A distinctive quality about woven wraps in my store is that they are hand-loomed or made on small mechanical looms in small batches for the express purpose of babywearing. So the fabric is made with the perfect strength, give, and support for optimum comfort.
But you know that people have been wrapping babies since long before there were baby wrap manufacturers. So you, too, can use a ready-made piece of fabric as a woven baby wrap.
I collected some information on the subject to share so you can make your own DIY woven wrap. A Woven Wrap is much more versatile and supportive than a stretchy wrap and now you can learn to make your own woven wrap so you don’t have to settle!
Chelsea’s 50/50 cotton linen blend from fabricland in Ontario. 5m 28in long and 28 inches wide with a 20 lb baby.
The fabric I see recommended most often for a DIY woven wrap project is Osnaburg.  Do be aware that this fabric may be permanent press which is achieved through the use of formaldehyde. Many people do not consider this dangerous for babies, but in case you want to avoid that, you can look for Osnaburg that is not permanent press.
Genna helpfully suggests, “Get an extra yard because it will shrink when you wash it the first time.” That’s good to know up front, right?
Savannah says, “I found fabric.com osnaburg to be stiffer than stuff I got off of ebay.” Putting your fabric through the washing machine several times should soften it up, as well as shrinking it down to size so that you know how much to cut.
Leslee says, “I used osnaburg from walmart and cut it about 32″ wide to allow for shrinking from dyeing and washing. I used tulip dyes (contacted company for safety) then sew it all around and I ironed on a middle marker.”
Some other fabric options are monk’s cloth and a 100% cotton jacquard weave tablecloth (both suggested by Sarah). Prasti says, “I used cotton muslin for mine…and it has lasted through all 4 kids . I like it because the fabric is not too heavy or too light, and it’s usually priced at 4.99/yard so it’s pretty affordable.”
Sarah’s DIY wrap with 100% cotton fabric
Sharon made her own DIY cotton gauze wrap. “I’d only recommend this for multilayer carries (FWCC and DH as examples) as the fabric is really thin. I also made this wrap much wider than a typical wrap (35 inches wide) to provide more support.” As a note, the gauze you find in a fabric store is likely to be thinner than the bottom-weight gauze used in making Wrapsody Breeze wraps, which means your gauze wrap may be a little diggier and flimsier, best used, as Sharon says, in multi layer carries. April adds, “I used 100% cotton gauze to make a wrap I didn’t mind using in the pool.”
If you do use your wrap for swimming, bear in mind that either chlorine or saltwater can begin to wear on the material after a while so keep an eye on the integrity of the fabric to make sure it is strong and safe each time you put it on.
What about size for your DIY woven wrap?
The first rule to keep in mind is that it’s a lot easier to shorten it than lengthen it! Start out long, wear it a bit, and then see how much extra you can cut off and still be able to do your favorite carries.
Most commercially bought stretchy wraps (like a Moby) are 5.5 meters. This is one size fits all, and if you are making your own and are not plus sized, I would definitely suggest making it smaller. However, you can start out long, try some carries, and then figure out exactly how much you want to cut off of each tail.
I don’t think stretchy carries should take any more fabric than carries in a woven, so you could probably use the below sizing for either type. If your wrap is long, though, you’ll end up wrapping the excess around you and that gets warm in the Summer!
Woven wraps are generally sized. 4.6 meters fit most moms. If you are particularly petite (under 130 lbs, and not too tall) you might be able to do all of the carries with a 4.2 meter wrap. Some very small moms use 3.7 meters. Again, if you’re making your own you can start using it and then shorten it to the perfect length. If you are a larger mom, you might want to go with a large wrap which is 5.0 – 5.2 meters. 5.5 meters would be considered extra large.
I have a lot of sizing advice available on my website including different carries that you can do with different woven wrap lengths (note, these carries are only for woven wraps and may not be safe with stretchy wraps): https://wrapyourbaby.com/wovenwraplength.html
Tami made a wrap out of silk fabric her husband brought from India. (make sure whatever fabric you choose is suitable and safe–some silk may be too slippery)
Choosing a size for your woven wrap can be very simple.
A wrap that is about 4.6 or 4.7 meters is perfect for most moms to do most carries. If you are new to woven wraps, you can just go with this size and feel confident you’ll be able to use it.
If you are smaller or larger than most moms, you might want to look at sizing down to 4.2 meters or up to 5.2 meters. There are also some brands that make extra large wraps anywhere from 5.5 meters (the same size as a Moby wrap) to 6 meters.
