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. Let’s say you are looking for a better way to carry your newborn besides the usual bulky carriers in the market. In that case, Boba Wrap offers a good compromise between the two.
Essentially just a single, albeit a long, piece of fabric that you tie in a specific way around your body, the Boba Wrap offers a more comfortable and secure way to carry your child without the need for anything too advanced and complicated to use. 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 continue, you may want to watch this video by Babylist on YouTube that gives a quick overview. After, you will want to read the rest of our article for a more comprehensive review of Boba Wrap.
How is a Boba Wrap Different? Boba Wrap Review
Some parents may be familiar with the many types of baby-carrying devices available. 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. These can be worn over your shoulders, similar to a backpack mounted in reverse. Then you can gently transport 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.
There are many materials you can use when making slings. Still, many parents prefer using slings made of slightly stretchy fabric with a ring adjuster, so you can easily adjust the sling length to keep your baby in the proper position respective to your body. Although you lose some structure, this sling offers more flexibility. These slings can be adjusted to fit your baby’s needs as they grow and change. This sling is recommended for newborns, as it is best to be carried in the cradle.
The Boba Wrap is available in a baby wrap design which acts as a sort of middleman between the two 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. The Boba Wrap will come in a standard 95% French Terry Cotton with some extra spandex for 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.
There is also a lighter, cooler version of the Boba Wrap meant for mothers who find themselves in warmer climates. 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 comes in several colors, from classic grey and black to more adventurous colors like different shades of blue, red, pink, green, and even some patterned designs.
The Boba brand also supplies the classically structured baby carriers for parents looking for more form when it comes to their carriers. These come in three distinct collections, the Boba Classic 4GS, the Boba Air, and Boba X.
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. From newborn to a preschooler, you can use this carrier for your kid’s consistently growing sizes through its adjustable seat and panel.
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. Any suitable carrier should be able to support your baby while also reducing the parents’ weight. The Boba Wrap, if done correctly, can keep the positioning of your baby secure while being respectful to the baby’s anatomy.
A properly secured Boba Wrap can help you ensure that your baby is evenly weighted and allows you to adapt the traditional “flexed wide legs” position babies use when being carried. Babies naturally feel attached to their parents. They may even try to mimic movements of the parent while moving and walking. 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. Some other carriers have way too much bulk to bring around, while the Boba Wrap can be easily folded and stuffed when not in use. The Boba Serenity Wrap is even more compact and can be packed away easily. Both versions can be machine washed and dried easily.
> > 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. The fabric is quite long and can be difficult to use in rush situations. Boba Wrap has divided the use of their wrap carrier into two distinct parts: Tying and Holding.
Tying
Tying might be the most tricky aspect of this as it will require the most memorization on the parent’s part. 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. Keep the cross area high, and don’t worry about needing to leave space for the baby.
- 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.
- Tie a double knot behind you or in front of the fabric that remains long.
The wrap should fit snugly, similar to a well-fitting tee-shirt that springs back on your body.
Holding
Once you have tied the wrap around your body, it is time to properly wrap your baby in the wrap. Similar to the tying guide, Boba Wrap has broken this portion down into 6 easy steps.
- When you are satisfied that the wrap fits around your body, (like a fitted t-shirt), position your baby gently 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. You can guide this out by making sure the fabric is touching both of your baby’s knees.
- Now, wrap the second shoulder piece around the baby and spread the fabric out again.
- Be sure to spread the fabric from the back of each 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.
It is important to make sure your baby remains in a safe and comfortable position when using a carrier. Even if you get your baby into the proper swaddle, they might end up moving around and getting into more uncomfortable positions. To fix this, perform what Boba Wrap calls a “Pelvic Tuck.” Hold the baby’s legs under where their knees bend and gently move them a little towards your body in an upwards motion. This will help your baby get into a more comfortable position, where their weight is evenly distributed. Boba Wrap Review
> > Click Here to See Boba Wrap’s Products < <
What is the cost of a Boba wrap?
The Boba Wrap is affordable at around $40 for the basic version. 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 Wrap Review
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 Wrap Review
Shipping takes roughly 5 days for the US and Canada. For customers in Europe, they can expect it in at most 7 days delivery. Free shipping is available for all US orders currently. There are occasions when you can get free shipping to other countries. Boba Wrap Review
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 Wrap Review
If you’ve been interested in exploring the other ways to carry your child apart from using your hands alone, give Boba Wrap a try. You and your baby will start thanking you for the more natural and ergonomic support that the Boba Wrap provides.
Their website also offers full refunds for any reason. 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 Wrap Review
Is Boba Wrap Safe for Newborns?
Yes, the Boba Wrap is safe for use for newborns up to toddlers for specific Boba models. For the classic Boba Wrap, you can easily use it for newborns up to roughly 18-20 months in age. The structured carriers can last even longer due to their adjustable straps and seats.
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?
When using a baby wrap such as the Boba Wrap, be aware of any weather changes. While little heat from sunny days should be fine, more intense heat may require you to use the lighter fabrics found in the Boba Air and the Boba Serenity Wrap.
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?
When first using any type of baby carrier, it’s important to be cautious. You might want to practice with heavier items such as the Boba Wrap first, so you can match your baby’s weight.
You’ll need to take extra care when using a baby carrier such as this. This includes climbing stairs, crossing doors, and turning corners. It goes to show that you should be following basic safety tips as well, such as avoiding any cooking or drinking hot food, traveling on a vehicle, or even any activity that can cause a minor accident like falling or tripping.
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.