front carry with cross straps
Newborn – with the demo doll I had some panel width I could have still adjusted to make it smaller, and I could have moved the waistband higher still for a shorter panel length (or rolled it). Unlike a lot of brands, I believe this could be a good option for new babies.
Child 1 (age 20 months) again, I really liked this and found it incredibly comfortable. There wasn’t a lot of space left on the cinch when I tried it and to be fair, I probably could have let it out completely. Panel height was still great and we both seemed to be comfortable.
Child 2 (aged 4, but tiny!) I was comfortable and the panel height was good on her. However, the width put the panel at mid thigh, which is fine for a walking child, but she did complain about it being a bit diggy! Technically the carrier still fits her. However, it’s not particularly comfortable for her.
Front carry with H or Ruck Straps
With both children I had the same issue here – I couldn’t really get it where it felt secure and comfortable, even with both straps completely done up it felt loose in the wrong places. However, this is an issue I often have with H strap carriers and where a perfect fit adjuster would have been an excellent addition. That said, it is a great option for those who prefer H straps, and being able to cater to both styles means that everyone should be able to find a comfortable option. I also really like the fact the buckle can be removed, so it’s not in the way when using it in the cross strap position, but do wonder how long it’ll be before they’re lost.
Front carry overall assessment
This is a lovely carrier for front carries, it’s comfortable and I think it’s a great option for children fitting into up to around 18month bottoms. Personally I feel the H strap option is less secure, but being quite petite I’ve only ever found one carrier comfortable with H straps, so that’s likely more of a me issue than an carrier issue! I really like the option to have either type of straps in a front carry and know that there will be many for whom the H strap option is preferred.
Back Carry
I didn’t try this with the newborn doll as back carrying isn’t recommended that young. With the girls I found that it was very comfortable on the shoulders with the padded straps and the buckle made for a more comfortable option than some carriers that have a completely separate chest strap. However, again the concept of perfect fit adjusters here would have been lovely to see – maybe there will be a v.3 that includes them? I found that no matter how I played with the straps there was some digging by the ribs. It feels like the padded part is just a little bit too long on a more petite frame to get a comfortable fit.
Overall assessment
This is a lovely carrier that comes in a lots of beautiful patterns and I would recommend it. However, I don’t feel it would be as long lived as Oscha suggest, with the average child being too big for the width of the panel to be comfortable by the time they move into age 18-24 month clothes.
It shines as a front carrier that appears to truly adjust down easily for newborns without any complicated faffing and will grow with your child until they are likely to be walking.
This is available to hire in the library if you would like to try before you buy and if you would like to buy don’t forget I have a discount code for you!
Lenny Lamb are a Polish company who specialise in creating beautiful wraps and carriers from woven fabric. They have a wide selection of patterns available. Their prices are very reasonable, and there are also several UK retailers so you are able to avoid customs charges. You can find a list of them here. If you want to buy direct from LennyLamb, you can get a 10% discount through the library – contact me for more information.
What is an onbuhimo?
An onbuhimo is a Japenese style carrier that is traditionally used for a high back carry, with the child’s arms over the top of the carrier. It does not have a waistband, making it an excellent choice for pregnant women or those who cannot tolerate waistbands.
It is best used for children who can tripod sit and have good head and trunk control – usually this is from around 6 months.
Lenny Lamb do state on their website that a front carry is optional, however, their instructions manual does not include instructions on how to do so.
Key features of Lenny Lamb’s Onbuhimo:
Available in 3 sizes – standard, toddler and preschool.
Adjustable panel width
Sleep hood
Dual way adjustment
Cost – On the Lenny Lamb website, prices range from £66.49 – £128.79 depending on size and pattern at the time of writing
Available in lots of beautiful patterns
Initial thoughts
An image of the Lenny Lamb Onbuhimo
The onbuhimo arrived well packaged in it’s own bag with instructions. I wasn’t too sure exactly what to expect when it arrived having used a couple of different styles of Onbuhimo they can vary quite considerably. I liked how soft it felt and how the adjusters were in obvious places and their functions were clear, even before confirming that with the instruction booklet.
It was also clear that some thought had gone into the comfort of the wearer with the padding on the straps.
This pattern is a herringbone weave, but it is available in many other patterns.
Testing:
The onbuhimo I have tested is the toddler version which Lenny Lamb state is suitable for children from the age of 1-3 years, though I would base this more on clothing size than actual age, I do believe it to be an accurate size guide.