And, if you know you prefer shorter wrap carries, then choose a shorter wrap because you won’t be doing the full length carries. But if you’re new to this and just want to be told what size to get, go with a medium (4.6 meters).
That’s the simple advice. If you’re not so sure and want to delve into it a little more, I have lots of sizing help on my site and you can start with these links:
I can’t stand how gorgeous these pictures are from our Babywearing Ballet class last week. I can’t pick favorites, but if you can, comment to tell me which picture is your favorite!
She was gentle, as many of the moms had no ballet experience. All of them are babywearers, but this was the first time wrapping for many of them. I provided the EllaRoo woven wraps for this fun day.  So many moms wanted to participate that we had two classes back to back.
You can GET A THIN, LIGHT, ELLAROO WRAPÂ HERE, perfect for Summer and for fitness with your baby, whether you want to keep baby in a front carry or a back carry. We even had twin moms and nursing moms dancing in these wraps!
Mothers Day, or any day, is what you make it. You can decide to skip Mothers Day on the grounds that you deserve to be pampered more often than once a year. You can celebrate it on the grounds that it’s about time someone do something for you for a change. You can smile demurely because you know that your kids or your husband will spoil you whether you voice an opinion or not. You can make it about your mother, because now that you have kids you appreciate her more than ever.
I am having a Mothers Day Sale because there are many mothers who love wraps or would love to have a wrap, and they appreciate any help in getting one, and this is a good excuse to be nice to moms.
I am releasing mothers from any feeling of guilt over buying themselves a Mother’s Day present because I can almost guarantee that they deserve it.
I am admitting that no monetary purchases need happen in order to celebrate Mother’s Day, that priceless (and costless) gifts are wonderful, and that no gift at all is necessary to celebrate the love you have for someone.
And I am acknowledging that there are families for whom purchasing a wrap is a huge purchase, and should not be treated lightly whether it is Mother’s Day or not.
But I’m not going to let any of that stop me from treating Mother’s Day, and my Special Mother’s Day Event lightheartedly, with a spirit of play.
I just wanted to clarify that anything I post about this offer is intended to be fun and happy, and not to imply that husband’s are bad (or good), that mothers are deserving (or selfish), or that if you really love someone, you have to buy them anything!
Used Baby Carriers are big business, and why not?  It never hurts to save a few bucks, and most wrappers would argue that a woven wrap–like a good wine–improves with age (and use–probably not true of wine). A new wrap sometimes needs breaking in to soften it up, while a used wrap may already be two years softer than the new one.
Watch out for this pitfall though: sometimes the hunt for a wrap on the swaps can be difficult, hair raising, and nerve wracking. The buying and selling of wraps, like the buying and selling of stocks, is not for the faint of heart. You need to weigh risks and calculate security (Does this seller have feedback? How much? How old? How good?) and logistics (Is the seller paying shipping? Is insurance included? Is this wrap in this country? How did I end up on the Australian Swap Board?).
You may need to make split second decisions, and if you turned away from the screen for a moment to wipe a toddler’s nose or change baby’s diaper, you may return to find that you missed out on the deal of the century. The emotional turmoil can be stressful.
Or maybe you thrive under pressure. Some people bet on cockfighting. The Wrap Swap is more humane.
But, maybe it’s not the best place to refer brand new wannabe babywearers to. They might just back away in horror and go to Babies R Us instead. They might get burnt by a bad deal. They might become stressed from stalking the swap for a perfect buy, and what new mom needs added stress?
Instead, I suggest:
buying her a wrap as a gift (if you are close enough, and have the means).
sending her to a reputable retailer locally or online (I know a good one if you need a recommendation).
or even helping her pick out a wrap and then stalking the swap for her so she doesn’t have to.
Keep in mind that we retailers of new wraps, every one of them I have ever come across, are really friendly, eager to help, knowledgeable, and generally trying to make anything from a few extra bucks to a decent living to support our families in a business that we believe in strongly. We didn’t pick baby carriers after researching “most lucrative business plans” but by following our interest in wanting to help moms.
And think what else she’ll get out of it: someone to answer questions and help with any problems, and in most cases a return/exchange policy in case she got the wrong size or the colors look different in person. She gets a relationship with a person to help her get started wrapping. Don’t hesitate to refer someone to us–she’ll be in good hands!
