Brooke and myself (Angela) both started our babywearing journeys with stretchy wraps… and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Stretchies are an amazing baby carrier for newborns and smaller babies. They are easily the most snuggly baby carrier option – soft and mouldable. They are perfect for winter, but if you have a summer baby (or late spring like I did), they can still be brilliant if you choose one that’s not too thick.
Stretchy baby wraps can seem a little bit confusing and complicated at first. They do take a little practice! But trust me when I say that your efforts will pay off and be greatly appreciated by your new baby. 😊
Brooke and I both practiced while we were still pregnant, using large soft toys! You can definitely do this too if your baby hasn’t arrived yet. It’s good to help you feel confident before you put a real, live person in there. But if your baby is here and ready for wrapping, don’t sweat it – you’ve got this mama. Just follow our simple instructions here and give it a go. You might take a few attempts before you feel confident enough to wrap out in public, but if you persevere, you’ll get there.
Oh, and as an added bonus, stretchy wraps make excellent gateway carriers into the world of woven wraps, as they teach you the basics of wrapping and tightening. So if you’re not sure if wrapping is for you, start with a stretchy to build up your confidence and skills, then once baby gets bigger, look for your first woven wrap. That’s what Brooke and I both did, and we found that the stretchy was such an important foundation for our babywearing journey.
Stretchy Baby Wrap Tutorial
Here’s an easy-to-follow stretchy wrap tutorial that will help you get started.
If you're looking for a video tutorial on the Stretchy wrap, you can watch Brooke demonstrate her the Front Wrap Cross Carry with the Manduca Stretchy Wrap here. Otherwise, follow along with our written instruction and infographic below.
Tip: Once again, be careful not to twist the fabric. You can test if the fabric is twisted by doing a “bath towel” motion. Tug on the top rail at your chest, and the seam closest to your neck on your shoulder. These should be the same seam/rail. If not, untwist the fabric before proceeding. The fabric should sit smoothly across your back.
Tip: Keep tension in one tail by holding it between your legs while you tighten the other.
Bonus Tips:
So, in summary, stretchy wraps are an incredible introduction to the babywearing world, especially for those lovely squishy newborn cuddles. They come with a slight learning curve, but a little practice will have you wrapping confidently in no time.
I’ll definitely have one lined up for when my littlest love makes an appearance in the next couple of months.
Happy babywearing!
Angela
xo
P.S. Found this info handy? Please go ahead and share!
P.P.S. We happen to have some stretchy wraps in stock, so please feel free to check them out if you don’t already have one. AfterPay and Express Shipping so you get those cuddles ASAP.
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Many parents wonder if they can still use a baby carrier if their baby is in a brace and being treated for Hip Dysplasia. The short answer is usually always yes! Which is great news. It’s about finding a suitable carrier style that is comfortable for you and your baby whilst they are in the brace.