Stretchy wrap for a toddler?
Question:
A friend of mine has a baby slightly smaller and younger than my son (
who is 14 mos. 24 lbs and 33 inches tall). I purchased a “sleepy baby”
wrap online yesterday because she LOVES carrying her daughter in hers.
I am wondering if I should send it back – I’ve heard that carrying him
will be uncomfortable because he is too big. I plan on wearing my wrap
for a long stretch at a time. Should I be worried? What would you
suggest? Are there any carrying positions that are better for
older/heavier and taller children? Thanks so much.
Answer:
Hello!
I personally have never used a stretchy wrap. I too read that they
were not as good for heavier babies, and since I have big babies
anyway, I figured it would be better to go straight to wovens. That
being said, I have heard that the Sleepy Wrap is one of the more
supportive stretchy wraps available. However, honestly, I think you
would probably be happier with a woven wrap. I’ve heard that stretchy
wraps are very difficult (or impossible) to do back carries in, and
back carries are really lovely with a toddler. At your son’s age and
size, I would definitely recommend trying out some back carries. Front
carries will still work, but you’ll probably find it a little hard to
see around him. 
Hip carries are nice at that age too.
If this is your first time using a wrap, I would tend to suggest you
try some front carries, just to get the feel for the wrap. Some front
carries also let you tie the wrap on first and then pop your child in,
which helps you both get used to the wrap without all the fumbling
that sometimes happens when you are first learning to wrap. The very
first carry I learned was Front Cross Carry. After you are feeling
comfortable with the wrap, try some back or hip carries. When starting
back carries, I would recommend you try Jordan’s Back Carry first, and
see how it goes. I find it easiest. If you have trouble with it, let
me know what your difficulty is, I’ll have suggestions. As for hip
carries, I like Robin’s Hip Carry the best.
Hope this helps! Feel free to write if you have any more questions! 
Jordan
wrapababy.com
Follow-up Question:
Hello again,
Unfortunately I was working on a budget and the sleepy was a gift of
sorts, he got sick of me watching youtube videos online about the wrap
and gave me the money for one . I can’t afford to spend the money
it takes to get a Didymos or something comparible. Is there anyway
that I can buy the fabric and make my own? If so do you know how to
make it or the material that I should use? Sorry for bugging you I’m
just curious and I think my son will love this on long walks – he
HATES a stroller and quite frankly so do I. Thank you so much for your
time.
Answer:
Hello!
I completely understand money being tight. I saved up for my first
wrap for several months before I could afford it. You can definitely
make your own wrap, however, honestly, it will never be GSW (German
Style Woven) quality. The fabrics they use really are special, and you
won’t be able to find anything like it. That being said, you can use
just about any fabric and make your own wrap. I would recommend
cotton, not stretchy, although a little give is nice. Thicker fabrics
are going to be more supportive and comfortable. Then just cut it to
size.
It is also possible to find pretty good deals on used wraps on eBay or
assorted forums online. If you can’t even afford that, though, I
understand, it’s just an idea.
Hope this helps!
Jordan
wrapababy.com