David & Cassidy a couple of months before he turned 2.
My baby turns 2 years old tomorrow. This time two years ago I was quietly sitting in bed and smiling because I knew I was having a baby. My husband’s mother came over to stay with our sleeping girls, and David and I sneaked out of the RV, where we lived, and into the living room of our house that was for sale, where he set up a birth pool, my mother and the midwife were called, and baby and I got on with the business of birth. (Would you want to know if babies were born in the house that you are buying? 3 babies were born in this one.)
When the sun came up, and the baby came out, he was a little boy named Cassidy. It took a few months for things to settle down enough to start to get to know him. Is that awful? It was crazy trying to coexist with a newborn and a 1 year old, plus the 6 year old, while David was releasing a CD (I missed the CD release party when Cassidy was 2 days old) and still working his full time day job while we transitioned to living on the road like a pack of wild dogs or dirty gypsies. Thank goodness for family, in which David and I, and our children, have all been particularly blessed.
But I’m getting distracted by reverie. You can read his birth story here (I don’t have to write it again). My point was that Cassidy is two years old, and I don’t expect to have any more children.
We did a photo shoot a couple of months ago to get some wrap shots for our family business and I am so glad we did because the artist at Remarkable Photography (also known as Lee Anne) captured some of the best shots of our family, the only professional photos we have, and I didn’t know it at the time, but only a few weeks later Cassidy would become too grown up for wrapping.
My family, photographed by Remarkable Photography.
He’s so grown up now, his big sister (3 years old) is more likely to let me wrap her up. “Please,” I’ll say. “Please let me wrap you up–we can make a wrap video!” Nope.
big sister Annabelle, 3 years old
He was sick this week though, and that won me permission to wrap him a couple of more times. This morning we were going to go for a walk and he just wasn’t up to walking. “David,” I said, “Cassidy’s asking me to wrap him up–I think we’d better make a video. Quick, before he changes his mind!”
Cassidy not feeling well, wrapped up in the Breeze Ada wrap
But over the past month, I have rarely wrapped at all. I celebrate every moment of his independence (at least, the ones that don’t make me want to cry or tear my hair out), but I do feel a twinge about the fact that wrapping is slipping into my history. And it got me thinking about my wraps. What should I do with them?
Grandbabies. Yes, once your youngest turns two, it is officially time to think about becoming a grandmother. I don’t want to sell or give away my wraps. I want to give them to my children to wear their babies. And I will absolutely be borrowing them when I babysit. I am suddenly in exuberant anticipation of something that is about 20 years in my future. Oh, the future is bright and cuddly!
EllaRoo Mary was my first wrap, and I have wrapped all three of my children in it. That one’s a legacy wrap for sure.
Cassidy and I wrapped up in Mary EllaRoo
Annabelle takes a break from nursing to let me gaze at her 3 years ago.
Ada, age 4, taking a break on daddy's back at Busch Gardens
My Breeze Ada, the fairy wrap that my daughter Ada and I designed together. That one has been used to carry Annabelle and Cassidy, and that one will go to one of my children.
Cassidy on my back in Breeze Ada, in the North Carolina woods
Annabelle and I in our fairy wrap
And…the Inka Storchenwiege that I sold to a friend a few months ago because I didn’t need so many wraps anymore. How could I? What was I thinking?
Nursing Ada at the beach 8 years ago in Inka
It’s not the same Inka that I wore Ada in 7 or 8 years ago. But when I had my second baby, I missed having a gorgeous Inka and I bought another one–one that I wore both Annabelle and Cassidy in countless times. Interestingly enough, the first Inka I had was bought used, and then I sold it back to the original owner who had seller’s remorse for sentimental reasons. Hmm….
I emailed Lynnde, begged her to trade me, and today, just in time for Cassidy’s birthday, Inka came home, complete with the note you see in the picture.
Inka comes home!
One day I will go through all of our digital pictures (and all our actual photo albums when it comes to Ada’s baby pictures from before we had a digital camera or phones that took pictures) and do a tribute post to Inka, because that wrap has been present for so many wonderful family moments.
Annabelle loves Inka, too!
