Of all the ways to wear a baby, I’ve noticed that woven wraps are the least popular among new babywearers. Yes, there is definitely a learning curve with woven wraps, but honestly, I feel like they aren’t used as much because you don’t really hear about them! It’s sort of this underground world. Today I’m here to shed some light on woven wraps.
I’ll address commonly asked questions, explain the ins and outs of woven wraps, and share almost all of the knowledge I know! So, here you have it: my beginner’s guide to woven wraps.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WOVEN WRAPS
What is a woven wrap?
A woven wrap is a long piece of material that you can manipulate into different carries to carry your child. Women have been wearing their children in wraps (or sometimes towels/pieces of cloth) for centuries! It’s one of the oldest forms of babywearing.
There are two types of woven wraps. Machine-woven and handwoven. Some wraps are woven by machine, and they typically cost less (since it’s less labor), and some are woven by hand on a loom by hand (see photo below). The process of weaving a wrap by hand is very time-consuming, so that is typically why you’ll see them cost around $500 U.S. dollars (and some are way more!)
If you are beginner it’s a good idea to start with a simple, base size 6 (4.6 meters) wrap, as the carries are easier for beginners to master. Once you master longer carries, you might see the need to try out other sizes/carries, and you can go for a shorter wrap if you want!
Woven wraps are made out of several different types of materials. Some are made out of 100% cotton. Some are a cotton/linen blend. Others are made with fibers like hemp, silk, or wool. Each weaver decided when they sit down to weave what they’ll use.
The cool thing is that different fibers mean different levels of support. For example, hemp or linen blend wovens can be light and airy; great for summer or hot weather. Wool wovens can be cozy and heavy; great for winter!
The type of fiber (or warp) you have will give you a different type of wrap quality. Some wraps are more “glidey” and others are “grippy”. Wrap qualities are what us woven nerds like to chat about hahaha.
So, there are several different carries for woven wraps. Like A LOT. But the single most used one I believe is the Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC). I have shared how to do it many times on my Instagram, and you can see a video on my IGTV channel here. It’s fairly simple once you practice a few times!
I’ve seen this question so much. I answer it in detail in this blog post, but I get most of my woven wraps on buy sell trade pages on Facebook. In fact, 90% of the wraps I own are used! I prefer it that way, as they’re usually more broken in, and go for a bit cheaper. It’s kind of rare to buy a wrap brand new, to be honest!
What are your favorite brands?
See this post to find out which woven wrap brands are my favorite! I wrote them out and shared some photos as well!
Woven Wraps FAQ’s
GENERAL:
What is the average price range of woven wraps?
The range really is from about $100-$700 for machine woven wraps.
Where can I get one?
I wrote a post on where to buy woven wraps. See it here!
How long can you use them? What is the weight limit?
Woven wraps can be used pretty much right out of the womb. (If your baby has a special medical situation, is under five pounds at birth, or born premature, however, I would consult your doctor first!) As far as maximum age, I believe most wraps can be used with kids until around 45 pounds.
Are they more comfortable than soft structured carriers?
So, I feel like wovens are way more comfortable, but that’s because it’s like a big blanket that you mold to your baby and around baby. That being said, as far as long-term support, soft structured carriers are a great option too. It’s all about preference.
I joined a few facebook pages and noticed that they’re hard to buy. Thoughts?
So, if you’re after a wrap that is made in very small quantities (we’re talking like 2-3 wraps per release) then they will be hard to buy… additionally, addressing the next question – they’re expensive because a lot of people may want them and are willing to fork over a pretty penny for one.
For example, I once bought a SSC Tula for around $1200, even though it was only worth $360. There was a limited quantity made, and a lot of people wanted them!
Why are they so dang expensive?
See the above answer!
I am having a c-section and I wanted to know if you can use a wrap after surgery?
Yes, you absolutely can. A fwcc shouldn’t bother your tummy. I think wovens would be more comfortable than SSC’s because those have a waist strap.
It seems like wraps are sturdier than stretchy wraps. Is this true?
Do they hold better than Moby wraps? I feel like baby slides a lot.
Yes, ABSOLUTELY. And for this reason, I don’t like or wear stretchy wraps. Wovens are more comfy, supportive, and grippy. They don’t slide around. I just do not like stretchy wraps. At all. They last for maybe two months then baby get too heavy.
Are they super hot in summers? How do you stay cool while wearing woven wraps?
Not if you get the right blend! See my above explanation on wrap fibers!
The cool thing is that different fibers mean different levels of support. For example, hemp or linen blend wovens can be light and airy; great for summer or hot weather. Wool wovens can be cozy and heavy; great for winter!
SIZING:
What are the pros to smaller than your base size wraps? (shorties)
So, there are a few reasons to try out a shortie. A shorter wrap (size 2 or 3) doesn’t drag on the ground, so if you are out and about it means you won’t drag your tails on the ground when putting baby up.
Another reason you might want a shortie wrap is if you want to do a carry like a ruck or a rebozo. These carries only require one “pass” meaning, one layer of wrap. If you have a super long wrap it will hang down and be in the way.
Are woven wraps good for short women?
I’m going to say yes! You can choose a wrap that’s smaller (size 4 or 5) and it means less tails, and you can customize carries for your height too. I don’t think it would be an issue for short women!
CARRIES:
If I’m trying a woven wrap for the first time, which carry should I start with?
Yay! I’m so excited for you to dive into the woven wrap world! Definitely start with a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC), as it’s the easiest to master, and it is actually how you start many of the other woven wrap carries.
Sitting always feels awkward in a woven, is there a trick?
Baby probably isn’t high enough up on your torso. Once they reach a certain size sitting won’t be comfortable. I found sitting with my newborn was amazing, but now that Norah is almost six months old it isn’t very comfy. She expects me to move.
I can’t get it tight enough – I feel like she will fall out – help!
So, you need to really pull tight when tightening the wrap… there should be NO slack at all. Think of it like you are wrapping them in a swaddle. You want it to be tight – you really can’t tighten too much.
Can you wear them as a sling?
You can! It’s called a rebozo carry, with a size 2 or 3 wrap!
Do you use woven wraps outside or do you prefer buckle carriers?
I love wearing my wovens both inside and outside! I wear them at home a lot because I don’t like to get the tails dirty, so some stay home, but many of them I take out with me too! Usually the darker colored ones.
I have several video tutorials for doing different wrap carries on my Instagram/ IGTV channel! Click here to see those!
I really hope this post about woven wraps was helpful to you! I spent a lot of time educating myself on the world of wovens when I started wearing Gracie several years ago, but it was well worth it! Wrapping and wearing in general is one of my favorite things about being a mom.
Questions still? Ask them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer! Thank you so much for reading!
Love this!! Wearing my baby in a carrier right now but want to use my wrap from my last baby. Thank you for doing the videos!! It will take some practice remembering how to use my wrap. Lol! -Pamela “TheSparkleMomma”
Thank you for all the info. My niece sent me a picture of the wrap you are wearing standing in front of the dresser. I am a weaver just for friends and family and she wants me to weave her this wrap. Do you know where I could get the pattern draft for this wrap. She is absolutely in love with it!
Love this!! Wearing my baby in a carrier right now but want to use my wrap from my last baby. Thank you for doing the videos!! It will take some practice remembering how to use my wrap. Lol! -Pamela “TheSparkleMomma”
Thank you for all the info. My niece sent me a picture of the wrap you are wearing standing in front of the dresser. I am a weaver just for friends and family and she wants me to weave her this wrap. Do you know where I could get the pattern draft for this wrap. She is absolutely in love with it!