Stretchy Wraps
All of the wraps I use are woven wraps. There is another kind of wraparound carrier known as a stretchy wrap. Stretchy and woven wraps are close cousins in that they are both long pieces of fabric which you tie around yourself and your baby in the position of your choice. They are tied similarly (or, in many cases, identically).
The difference? The stretchy wrap has more give, so it is less sturdy and secure as your child grows heavier, or in a back carry where you cannot keep an eye on the fabric, or quickly thrust out your hands to adjust as needed!
All the advice I give applies to woven wraps. Stretchy wraps are great, too, but have a more limited use, and I have very little experience with them from which to give advice. Look for tons of tips and experience on the premier (and free) babywearing discussion forums: www.thebabywearer.com
Do not consider my instructions as applicable to stretchy wraps! This is the only tutorial I have for a stretchy wrap: http://www.wrapyourbaby.com/pocketwrapcrosscarry.htm You can find plenty more from more knowledgeable users on Youtube. Have fun!
Natalie November 17, 2010 at 10:58 am
I frequently run across people either on YouTube or other places who are not aware that a stretchy wrap isn’t safe for a back carry. I am a big fan of my Moby wrap for little newborns (on the other hand, I’ve never had a chance to try out a really good woven, just my own DIY), but I wrote a post a while ago on why back carries with a stretchy are just not safe no matter how tightly wrapped they are…
http://babywearingitup.blogspot.com/2010/05/stretchy-wraps-and-limitations.html