Cassidy and I swinging in an Inka swing Easter 2012
Cassidy snoozing in Inka while the girls play in the Mississippi mud
In the meantime, Happy Birthday darling Cassidy, sweet little gentleman. I love your curls and your laugh, your face when you’re being tricky, and your voice when you tell me you love me. I love the way you talk to your sisters, your agreeable nature and sunny disposition. I love your little round nose and your little round toes, the songs that you sing, and the way you flap your arms when you run through the house. I love to wrap you up, and I love to nurse you down. I love putting your shoes on while you sit on my lap and kick your legs. I love dawdling through the parking lot so you can read the letters and numbers on every license plate. I loved bringing you into this world, and I love every day we spend together.
I celebrated my birthday this week, and it seemed appropriate to address birth–as related to wraps, of course–in a blog post. Woven wraps have been used in many ways by many cultures, and in addition to babywearing, a woven wrap can be used to help a pregnant or laboring woman in several ways.
Pulling downward on a rope or strong cloth is an age old labor aid. It assists a pregnant woman in holding a supported squat position in which gravity contributes to the downward thrust of the labor. The upright squat position is ideal for helping a baby to become positioned for the easiest birth, and in this way can accelerate the progress and contribute to the ease of the birth. Pulling on your wrap for labor can be your lifeline and help support you and can also help you feel your strength.
A similar practice is to play tug-o-war with the laboring woman with a wrap, or towel, or a pillowcase with knots tied in the end to help hold on. A birth attendant might pull on one end and the laboring woman pulls on the other during contractions. Or a cloth could be looped around a bedpost so that the laboring woman pulls on both ends, and a second person is not needed to assist her. In the picture below of a pioneer birth, the laboring woman is pulling on the arms of her birth attendants, and even modern midwives will sometimes bring a towel or cloth and encourage the pregnant mom to “play tug-o-war” for the same benefits: for pain relief and to give leverage while pushing.
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Hanging a rope or cloth over a tree branch outside was traditional, but we don’t all have a place to do this during birth (or a clear sky, either). If you do not have a safe, strong way to hang your wrap from the ceiling, you might knot the end of the wrap and close it in the closet door with the knot on the inside and the wrap hanging over the top of the door so that you can pull outward and downward from the top of the door (pictured below).
Another way that a wrap can assist a woman in labor is when used to squeeze the hips to open up the pelvis, which can help the baby to become more ideally positioned, and also provides relief from back pain:
A wrap can provide a vital service in lifting the belly in order to assist the baby in descending during labor: Sometimes, as in my friend Nancy’s labor, the pregnant belly sticks way forward of the mommy like a torpedo, and the baby–instead of pushing downward in a direction that will cause labor to proceed and the cervix to open–will push forward and backwards (so that the mother feels the pushing in her back and at her navel) or will have no real directional push going at all because she is almost sitting on the mother’s lap, way out in that extended belly. This can cause labor to stall or to go very long without progress, exhausting the mother of strength that she will need for the birth. What to do? Lift the mother’s belly, so that the baby starts to move into place and exert a downward force towards the cervix. You can stand in front of mommy, holding her belly, or try to reach from behind with your arms around her. Or you can put the wrap under mommy’s belly and pull upward on that. You can even hold the belly in the desired position by tying the wrap ends together around the mother’s neck or shoulders, or some midwives and doulas may tie the wrap in place around the mother’s waist once the baby is in the desired position, to keep the belly, and baby from sinking back downwards in front of the mother. This article explains using a lift to help position baby and accelerate labor. Anything that helps baby into position ought to accelerate labor as it is that position that causes progress.
A wrap (traditionally a rebozo, a Mexican carrying cloth) can also be used to sift or jiggle the pregnant belly, loosening and relaxing muscles in the third trimester and during labor as demonstrated here:
Wraps can also assist the pregnant woman in pregnancy to provide comfort before the birth-day. This illustration shows one way that the wrap can be used to support the pregnant belly similarly to how I descried it above, but in this case, the support is to give the mom-to-be support in her third trimester, to easy the pains and weight of her now large belly, and could be especially advantageous to mothers of twins with twin sized bellies!
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Doula Kaytee demonstrates this method of belly wrapping with detailed tips:
Here’s another way you can wrap your pregnant belly for support:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1P_wOyvggc
Anastasia of Attached Mommies demonstrates belly wrapping:
And Post Partum? A woven wrap is most often used to carry the baby, of course, but it has other uses, too. Many moms feel that wrapping the belly AFTER baby is born can be very beneficial to helping the post-partum body to most quickly regain full health and the closest pre-pregnancy appearance. Many products have become available to achieve this, but a woven wrap or rebozo remains a simple and effective option that prevents the family from having to accumulate another pregnancy/birth expense.
