Wraparound carriers for infants and toddlers are usually made of a fabric which is strong enough to hold a baby’s weight but elastic enough to ‘give’ a little when pulled. This provides a comfortable cocoon in which your child can feel safe, loved, and enjoy the contact with you which most children desire.

Wraparound carriers have been around for hundreds of years. Indian woman, Asian woman, and women from all walks of life would wrap their babies in a long cloth and then wrap baby around themselves so the baby was close to their heart at all times. They were busy, working women and needed a way to take care of their children while working, so they wrapped their babies up and carried their little ones with them.

Today both women and men use wraparound carriers to keep their babies close with them while they shop, work around the house, or do all sorts of things. The wraparound carriers are usually made of cloth, but there are some that are made from durable plastic and are designed so you can carry the baby on your hip so you distribute the baby’s weight down your legs and across your hips so as not to burden your back. If you have a back problem this can be a concern for you. Other wraparound carriers are more like pouches and can carry infants near your chest but once the baby gets bigger, you may need to switch to a different kind of wraparound carrier.

The Mei Tai carriers were first found in Asia several hundred years ago and can now be found all over the world. The Mei Tai style is a large, square piece of cloth with four long straps of cloth coming from each corner of the square. You can configure this wraparound so that the baby or child – up to 35 pounds – is facing you in front, on your back, or on your hip, and then secured with the long straps of cloth. This is a beautiful wraparound for both mother and father and can securely carry the baby.

Wraparound carriers also come in many sling styles which go over the shoulder. Some have a pouch which can cradle infants against the stomach area. This style is ideal for infants and smaller babies. There are other styles which are better used with older children or babies who are able to sit up on their own. Other wraparound carriers have a sewn in ‘bottom’ area which has a quilted cloth which helps keep baby comfortable.

Wraparound carriers are preferred not only by babies and children because they like to be held and this helps them feel more secure, but also by parents who then know their child is safe and close by in the wraparound carrier. Parents have peace of mind because they know where their child is at all times and there is no fear that someone could walk off with the child which unfortunately could possibly happen with a stroller. It’s always a good time to enjoy some peace of mind and hands-free carrying with the large selection wraparound carriers available to parents.

Learn more about baby slings and carriers to understand why many parents choose wraparound carriers for comfortable baby wearing. David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.