Different types of carriers » What is a Woven Wrap?

A woven wrap, sometimes refered to as a GSW (german-style-wrap) is a piece of cloth that is specially woven to help distribute the weight of a child. A GSW has a diagonal weave, which means that it won’t sag with even a heavy child. It should also be able to mould to your shoulder without being diggy.

How is this different to a stretchy wrap?

Most of the stretchy wraps on the market are a stretch knit fabric. This allows them to be pre-tied and then stretch over the baby, making them easy to tie once and then put baby in and out. Unfortunately by about 8 kg the baby’s weight stretches the wrap too much for continued support of either baby or wearer. stretchy wraps also need 3 layers over the baby to support the child’s weight.  Woven Wraps are much wider than most of the strechy wraps on the market, and can be worn in single layer carries, making them significantly cooler to wear in hot weather. It is also possible to use a woven wrap to back-carry, while it is NOT safe to do so with a stretchy wrap.

Why do woven Wraps come in different Lengths?

Woven wraps come in lots of different lengths, usually in 2.6m, 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.6m and 5m. This is because there are lots of different ways to tie a wrap. Some ties require extra length, others use just the minimum of material. Some people don’t mind having tails (extra material) when they tie, others prefer to tie with no excess material.

What is the difference between the brands?

Bbslen is a Belgian brand. These wraps are considered to be wide, and  to be on the thinner side. Made in India. This is a cross twill.

Girasol is german brand. Not quite as wide. Considered flannelly rather than thin. Manufactured in South America. Also a cross twill.

Didymos wraps vary, – visit http://www.thebabywearer.com/ for specific questions. Didymos produces all of their carriers in factories in Germany and Austria. Didymos wraps are woven in many different ways, including cross twill, atlas weave and jacquard weave.

Ellaroo are thin, all have a fringe. Not a top pick for larger children (over 12kg) but wonderful in summer with a little baby. These are manufactured in South America. Ellaroo wraps are a plain weave.

Kokadi wraps are manufactured in turkey. They are all woven with a jacquard weave. Generally the wraps are thin-medium in thickness, and not grippy.

Bara Barn are a very thin, but wide wrap that comes ONLY in a short length. They are 2.75m and are a great option for summer, or for occasional carrying as they are thin and light  and fold up very small.

ALL the carriers we stock are produced in a fair-trade environment.

How do i use a Wrap?

this guide  has links to instructions for many different ways to wear your wrap. You tube is also a great place to start, include words like ‘woven wrap’ , ‘baby ‘ and the postion you are interested in (front, back, hip) in your search.