You can use any supportive piece of cloth for this, either under your clothes or over them. Wrap the fabric tightly around your abdomen. It should reach from your hips up to cover your entire belly. It should be wrapped tightly enough that you feel the support, but not so tight that it is painful or that it needs to be adjusted when you sit.Â
Advantages have been reported when a woman wears the bind for the first 4-6 weeks of her baby’s life, but you can do it for as long (or short) as you like. Â
I know that several women have used this after cesareans and been very happy with their healing, but I would not want to presume to give medical advice and would suggest that a post-cesarean mama research for herself and check with a birth professional.
You do not want the belly wrapping to cause any pain.
Prolapse is another situation where you want to check with your medical professional.
Here is one way to use your wrap to bind your belly post partum:
“The Malay Way, in particular, focuses on the health of the womanâs reproductive organs. The Malay Way will heal the wounds of childbirth, reposition the uterus and restore the tightness of the vagina muscles. To achieve this, a special corset known as a âbarutâ is used throughout the 6 weeks. This ancient practice, until now almost unknown outside of Malaysia, is the key secret in ensuring a firm flat stomach, clean and devoid of stretch marks, even after undergoing several births. Furthermore it helps to correctly re-position the uterus.â
A recent discussion on the Babywearing International Facebook page prompted this post. Because this is something babywearers hear a lot.
By wearing your baby in public, we invite others to open up about their babywearing experiences.
middle-aged lady in the thrift store, “All they had when mine were babies was the Snugli!”
excited Asian man: “That’s how mothers carry their babies in my country!”
checkout clerk at the supermarket: “I had one of those when my daughter was a baby!”
mom with arms full of baby at the library: “I got one of those for my baby shower but I couldn’t figure out how to use it!”
African grandmother: “I haven’t seen that since I was a little girl!”
mother with a stroller, perhaps sadly or defensively: “I have one of those but my baby hates it.”
We all know that different things work for different families. The reason why this statement bears further looking into is because many babies who don’t like the sling, really do like it once the problem is found.
How can you respond to a parent who claims that their baby hates being wrapped up?
First, be willing to accept that it is true.
Second, be interested enough to discover if a change might be all that is needed to lead this parent and child to a happy babywearing relationship. You might end up with a friend for life!
Many babies “don’t like being worn” when it is new to them, and when they can tell it is new to their mommy, who is putting out uncertain vibes all over the place. Many babies “don’t like being wrapped up” when it takes too long to wrap them up, and the process is too fiddly, as is often the case when a mother is learning the art.
This mama may benefit from having your help to wrap her and her baby up more quickly, postponing the learning curve until baby is more familiar with the wrap. She may benefit from practicing on teddy bears for a while so that she can learn how do the motions smoothly, quickly and confidently so that it does not try her baby’s patience when she next puts him in the wrap.
Many babies “don’t like the sling” when they have not given it a chance on a good day, when they are dry, and clean, and rested, and fed, and cuddly.
Simply suggesting that the mamma try wrapping up only when baby is in a cheerful mood could change the course of their babywearing adventure. Assure her that once they are both accustomed to wrapping, it will be a life saver during the tired and cranky times, too!
And many, many babies “hate being worn” when the wrap or carrier is too loose, or not adjust quite comfortably enough by a new mom.
For any of these babies (and their parents), a little help goes a long way. Having a friend tweak the carrier (snug this up, pull this down and that up, tilt baby this way…) could result almost instantly in a cozy, snoozing baby and an amazed and happy mamma.
Many babies “hate to get wrapped up” because they dislike the process of getting into the carrier…but are happy once it is all done and they are comfortable.
Tell this mama to go for a walk immediately upon tying the knot. A walk is best because you have the benefit both of the motion of walking, and the distraction of scenery. Babies soon find that the wrap means they get to explore the world comfortably from a really good vantage. But if there’s nowhere to walk: sway, dance, start moving. Housework works really well, too.  Baby will likely come to anticipate the fun part of babywearing, and become patient with the process (and, of course, mama will get faster and faster at it the more she does it).
Babies, like the rest of us, can be very particular about details that can be difficult for us to predict given the language barrier. One baby doesn’t like pressure on his tummy; another baby wants to be able to kick her feet; the next baby doesn’t like feeling constrained; and a fourth baby wants to face the world.
Ask the parent if they’d like your help to try out some different positions, or different carriers, to see if there is one that baby will be happy with.
