Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned veteran of the family, having a new baby can be tricky. It helps if you have a lot of old baby supplies that you didn’t get rid of yet, but there are times where you might be caught empty-handed when having to take care of a newborn. Suppose you’re in the market for a new way to carry a newborn and don’t want to have to bother with those heavy synthetic chest rigs or flimsy carriers. Boba Wrap is a great compromise between both.
The Boba Wrap is a simple, but long, piece of fabric that you wrap around your body. It offers a secure and comfortable way to carry your child. We will be discussing what makes a Boba Wrap a “Boba Wrap”, its benefits for babies, how to use one, the cost and our opinion about whether the Boba Wrap is worth it.
Before you go on, you may want to watch this video by Babylist on YouTube that gives a quick overview. After, you’ll want to read the rest of the article for a more comprehensive review.
How is a Boba Wrap Different? Boba Vs K’Tan
Many parents, both old and new, might be familiar with the plenty of types of baby-carrying contraptions out there. These essentially can be broken up into three types of baby carriers: Structured, Sling, and Wraps. Before we get into what a Boba Wrap is, let’s break down the differences in baby carriers so we can see how this full-body wrap sets itself apart.
Structured carriers are some of the most common carriers out there. These are the type of carriers with backpack-like straps and a whole structured body made up of differing materials for durability and flexibility. To use these, simply wear them over your shoulders (like mounting a backpack reversed) and gently carry your baby onto the main body. For a better fit, you should leave this seat area slightly loose and tighten any adjustable straps.
Structured baby carriers are helpful as they can be sold in different configurations, having your body on your front or your back as well as deciding whether they face inward or outward. What you gain in durability you may lose in adaptability as babies do grow pretty fast, and you may find your structured baby carrier outgrown in a few months.
The most popular type of baby wrap is the sling. It’s a single strap that wraps around your shoulders and around your body. These generally come in the same rudimentary shape that creates a soft pouch to cradle your baby while giving them ample support for their neck and back.
Slings vary in materials that can be used. Many parents prefer slings made from slightly stretchy fabric that has a ring adjuster. This allows you to easily adjust the length of the sling to ensure your baby is in the right position for your body. Although you lose some structure, this sling offers more flexibility. These slings are generally adaptable to your baby as they age and grow. It is still recommended to keep this use for newborns as they are best carried in the cradle position.
The baby wrap, which is the category that our Boba Wrap comes in, acts as a kind of midway between both carrier designs. The body sling is flexible enough to carry babies up to 35 months with a slightly different shape not too dissimilar to the structured carrier. You’ll need to learn how to handle this whole wrap as it usually comes in lengths of around 16 feet long, but with a bit of practice, you can find yourself mastering the wrap all on your own.
> > Click Here to See Boba Wrap’s Products < <
The Boba Wrap Design
The design of the Boba Wrap has been a standard over the years. Depending on the materials used, you can expect the Boba Wrap to come in their standard 95% French terry cotton with some added spandex to allow the wrap to have some give and shape retention.
Though body wraps can come in either this stench single fabric design or more intricate woven fabric constructions, Boba Wraps focus on their proprietary fabric blend to keep the wrap easy to use and contour to the shape of your body and your baby naturally. This four-way stretch allows you to keep your baby supported naturally without sacrificing any flexibility.
For mothers living in warmer climates, there is a lighter version of the Boba Wrap. These are the Boba Serenity Wraps, made from bamboo viscose, cotton, and spandex. Your Boba Wrap will have a lighter feel, but the same strength.
Boba Wraps generally come in a one-size-fits-all but do have the option to have waist extenders included for when you need that little extra space. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has certified the Boba Wrap, making it safe for those with hip problems. Boba Wrap is available in a variety of colors, including black and classic grey, as well as more unusual colors such blue, red, pink and green, with some pattern options as well.
