After I had my fifth child, I started doing just about all my YouTube videos while wearing him. Since it was the only place he was content, he was always there. Since he is much older now, he isn’t in front of the camera as much, but now that we are getting ready for number six, I’m preparing for this baby to be wrapped up and worn all the time. Including in more YouTube tutorials.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a newborn that didn’t want to be held all the time. Thankfully, babywearing allows you to keep your baby close and secure, while allowing you to have two hands available to do other things.
Today, we are going to talk about different styles of wraps, how to tie a baby wrap (video included below), and babywearing safety.
For my last two kids, I used a Moby wrap and loved it, so much that I thought there is no way I could ever have a baby again without a wrap. For Micah, I have tried the Solly baby wrap and the Boba and I love them so much more.
I’ve tried the different types of carriers, like the baby Bjorn, and they just don’t compare and were uncomfortable. For me, the best baby wrap and most comfortable has to be the lightweight Boba, or the Solly. They both are lighter and easier to wear, especially in the summer.
Follow the easy tutorial below for the Moby wrap instructions. Luckily, tying them are the same process.
Babywearing a Newborn
When I have a new baby, I wear the wrap like a shirt. In the morning, I put on a tank top and then a wrap. In the winter, I will put something on over my arms like a sweater or flannel.
The baby goes in and out of it all day long. If he’s awake, I get him out and play with him. As soon as he is fussy again, he goes right back in. I don’t bother to take the wrap off.
What I like about the Boba or the Solly wrap over the Moby is just how lightweight the material is, and how it feels like a shirt.
The key to wrapping a baby, whether it be in the Moby, Boba or Solly is wrapping it really, really tight, because if it’s not tight, it will feel like the baby is going to fall out.
Babywearing Benefits:
- Helps create a bond between baby and whomever is carrying them.
- Soothes baby. Babies that are worn tend to cry less.
- Can help boost early language development due to hearing words being spoken, observing facial expressions, and being part of the conversation.
- Tend to other children and daily life tasks more easily.
- Can aid in physical and emotional development.
- Can help boost milk production because baby is right there, and can discretely nurse.
(Source)
Is babywearing safe?
Yes. There are a few things to keep in mind when babywearing:
- You should always be able to see your baby’s nose and mouth.
- Baby should be close enough to kiss their heads. This is the standard rule.
- Always be aware of their breathing. You don’t want them so smashed against you they can’t breathe.
The Differences Between A Solly Wrap and Moby Wrap:
They have many of the same qualities when it comes to size and function; the main differences between the two are the type of fabric that is used.
The Solly is made with a super buttery soft and stretchy sustainable fabric. Moby is made from a thicker and not-as-stretchy fabric. The Solly makes it much cooler to wear baby, especially in the summer.
However, the Solly can hold up to a 25 pound baby, whereas the Moby can hold up to 45 pounds.
For a compromise between the two, we ended up really loving the Boba. Micah grew with it.
How do you clean a Solly wrap?
Solly wraps can be machine washed and tumbled dry, making them super easy to keep clean. I basically wear mine as a shirt and so I wash it frequently.
How much weight can a Moby wrap or Solly wrap hold?
A Moby (or Boba) wrap can safely hold babies 7-45 pounds. A Solly wrap can safely hold babies up to 25 pounds.
How to Tie a Baby Wrap – Moby Wrap Instructions Video
Step-By-Step How to Tie a Baby Wrap – Moby Wrap Instructions
There are a few different ways to wrap a baby. This is my favorite way.
- Find the middle, usually indicated by a tag, and then find the two ends.
- Most companies make it easy by adding a tag. If you make your own wrap, I suggest adding a tag or a ribbon to make it easy.
- Take the middle, where the tag is, and you’re going to put it right below your chest on your abdomen.
- Take the right side and put it across your back and over your left shoulder, making sure the fabric stays open and straight (not wadded up). This ensures the weight of the baby is more evenly dispersed.
- Place the fabric under the fabric that is over your abdomen.
- Take the part that is over your abdomen, bring it behind your back and grabbing it with your right arm bring it over your right shoulder, always making sure the fabric stays flat and is laying nicely.
- Taking the fabric that is over your right shoulder, place it behind the middle piece of fabric that is covering your abdomen. Now there are two pieces of fabric over your shoulders and through the front.
- Now I like to get the straps really tight by pulling and adjusting them.
- The first few times won’t feel right, but push past it because you will love it. There is definitely a learning curve.
- Take the ends of the fabric and cross them over and put them around your back. Then cross them again in the back, bring the fabric forward, and tie in the front.
- Check in the mirror to make sure everything is nicely spread out, and the wrap over the shoulders is laying flat.
- Now put the baby in by holding them up on your chest with their head on top of your shoulder.
- Take your left side first, put your hand under the fabric and put the fabric under the baby’s bottom with their leg out.
- Repeat on the other side: put your arm through the right side, and put the fabric under the baby’s bottom, allowing the leg to be out.
- You can place their arms in or out, it is up to you. If my baby is fussy, I’ll keep his arms in.
- The baby is already pretty secure in there, but now you have the third level of support by taking that front panel on your abdomen, the part with the tag, and you are going to pull that up over their butt to about right below their neck.
- You can cover their legs up with the front panel, or leave them out and tuck it under their legs when it is warmer out.
- I like to gently tuck their heads under part of the shoulder fabric to keep their head secure so they can sleep.
Other Posts About Baby And Family Life
- Minimalist Baby Essentials – Baby Checklist
- How I Get Everything Done With 5 Kids
- 6 Important Things To Consider Before Having A Home Birth
- Best Diaper Rash Cream
- How To Make Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Shop my favorite baby wraps
Boba Wrap– Holds babies up to 45 pounds, and is super affordable.
Moby Wrap– I used this for three of kids and loved it! It is better for a winter baby, because it is a little heavier.
Keababies Wrap– This one is crazy cheap! I haven’t tried it, but since wraps are essentially a long piece of fabric, can you really go wrong?!
Jessica White says
If you would like more information about all the different Moby Wrap designs that this article didn’t mention, be sure to check them all out here: https://onbabyworld.com/newborn/moby-wrap-instructions-how-to-use-the-moby-wrap/
Heather says
Does wearing your baby all day make it harder for him to sleep alone at night?
Connie says
Hi Lisa- Thanks so much for this post on how to wear a baby wrap. I am a first time mom, home with my almost 2-week old boy, David Wild (but we call him โJackโ). My question on the wrap is: Iโm constantly breast feeding, but have to use a nipple shield. So can I access baby & breasts without untying the entire wrap? Iโll practice it myself but thought Iโd see what you advise.
My husband made two batches of your Diaper Rash cream last night. We opted to use Chamomile instead of Lavender and are eager to begin using it! Next we want to try your lotion recipe.
Thanks for all the great info. Itโs inspiring and helpful! Iโm going to go try to wrap up Jack so I can make some biscuits for brunch ๐
-connie
Jackson Hole, Wyoming