Do I want a stretchy wrap or a Close Caboo?

A stretchy wrap offers the cuddliest, closest carries and the most flexibility. The long fabric has a little bit of elastic stretch, so you wrap it around you tightly and your baby stretches it out further. People describe the feeling of a good stretchy wrap as a giant hug around you both! Learning how to use a stretchy wrap is simple, if you follow our guides below or even better, get some help from a professional! Your stretchy wrap can stay on all day– you do not need to untie and retie whenever your baby needs to be taken out or wants to be carried again. Read more about stretchy wraps here.

A Close Caboo is great for those who find tying fabric more of a challenge, but still want the sleepy cuddles with their newborn. This carrier is more structured, presewn into place, and can be just slipped over your head. The fabric does not stretch in the same way, and is tightened into place by pulling the two cross passes through the rings at the side. It is very easy to use, and can also be left on all day for your baby to be popped in and out.

Breast and bottle feeding is possible with both these slings; we suggest you see the sling as a feeding aid, rather than as a hands-free option. Read more about feeding in slings here.

It is worth choosing your stretchy wrap well; they are not all the same. High quality stretchy wraps are designed to have the optimal amount of elastic stretch that moulds well around you and does not sag. We choose to only stock “two-way” stretchy wraps which stretch along their width and their length. With our years of experience working with new parents, we know that two-way stretchy wraps are much easier to use and very well loved, compared to the older style “one-way” stretchy wraps (which only stretch along their width).

We want you to feel confident using your stretchy wrap; it can take a few goes to feel you have it just right. These tutorials and videos will help. Pay attention to getting it nice and snug before baby goes in, and ensure they are well positioned.

Here is a Carrying Matters photo tutorial for how to use a stretchy wrap, including how to flip the shoulders for greater airflow around your baby’s face.

Here is a Sheffield Sling Surgery video with captions showing you how to put your baby into a two-way stretchy wrap with confidence.

Here is a Carrying Matters video where Rosie discusses and demonstrates how to ensure excellent positioning and airway support with a stretchy wrap.

These videos show you how to flip the shoulders of a stretchy wrap, and how to take baby safely out without untying.

These videos show you how to flip the shoulders of a stretchy wrap, and how to take baby safely out without untying.

Our chosen brands are

• the Hana Baby wrap, an excellent bamboo blend all-rounder. Soft and silky and not too thick, this medium weight elastic wrap is popular with parents who want to avoid feeling hot.
• the Calin Bleu wrap, the lightest and thinnest stretchy wrap, in bold colours. Great for warm summers, it is our budget option.
• the Coracor, a delightfully snuggly elastic wrap, with a classic range of prints, one of our favourite wraps with a touch of luxury and style.

Here is a Carrying Matters video showing you how to put your baby into a Close Caboo with confidence. Preparation matters!

Here is a Carrying Matters video showing you how to take your baby our of the Close Caboo without waking or removing the carrier.