The Boba brand also supplies the classically structured baby carriers for parents looking for more form when it comes to their carriers. They are available in three different collections: the Boba Classic 4GS, the Boba X, and Boba Air.
The Boba Classic 4GS is the Boba take on the classic baby carrier with supportive and soft structured walls for your baby’s needs. This carrier is best for smaller babies up to toddlers and can be used for front and back carry.
The Boba Air is a lightweight and packable carrier that uses durable yet flexible fabric to keep your child supported. This is best for short trips and comes with a hooded pouch and self-storing pouch.
The Boba X sits in the middle of the 4GS and Air and focuses on adaptability and adjustability for your baby. This carrier can be used for any age, from newborn to preschooler.
Which is better for your baby?
The main question most parents want to know regarding the Boba Wrap is if it is any better for your baby than other traditional baby carriers. The goal of any suitable carrier is to support your baby well while alleviating some of the weight off of the parent’s body. If done properly, the Boba Wrap can secure your baby while respecting his anatomical structure.
With a properly secured Boba Wrap, you can ensure proper weight distribution between you and your baby while adapting the classic “flexed widespread legs” positions that babies have when being carried. Babies are naturally clingy towards their parents and even attempt to sync in movements that the parent may have while walking and moving. For a more ergonomic experience, ensure that the Boba Wrap is securely secured and that your baby’s legs are properly tucked.
Another slightly off-tangent bonus of using the Boba Wrap is its sheer ease of portability. Other carriers are too bulky to transport, but the Boba Wrap is easy to fold and stuff when not in use. This goes double for the Boba Serenity Wrap, which is already thinner and makes for easier packing away. These two versions are easy to care for as well, as each Boba Wrap is machine washable and easy to dry.
> > Click Here to See Boba Wrap’s Products < <
How Do I Use a Boba Wrap?
We already mentioned how difficult it can be to use a Boba Wrap, or any other baby wrap carrier brand for that matter. It is a relatively long piece of fabric that can get confusing to use, especially when in a rush. Luckily, Boba Wrap has broken down the usage of their wrap carrier into 2 distinct portions: Tying and Holding.
Tying
Tying is the most difficult part of the process because it requires the most memorization from the parent. You can wrap yourself in the Boba Wrap quickly if you follow these 8 steps.
- Unfurl the wrap and position the Boba Logo (a useful little position indicator we have) over the center of your chest (where your heart is).
- Stretch the ends of the wrap and bring it around your lower back.
- Cross the same ends behind your back, then bring each crossed end over your shoulders and back to the front while maintaining the stretch.
- To avoid unwanted twists, keep the fabric flat.
- Take both ends, now in front, and tuck them over the original wrap you centered on your chest while maintaining the stretched tension.
- Pull down the two ends so that the main chest wrap brings itself up and is secured around your body.
- Cross the ends once more and bring them around your waist up until the back.
- Make sure that cross occurs above your sternum. Don’t worry about leaving space for your baby. Keep the cross area high.
- Cross the wrap behind you to secure the crossed wrap sections.
- If the wrap can go around your body one more time, have it go around until the front.
- A double knot should be tied behind you or in front if the fabric is long.
The wrap should fit snugly, similar to a well-fitting tee-shirt that springs back on your body.
Holding
Now that you have the wrap tied around your body, it’s time to prepare correctly swaddling your baby in the wrap. Boba Wrap also breaks this down into six easy steps, similar to the tying guide.
- Once you’re sure that your wrap is appropriately around your body (like a fit t-shirt), gently position your baby against your shoulder.
- Keeping your hold on your baby tight, move their leg under one of the shoulder pieces closest to your body.
- Spread out the shoulder strap to go over the entire baby’s bottom, back, and shoulder. This can be done by making sure that the fabric touches both your baby’s knees.
- Now, wrap the second shoulder piece around the baby and spread the fabric out again.
- Make sure the fabric is spread out from each backside of your baby’s knees.