I have tested this with my (nearly) 2 year old and 4 year old. The baby is in age 12-18month clothes and the 4 year old is in 18-24 months and some 2-3.
I have only tested this as a back carrier as an onbuhimo is intended.
What I liked
Nearly 2 year on in Lenny Lamb Onbuhimo
I really liked how quick and easy this is to adjust between children and caregivers; it’s fairly simple and intuitive to use. It wsa comfortable, and the padded shoulder straps have some adjustability in them to fit various body shapes and sizes comfortably, being petite it’s an issue I have found in previous carriers. The chest strap is also moveable which again, makes it more comfortable for a variety of wearers.
I was also really pleased to see that I could achieve the correct high carrying position with this onbuhimo, which is something I struggled with with another brand’s one fairly recently due to the lack of adjustability.
I feel a lot of thought has gone into this carrier and consideration to the comfort of the child as well. There is padding around the bottom edges, where little legs sit which gives them more comfort! Finally, and possibly one of the most impressive things about this carrier is the fact that the sleep hood is not completely useless! I could actually reach the ties and pull them up to secure the hood whilst carrying my little one, not that she would actually allow me to put it up!
The hood straps being secured in the up position
What I didn’t like
To be honest, there isn’t much not to like about this carrier. I suppose I could be picky and pick up that adjusting the hood height whilst it is in use could be difficult if you are on your own, however, given that it would be used more for support than anything else, having the hood height low (which is most likely to happen) isn’t really an issue as it leaves little one’s face still clear. It may also have been nice to see some panel height adjustment, but again, not really essential as you can make the panel shorter, by tucking the excess between you and your child as you put them on your back.
Overall assessment
I really like this onbuhimo, and think it is great value for money, there is plenty of adjustability to allow for a growing child. It seems to fit true to clothes size, which is always a bonus when trying to establish what size carrier you need to buy.
This is available to hire in the library if you would like to try before you buy and if you would like to buy don’t forget I have a discount code for you!
A Brief Guide to Buckle Carriers: Choosing Comfort and Ease for You and Your Baby
Buckle carriers have become increasingly more popular among parents who seek a comfortable, convenient, and hands-free babywearing solution. With so many carrier options available, however, the choice can feel overwhelming. How do you decide which one is right for you? The best place to start is often your local sling library, where you can try various carriers before making a big purchase. But if that’s not an option, don’t worry—this guide will introduce you to the differences between waterfalland apronstyle carriers, some key features to look out for, usage tips, and some reliable yet underrated British brands that are worth looking at. Don’t forget to check out the image galleryat the end, which highlights key features and examples discussed throughout the post.
What Are Buckle Carriers?
Oscha Bairn
Buckle carriers, often referred to as soft structured carriers, are a popular choice among parents due to their ease of use and ergonomic design. They provide a fuss-free way to carry your baby while keeping your hands free, whether you’re running errands, going for a walk, or simply snuggling at home.
With adjustable shoulder and waist straps secured by buckles, they’re quick to put on and take off, and their design ensures excellent weight distribution for both you and your baby. They come in a variety of sizes enabling you to carry your child from newborn up to the age of 5 or 6.
Waterfall vs. Apron Style Carriers
When shopping for a buckle carrier, you’ll encounter two main styles: waterfall and apron.
An image showing different types of carriers. From top to bottom: Integra, Mamaruga Zen Sling, Lenny up
Waterfall Style Carriers like Lenny Lamb, Ergobaby, Tula, Mamaruga, and Boba are more structured, often featuring thicker waistbands and the option for forward-facing carries. Their design offers extra support, but they can feel bulkier compared to apron styles.
Apron Style Carriers like Integra, Kahubaby, and Oscha’s Bairn focus on simplicity. They’re less structured, lighter, and tend to have fewer adjustment points, which many parents appreciate for their ease of use. While apron carriers are more minimalist, they still provide excellent comfort and support.
Why Choose a Buckle Carrier?
If you’re after a babywearing option that’s simple yet functional, buckle carriers are a fantastic choice. There’s no need to deal with complicated wraps or intricate knots, making them perfect for busy parents for whom convenience is key. Whether you’re tackling housework, heading to the park, or simply looking for a way to carry your baby close while keeping your hands free, buckle carriers offer a practical, stylish solution.
Key Features to Look For
Several key features set high-quality buckle carriers apart:
An image showing PFAs on the Boba X buckle carrier
– Perfect Fit Adjusters (PFAs): These allow for customizable adjustments to ensure both you and your baby are comfortable.
– Panel Height and Width Adjusters: Essential for ensuring a snug fit as your baby grows.
