What is a Wrap?

A wrap is a long piece of fabric that can be used to carry your baby in different positions from birth through toddler and later into preschool. There are two basic types of wraps – stretchy or knit/woven that can come in a variety of different fabrics including silk, cotton, wool, or combination of materials with various textures. Wraps are popular with babywearing families because of their versatility but can be intimidating for first time users. 

Knit wraps can be used to carry your baby on your chest, back, and hip. Here are simple tips to get started with carrying your newborn in a knit wrap and learning to breastfeed while babywearing.¹ 

Before Getting Started

Knit wraps are not one size fit all. They come in different lengths depending on your size, and the type of carrier you will be using. To start, select a knit wrap based on your t-shirt size for a basic newborn front carry. Continue to explore other sizes and materials as you become more familiar with knit wraps and other ways to carry your baby. 

Learning to carry your baby with a knit wrap has a learning curve and can take time to master. Connect with a local or a virtual babywearing group that has certified babywearing experts that can help you learn and perform safety checks to ensure you are properly wrapping your baby. 

Safety checks to consider include:

• Baby’s airway is clear
• Baby is high enough to your face to kiss
• Ensure your baby has enough support on the neck, back and hips
• When learning to use a knit wrap, lean over the bed or couch and always have another adult with you.

How to Do a Front Cross Carry with a Knit Wrap 

Step 1

• Center the wrap flat against your chest.

Step 2

• Keep the wrap centered on your chest and bring one end behind your back and over your shoulder.

Step 3

• Keep the wrap centered on your chest and bring the other end behind your back and over your shoulder.

Step 4

• Both ends should now be hanging over your shoulders and you have a pocket ready to sit your baby.

Step 5

• Hold your baby high over your shoulder, then slide them down into the pocket guiding their feet out through the bottom of the knit wrap.

Step 6

• Spread the top edge of the wrap up to your baby’s shoulders and the bottom edge down under your baby’s bottom forming a seat. The legs should be spread open forming an “M” shape with their knees higher than their hips.

Step 7

• Support your baby with one hand and use your other hand to pull the wrap end to tighten and wrap around your baby. Pull upwards instead of forward to get a tighter, more secure fit.

Step 8

• Continue to pull and tighten each side individually until your baby is secure with both ends wrapped around their body.

Step 9

• Bring both wrap ends down along the sides of your baby’s body and cross them under the baby’s bottom and legs.

 Step 10

• Tie both ends in a double knot behind you. Congratulations! You did it! 

Breastfeeding in Your Knit Wrap

Before you try to combine the two skills, establish breastfeeding and practice wrapping your baby in a knitted wrap. Wrapping your baby in an upright position like the “front cross carry” will make it easy to adjust to breastfeed.

Step 1

• Untie the knot behind you.

Step 2

• Support your baby’s bottom, then bounce up and down. Your baby’s weight will pull the wrap down to the level of your breast to latch. Don’t let your baby fall too low or you will need to provide support with your hands as you breastfeed.

Step 3

• Once your baby has latched and you are both comfortable, tie the wrap ends behind your back.

Step 4

• After nursing, lift your baby high with one hand and untie the knot behind you with the other.

Step 5

• Tighten each end by pulling upwards until your baby is safely secure. Then tie the knot again behind you. 

Pros & Cons of Knit Wraps

✔Good for long term use – newborns & older babies

✔Easily adjust for different body types

✘Learning curve, proper tying takes practice

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Babywearing and Breastfeeding

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References