One thing I love about woven wraps is that they offer the most versatility for working with an individual baby’s needs. A mother may need to baby her injured shoulder, or is uncomfortable with a knot digging into her chest, and wrapping gives her the options to accommodate her particular needs. So wrapping can also accommodate baby’s needs. But in this case you may need to try a few different things to find out what the objection is, and what position will find favor with the little one.
Many babies prefer being held upright rather than in a cradle position, and upright carries are recommended from birth as a better position for novice babywearers to keep an infant’s airway clear. If mama has been working a cradle carry, show her how to wear baby upright.
Some babies don’t like having their feet wrapped in the carrier, and there is no need to tuck a baby’s legs into the carry, no matter how young. Help the mama find a comfortable position for baby’s legs with knees froggied higher than baby’s bottom, but still free to hang down. Make sure baby’s legs are not spread uncomfortably to straddle mama, but rather bend up in front of baby between mother and baby.
Some babies will be much happier if you wrap with one or both shoulders and arms outside the wrap. They feel less constrained. These babies might be the one who do not appreciate being swaddled (and might well want their legs out, too, as mentioned above). If baby needs head support, one side of the wrap can be pulled over arm, shoulder and the back of the head (see photo below), while baby’s face is directed toward the more open side, where his or her other arm can be out. This also allows for more of a view.
Some babies want to be able to see the world–not be tucked in against a parent’s chest. You can try wrapping one or both of baby’s arms outside the wrap to give them a better view. You can position baby sideways in the wrap, or wear baby in a high back carry that allows a view over mama’s shoulder. You can try a burp hold with baby high up on mama’s shoulder looking over her shoulder behind her. You can use a hip carry once baby has sufficient head control.
A baby with reflux may do well in a tummy to tummy position, while another reflux baby may hate any pressure on his or her tummy and do better in a sideways position.
Wrapping with baby's arm out of the wrap.
Burp Hold for colicky babies or those who like a view.
If your baby hates babywearing, you may be able to solve it and change that. And even if you cannot solve it, know that everything changes with babies. Often. Try again every couple of weeks. It may suddenly click for you both, and become a valuable parenting tool from which you both derive a lot of enjoyment!
Babywearing groups are great resources for a parent who would like to wear a baby but has a baby that hates to be worn. Your local babywearing group will usually be full of people who have a lot of babywearing experience and different babywearing experiences that they can share with you. They are part of the group because they really want to help make it work for you. Many groups have a lending library so that you can borrow and try out a different carrier, and if they do not, you may find group members who will lend you one of their own carriers to try.
Seventeen years ago I saw a woman wearing her baby in a cloth tied around her torso in a grocery store on Connecticut Avenue in Washington DC. I was 15 years old, and I didn’t know what it was or how you do it, but I decided then and there to wrap up my babies. I didn’t say anything to her. She never saw me, or knew how much she had just effected the course of my life.
I like to think that every time a mama wears this lending library wrap out in public, some teenager, or parent, or grandparent, or person is going to admire it, and quietly go home and find wrapping for themselves.
And if just half of those people one day show one friend, or neighbor, a stranger at the park, or their pregnant sister-in-law how to wrap up their babies . . . well, watch out Democrats and Republicans, because babywearers are about to become a majority party in our nation! (I apologize in advance for this next sentence…) A party running on a platform of love.
No pressure, DC-MD-VA mommies. Please feel free to just wear Vicky around the house, too!
*read to the end of this post if you want to see videos of the two carries*
I have always loved the Reinforced Rear Rebozo Rucksack Carry (also known as RRRR or the Pirate Carry because it looks like it sounds like AAARRRGGHHH!).
I think it is a fantastically supportive and comfortable back carry for all ages of baby/child, that can be done with a very short wrap. It’s really nice to learn some good short-wrap-carries so that you have some cooler wrapping options for Summer, and you only have to tote a short wrap with you (fits better in the diaper bag or tied around your waist).
The only problem with my beloved RRRR is that it wasn’t really an RRRR. I have been calling it that for years, but I finally noticed that the rest of the wrapping world called it the Double Rebozo. So I’ve got to rearrange my mind to wrap around this new truth: I have always loved the Double Rebozo.
So what is the RRRR? It’s a reinforced rucksack tied at shoulder. You bring both wrap ends over your shoulder as with the traditional rucksack carry, but one end is very short, and the other longer. You hold the short end under your chin, and you bring the long end under one arm, straight across baby’s back (that’s the reinforced part) and under your opposite arm where you now tie the two ends together.