– Sleep Hoods: Provide extra privacy and protection from the elements.
– Dual-way Adjusters: Offer more flexibility when fastening and adjusting the carrier.
These features not only enhance comfort but also make babywearing a more enjoyable experience for both the parent and the baby.
Using Your Buckle Carrier
Using a buckle carrier is typically straightforward, but don’t be discouraged if you struggle to fasten it at first—this is common, and there are plenty of helpful tips to make it easier! Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper positioning and safety guidelines. It’s important to ensure your baby is seated in the ergonomic “M” shape, which supports healthy hip and spine development.
An image showing the ‘M’ Shape
Buckle carriers offer versatile carrying options, including front, back, and hip carries. While front-facing carries are a popular choice, not all buckle carriers support this position. In some cases, hip or back carries may be safer and more comfortable as your baby grows. You’ll also find that some buckle carriers offer a choice between X-shaped (crossed) straps or H-shaped (rucksack) straps, while others only offer one style. Try both if possible to see which suits you better.
Beyond functionality, buckle carriers come in a wide range of colours and designs, allowing you to showcase your style while babywearing—whether you prefer classic neutrals or vibrant patterns.
What to Avoid
While there are many fantastic options on the market, it’s essential to steer clear of carriers that compromise on safety or comfort. Brands like Infantino and older models of Baby Bjorn have faced criticism for lacking ergonomic support, potentially leading to discomfort for the baby. Always prioritize reputable brands that are known for their quality and safety standards.
Exploring British Babywearing Brands
Back carry in the Mamaruga Zen Sling with a 2 year old
If you’re looking to support local businesses, there are several excellent British babywearing brands that are worth exploring. Brands like Rose and Rebellion, Mamaruga, Izmi, and Kahubaby offer beautifully crafted, stylish, and functional buckle carriers. These lesser-known brands combine safety, comfort, and craftsmanship to provide parents with unique babywearing options.
Final Thoughts
Buckle carriers are a versatile and convenient option for babywearing, but finding the right one is a personal journey. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to carriers—what works best for one parent may not suit another. The key is to focus on what feels comfortable and secure for you and your baby.
Whether you’re just beginning your babywearing adventure or are an experienced wearer looking to expand your collection, buckle carriers offer a fantastic way to keep your baby close while staying hands-free. With so many styles, features, and designs to choose from, there’s a perfect buckle carrier out there for every parent and caregiver. Above all, remember to prioritize safety, comfort, and proper positioning for a nurturing and enjoyable babywearing experience.
One thing I often see on facebook groups is ‘can I continue to wear my child whilst pregnant?’ The answer is generally yes, assuming that you are having a straight-forward and healthy pregnancy.
For many babywearing offers not only a convenient form of transport, but also becomes a comfort for both you and your child. It is, therefore unsurprising that many of us wish to continuing carrying our children throughout our pregnancy. This post will look at the benefits of babywearing while pregnant, safety tips, and how to choose the right carrier.
This guide can be read in its entirety, or you can click on any of the headings below to go straight to that section:
Babywearing is the practice of carrying your child in a sling, wrap, or carrier, letting you move freely while keeping your little one close. For many mums, this continues to be an enjoyable way to connect, even as their bodies change throughout pregnancy. However, it is vital that you listen to your body. Your comfort level should guide your decision, so pay close attention to how your body feels. Many women find that babywearing not only supports their current child emotionally but also helps manage the physical demands of pregnancy.
Benefits of Babywearing While Pregnant
There are significant benefits to babywearing during pregnancy.
A mehdai carrier
Enhancing the bond with your older child is perhaps the most profound benefit. As your family expands, feelings of jealousy or confusion can arise. Holding your little one close helps reassure them that they are still loved and valued.
Moreover, babywearing allows you to maintain your routine. Activities like park visits or playdates do not need to be complicated. You can maintain an active lifestyle whist still engaging with your older child, making life more manageable.
Safety Considerations
While babywearing can be safe during pregnancy, it is essential to keep some safety tips in mind:
First, be aware of your balance. As your pregnancy advances, your center of gravity shifts. Choose a carrier that evenly distributes weight and provides support. Many carriers can be used during pregnancy with a few adjustments. See the gallery for a selection of the range I have available in the library.
Furthermore, the position of your baby matters. Opt for a carrier that allows for an upright position to keep pressure off your abdomen. Ensuring that your child is securely positioned can minimize strain and keep both of you comfortable.