- Look for the closest horizontal fabric wrapped around your body and pull it around your baby’s legs to the front.
- Pull this now-front panel over your baby’s bottom and up to their neck area.
- For newborns, make sure that all three layers (the 2 shoulder straps and the horizontal front panel) are meeting.
With any carrier, it’s essential to ensure your baby stays in a healthy and supported position. Even if you get your baby into the proper swaddle, they might end up moving around and getting into more uncomfortable positions. Boba Wrap suggests a “Pelvic Tuck” to fix this. Place your baby’s legs below their knees and gently pull them towards you in an upwards motion. This will help your baby get into a more comfortable position, where their weight is evenly distributed. Boba Vs K’Tan
> > Click Here to See Boba Wrap’s Products < <
How Much Does a Boba Wrap Cost?
The Boba Wrap stays reasonably affordable, with the most basic versions coming in at roughly $40. At this price, you can enjoy the different standard colors from vintage blue to classic greys. You can get some patterned designs for as low as $45, which is a great deal for a little bit of individuality. Boba Vs K’Tan
The Serenity versions come in at $59. Like we mentioned above, the Serenity wraps have a lighter and more breathable fabric that’s perfect for warmer climates or humid weather situations. The Boba structured carriers come in a bit more expensive, ranging from prices around $69 all the way up to $160 for specific models. Boba Vs K’Tan
Shipping takes roughly 5 days for the US and Canada. Customers in Europe can expect delivery within 7 days. Free shipping is available for all US orders currently. There are occasions when you can get free shipping to other countries. Boba Vs K’Tan
Boba allows you to return your purchase within 60 days, without any cost, if you are not satisfied. Additionally, you have a 1-year warranty on all products should you find any manufacturing defect. Boba can be reached at hi@boba.com if you purchase your Boba Wrap through a third-party.
Our Overall Impression
The Boba Wrap is a simple yet well-executed baby wrap carrier that comes in at relatively affordable prices. It is easy to find the right product for you thanks to their focus on premium materials such as French terry cotton or bamboo viscose. Boba Vs K’Tan
Boba Wrap is a great option if you are interested in other ways to transport your child than using your hands. You and your baby will start thanking you for the more natural and ergonomic support that the Boba Wrap provides.
You can also rest assured that their website offers full refunds if you find yourself unsatisfied with your purchase. Makes this purchase much easier to push through, knowing that you can easily have your money back just in case.
> > Click Here to See Boba Wrap’s Products < <
Frequently Asked Questions Boba Vs K’Tan
Is Boba Wrap Safe for Newborns?
The Boba Wrap can be used safely for babies and toddlers, depending on the model. The classic Boba Wrap can be used for babies as young as 18-20 months. Structured carriers last longer because of their adjustable straps.
Just make sure you follow the Boba Wrap instructions and keep your baby supported whenever they shift positions.
Do I Have to Worry About Heat with Boba Wrap?
Make sure to keep an eye out for any sudden weather changes when using a baby wrap like the Boba Wrap. You should not feel too hot on sunny days, but you might need to use lighter fabrics such as the Boba Air or the Boba Serenity wrap for more intense heat.
Always check on your baby’s comfort while carrying, as you will need to make sure they are getting enough oxygen and water while you’re out babywearing.
Is it Bad to Use the Boba Wrap Too Much?
It’s always good to be careful when first using any kind of new baby carrier. For trickier items like the Boba Wrap, maybe practice first with a weighted stuffed animal or toy that can mimic your baby’s weight before actually using it on your walks.
You’ll need to take extra care when using a baby carrier such as this. This includes climbing stairs, crossing doors, and turning corners. This shows that safety tips such as not cooking or drinking hot foods, not traveling in a car, and not engaging in any activities that could cause minor accidents, like falling or tripping, are important.
While there is technically no limit to how much you can use the Boba Wrap, always double-check the carrier for any frayed seams or damages to the fabric. This can affect how well the carrier works.