And it’s just not as wonderful as the Double Rebozo. I regret all the times I talked up the RRRR and inadvertently recommended this carry that’s just not as sturdy and supportive as the Double Rebozo.
I actually avoided addressing the mislabeled RRRR issue for months because I didn’t want to admit that it was wrong. And I have a very popular Youtube video that is clearly labeled as RRRR. I’m not taking that down! I imagine that hoards of mamas have followed the mislabeled directions and happily believe that they love the RRRR. Well, more power to them, I say!
But I had to remedy this, because if our babywearing language is not consistent, how will we be able to communicate our beautiful folding, passing, bunching, smoothing, crossing and tucking activities to each other? How will I know that the mamas I send to do the RRRR will do the one that I really, in my heart, intend to recommend?
So I apologize for any confusion. Here is the video of the carry that I love, the one I think you should learn this Summer, newly tagged with its correct name–Double Rebozo:
And here, I’ve made a new video to demonstrate the real RRRR:
If you’ve done these carries, which is your favorite?
“I wish they had those when my babies were little!”
We modern babywearers often hear this sentiment ridiculously often. I would be surprised to meet a babywearer who hasn’t been told this at least once.
Yet our baby carriers are modeled after cultural babywearing carriers that have been used around the world for centuries!
The period of time in which European and American babies have not been worn, is really a very short gap and we are now returning to something more workable than strollers and bucket seats. We are going back to something simple and functional. Read More
My EllaRoo inventory is just about depleted. And, the Mary EllaRoos that many of you pre-ordered are almost done being woven and ready to ship from Europe. I’d like to ship everything at once, so I am going to have about a week of EllaRoo pre-orders to let you choose from all of the 20+ colors in the EllaRoo warehouse (not just the ones I usually carry) AND get a $20 discount.
EllaRoo is a fantastic Summer wrap, thinner and cooler than most woven wraps, but still strong and supportive (we use ours with our two toddlers). And such beautiful colors–more choices than ever available through this sale only!
I am clearing out the 2011 Deluxe Kindercoats. Some colors are available in several sizes, some in just a single size. Several are the only one in that particular color/size combo so if you see one you like, you’d better grab it.
How many more freezing days this Winter? How many next Winter? What about next baby? And did you know that you can wear this coat as a maternity coat and it also looks great worn by yourself when not pregnant. In other words, this one coat will fill your winter coat needs for many years. And it is a better deal than ever while I’m offering a $39 discount!
Use coupon code StayWarm to save $39. You should have your coat within the week!
There are so many wonderful wraps that need to be made, it’s really hard to just pick a design and go with it! I took a few of the most popular designs that customers asked for, and made quick, slipshod mock-ups and now you can help me choose which of them to pursue by taking this survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JFGB3JM
Right now the contenders are Celtic Tree of Life design, Medieval Dragon, Fantasy Creatures, and Music Notes.
Your vote could make the difference…
The wrap will most likely be a NatiBaby. Cotton, linen, or hemp blends are being considered. Colors, I haven’t even begun to think about!
I hope everyone reading this had as lovely a Christmas as I did, surrounded by (and often piled under) family, sparkling decorations, good smells, and the sound of laughter!
2013, I am so, so ready for you!
If you are watching Wrap Your Baby this year, you will see all kinds of excitement!
March will also bring a fun drawing for a gorgeous and highly coveted carrier from an amazing artisan.  Keep your eye out as you will not want to miss this opportunity!
In Spring you will see a magical design remade in soft, shimmery colors in a fantastic Summer wrap just for Wrap Your Baby. No, that’s all for now đ
And I am preparing to offer a new wrap brand with an astonishing array of amazing and unique designs, which I will notify you about as soon as they are ready for order!
In between the bigger changes, I have local classes and group sessions happening, I am looking forward to a super fun colorful photoshoot coming up, I hope to find some new products that customers will love (like doll wraps for the kiddos), and I have some sales planned on very specific products. Sometimes the sales only last a few hours, and the best way to make sure you don’t miss them is to “like” my page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WrapYourBaby
Oh, there are videos to put up and new instructional pages for even more wrap carries, website edits to provide better help to new babywearers who stumble across the world of woven wraps, gift certificates and other helpful functionality to add the website, and new articles and posts full of information and help on wearing wraps, choosing wraps, sizing wraps, nursing, pregnant, newborn, tandem wearing…
I’d better stop while I’m still optimistic. Besides, I’ve got work to do… but I will check back to see if you have left a comment.  Tell me, which of these things sound most exciting to you? What else would you like to see from me this year?