Considerations for Different Stages of Pregnancy
Your babywearing approach may change with each trimester. Here is how you can adapt:
First Trimester: Early on, you may find babywearing easier since your belly is small. Many women find at this stage they do not need to adapt their babywearing styles.
Second Trimester: This is often the period of time during which many women begin to feel uncomfortable as their bumps begin to grow and waistbands begin to feel tight or uncomfortable in their usual position. It is often at this stage that many ladies stop wearing their child. However, adjusting how you use your carrier, or changing carrier can extend your babywearing journey. If you are unsure do contact your local sling library for advice.
Third Trimester: You might feel more fatigued in this stage. Choose lightweight carriers, and limit how long you wear your child. Always listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Choosing the Right Carrier
Selecting the right carrier is crucial for a positive babywearing experience. Your carrier should offer you and your child comfort and support: Look for ergonomic designs that are supportive and distribute weight evenly. For example, a well-designed soft-structured carrier with padded shoulder straps can go a long way in providing needed support.
There is no one size fits all carrier or sling, and what works for one person, may not be the best for you. However, here are some options that you could consider:
Using a buckle carrier with waistband positioned above the bump
A buckle carrier – in this image the Hanababy Expand available here is being used. A buckle carrier offers an easy option for those who already own one and are comfortable and confident using it.
Some adjustments tend to be needed to enable a safe and comfortable wearing experience. Waistbands should be placed above or below the bump depending on the size of the child and whether the carrier is being worn on the front, or the back. Whilst it should be snug, it should not be tight and should not be putting pressure on your bump. Many women find that a full buckle carrier becomes uncomfortable as their bump grows. However, some carriers (such as apron-style carriers) have less structured waistbands and these can be more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. For example the Kahubaby carrier available here. You can read more about buckle carriers here.
A half-buckle carrier
A Half-buckle Carrier:
A half-buckle is a nice intermediary for those who like the ease of buckles, but prefer the comfort of a less structured carrier.
The market offers a wide variety of options. Some have padded wrap to straps as shown in the image, while others have full wrap straps, such as the Didyklick. Furthermore, waistbands differ in their level of structure, with some being more rigid and others less so, highlighting the need for careful research. However, on the whole, waistbands tend to be less structured than those on some full buckle carriers. Finally, one key advantage of a half-buckle carrier is that it is made from woven wrap fabrics, enabling it to mold perfectly to your body, providing a very comfortable experience.
A meh dai:
A meh dai carrier resembles a half-buckle carrier, but it features ties instead of a buckle waistband, offering a gentle and comfortable choice for use during pregnancy. It can be tied in multiple ways. Please refer to the gallery images for this carrier.
A ring sling with a 2 year old
A ring sling:
A ring sling is a good option for a hip carry whilst keeping mum’s hands free, or allowing for front snuggles.It can be used for a quick up, or for a toddler who cannot decide whether they would prefer to be carried or walk. They do put the majority of the weight on one side of the body, so may not be suitable for those who are struggling with back or hip pains.
A woven wrap:
A woven wrap is likely the most adaptable choice for carrying during pregnancy, as it can be effortlessly adjusted for the wearer’s comfort.
A woven wrap with the waistband spread
A woven wrap can be tied in numerous ways, giving you the choice to use a waistband or not, based on your preferences. Additionally, being made of woven fabric, they conform perfectly to you and your child, providing support that a buckled carrier might not offer.
When using a woven wrap during pregnancy, be cautious not to depend on it for bump support. As with any carrier, pay attention to your body and make sure the wrap isn’t exerting pressure on your abdomen. However, carries with waistbands can have the waistband extended to provide hip support, which can be quite relieving for some women. For more information on woven wraps, please check out this blog post.
An Onbuhimo:
An onbuhimo is a traditional Japanese-style carrier intended for use on the back. It lacks a waistband, making it ideal for pregnancy as it avoids putting pressure on your abdominal area. Most models also feature a chest strap to keep the straps from slipping off your shoulders. Additionally, they are easier to use than a woven wrap, yet offer a comfortable option during pregnancy. Please refer to the gallery of images of the onbuhimo.
Embracing Your Journey
In summary, babywearing while pregnant can be both a practical and fulfilling choice. By choosing the right carrier and following safety tips, you can continue to nurture your bond with your older child while navigating the wonderful yet challenging experience of pregnancy. Always listen to your body, and ensure that you are following any medical advice you have been given. Local sling libraries will also be able to offer you advice and support for babywearing during pregnancy.
Every family’s journey is different, so trust your instincts. Enjoy these precious moments as you prepare for your growing family!
