Choosing a Hybrid Wrap Baby Carrier
One of the fastest growing and most interesting category of baby carriers right now is the hybrid wrap carriers. Not quite a wrap, not quite a carrier, but a comfortable and convenient blend of both.
Maybe it’s a reflection of the cost of living that parents are looking to get one carrier that ticks the boxes of both a stretchy wrap and a structured carrier – although I think if this is the case there are some things to consider if this really will be a cost saving exercise for you.
Although I think the main reason most parents buy a hybrid style wrap/carrier is because they like the idea of a stretchy wrap – ie a 5 metre length of soft stretchy material – but are intimidated by the process of wrapping/tying off.
If this is you – check out this very detailed step by step how to put on a stretchy wrap video and reach out to me if you do have any questions or concerns, because if you do want a wrap and are just a little nervous I think anyone can learn to use a wrap. You just need a little patience, practice and someone to support you and boost your confidence.
What Is A Hybrid Wrap Carrier?
As this category grows I feel like the definition gets a bit broader and the edges between a wrap and a soft structured carrier gets a little fuzzy, but essentially my definition is:
- Stretch/knit fabric* for the front panel and over the shoulders.
- Has some hardware (buckles, sling rings)
Wrap Hybrid carriers essentially are taking the benefits of using a stretchy wrap, with the soft flexible that perfectly moulds to and supporting a newborn baby – with the ease of use as well as, in some cases, a bit more of the longevity and versatility, that you’d expect from a structured carrier.
However – it’s important to remember that combining two very different styles of carrier doesn’t mean you are buying one ultimate carrier that does absolutely everything.
It means you’re compromising the features and benefits of both options and end up with something that sits in between.
*If the fabric is woven then you’re probably looking at something like a Mei Tai, Meh Dai etc which are such an underrated option in Australia and you can really see how modern baby carriers (like Ergobaby, LILLEbaby etc) have borrowed the basic shape and design of these traditional carriers.
Which Wrap Hybrid Carrier is right for you?
All Wrap hybrid carriers sit somewhere on a scale of straight up stretchy wrap to fully structured buckle carrier – and where you should be looking on that scale really depends on why you want a wrap hybrid in the first place.
If you want a wrap hybrid because you are looking to just buy one carrier to use for the first 12-18months. Hybrid carriers are typically more affordable than a full buckle carrier and you want the soft/squishy fabric of the wrap – then you want to be looking at the “carrier” end of the scale.
If you want a wrap hybrid because you like the idea of a stretchy wrap, but you’re nervous about the actual wrapping part, and you either don’t plan to use a carrier for more than 6-9months OR you’re open to the idea of buying another baby carrier later on – then you want to be looking at the “wrap” end of the scale.
Three examples of great Wrap Hybrid carriers – in order of wrap to carrier are:
- Redsbaby Connect Wrap
- Moby Easy Wrap
- Ergobaby Embrace
Redsbaby Connect Wrap
- Price: $79 (+ $9.95 shipping unless you’re able to purchase at an event)
- Ideal Age range*: newborn to 6 months
- Carry Positions: inward facing only
The Redsbaby Connect Wrap is as close to being a wrap as possible without actually being a 5 metre long length of fabric. Essentially the Redsbaby Connect Wrap works almost exactly like a stretchy wrap, except the cross at the back has already been sewn in.
The BIG advantage to the Redsbaby Connect Wrap is you can adjust it after you have the baby in the wrap – which is one of the biggest challenges when using a regular stretchy wrap is having to get the tension/tightness correct before picking up the baby.
So the Redsbaby Connect wrap gives you a full wrap experience, but just a little bit more new-parent-proof.
Redsbaby is also an Australian owned brand, however, the downside is that Redsbaby aren’t available in store so you don’t have the opportunity to touch and play before you buy. Unless you go to one of their demo-days or find them at a PBC Expo.
Moby Easy Wrap
- Price: RRP $130 (Market Value around $110)
- Ideal Age range*: newborn to 9-12 months
- Carry Positions: inward and forward facing
I love the Moby Easy Wrap because it gives parents a really sensible middle option between wrap and carrier. It has buckles and straps to be able to adjust and tighten to fit. It’s mostly “pre-tied” so it’s very easy to put on.
It offers a bit more support than a regular stretchy wrap, with also the option of forward facing, so you’re likely to get a bit longer out of the Moby Easy Wrap compared to a stretchy wrap.
Also without long lengths of fabric you’re not going to be dragging the “tails” on the floor when you’re wrapping and tying, so another big advantage of a stretchy wrap.
But it still feels very much like a wrap, with soft squishy fabric that perfectly supports a new baby.
Ergobaby Embrace
- Price: RRP $199 (Market Value around $130)
- Ideal Age range*: newborn to 12-18 months
- Carry Positions: inward and forward facing
Now we’re getting very close to an actual soft structured carrier with the Ergobaby Embrace. The Ergobaby Embrace is very similar to the Ergobaby Aerloom – which definitely is a carrier and not a hybrid wrap.
You’re getting more structure, more support, more capacity to grow to accommodate a bigger baby.
I would say that the Ergobaby Embrace is a perfect option for someone who likes the idea of a carrier for the ease of use and versatility, but you don’t like the bulkiness of a more structured carrier. So you want something that’s soft, squishy and newborn-friendly, with the benefits of a carrier.
Especially if you’re on a budget so you just want to get one, high quality, carrier to use from newborn to 12-18months, so there’s no point paying more for a carrier that’s designed to go from newborn to 2-3 years.
*Note: the “age range” I’ve included below is a very approximate guide and my own personal opinion based on over a decade working with baby carriers. The weight limit set by the brands refers to the maximum weight the materials/structure have been safety tested to, not the actual size and developmental stage of a baby or toddler at that weight.