The week before Christmas I opened up a raffle to raise money for the Metropolitan Ministries which feeds, houses, and assists individuals and families in my community to find viable work and become independent.  I really like everything that I hear about this organization, and I found myself wanting to give more than I had in my pocket.
Thus, the raffle. And it was so rewarding to offer this opportunity for giving to my babywearing community. Hundreds of mamas and papas jumped at the chance, despite the fact that Christmas is a tight time for many of us. We took the wider view that any family with a turkey and a Christmas Tree is a rich family, and we found some money to donate to buy turkeys and presents for those who hadn’t any.
We raised $800 in those few days. And I was especially thrilled when Metropolitan Ministries announced that all donations on New Years Eve would be doubled by a special grant. I quickly sent the donation, and as as result, Metropolitan Ministries received $1600!
I really, really want to bring Mary EllaRoo back. She was my first wrap, and my favorite. She’s cradled all three of my babies. And I get asked about her all the time. No, sorry, this wrap was discontinued.
So what would it take to get Mary made again?
* I need 20 pre-orders to help me finance having an entire design woven just for us.
* It will take about 8 weeks for the wraps to be handwoven and shipped to me from Guatemala.
* It will take 3 days for US customers to receive them once I receive them. I’ll just have a shipping party that day.
I’m doing it. But I need orders in by Friday if this is going to happen right now. A little added incentive: coupon code: MaryTime gets you $10 off this exclusive and rare colorway!
Mary is 100% cotton handwoven in Guatemala. It is a popular Summer wrap as it is thinner than most any woven wrap around. It is a great Winter wrap, too, as it doesn’t add bulk under Winter coats and gear. Because it is thin, it is an easy to work with supple wrap that is great for new wrappers. Like all EllaRoo wraps, Mary has fringe on both ends, and the ends are not tapered.
The colors are are a beautiful, yet subtle kaleidoscope of earthy colors composed of shades of dark earthy red, mustard yellow, olive green, and autumn orange.
I love a good meeting of the moms! Some of the best people are moms! And babies, too, of course!
Today we got together to play with wraps. Sam videotaped Tara and I getting her charming little 10 month old wrapped up while nursing. I rarely do a cradle carry, but when my baby (or toddler) is nursing to sleep on my lap and I’m going to need to get up, the Front Wrap Cross Carry tied around cradle-position baby is my go-to! So here I am helping Tara into it for the first time. Only her baby wasn’t quite asleep, as you can see.
A Babywearing Christmas just makes sense – how else are you going to be able to do all the fun things that make the holidays so great? How else is baby going to get to be involved in so many fun things? If you want to go all out of Christmas traditions or holiday traditions, a babywearing christmas is your answer!
Meeting Santa: If your baby or toddler is intimidated by Santa this year, maybe you’ll consider introducing Santa to your little one from the safety of the wrap. The wrap will assure your baby that the whiskered man can’t get him, and Santa, being a gentleman, will probably be quite willing to stand and speak with the two of you.
Christmas Shopping: Shopping is a breeze with baby in a wrap. Keeping baby close eliminates the frustration of keeping track of the little bugger (or keeping him from destroying the wares), and also keeps babies more content for longer–meaning fewer meltdowns from too much shopping. If you’re lucky, the sound of your heart and the rocking of your steps will lull him to sleep in time to sneak a few presents from him into your basket.
Christmas Cookies and other Christmas Crafts: If your baby has older siblings, you may find yourself making Christmas cookies. The easiest way to do this with a little baby is to keep them wrapped up and out of trouble! This also makes more of your attention available for big brother and sister. Get more tips for making Christmas cookies with kids here!
Picking out a Christmas Tree:Â I can’t tell you how much easier it is to pick out a Christmas tree with baby wrapped up!
Decorating the Christmas Tree: Perfect for decorating the tree, too–keep baby out of the breakables and away from the Christmas lights (why is it so hard to find lights that don’t contain lead?!) but still in the middle of all the action.
Play in the Snow: Wrapped up may be the only way you’re going to get out in the snow for a walk to enjoy the crystal encrusted beauty; to play with kids; or get around your neighborhood!
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