Need advice: Just got a BaliBreeze and I hate it

[Shonahsmom]

The fabric totally does not match the pic. It is a little scratchy and extremely hard to work with and instantly hurt my shoulders. I also sized up according to the sizing chart and but it is so short that I will have to knot it in the back instead of bringing it around again to the front again like I do with the moby.

I have lusted after one for so long. They look so pretty and versatile on line. I sold some clothes and dipes and decided to spring for it. I am totally bummed.

She doesn't do refunds, only exchanges and store credits.

Is this just a bad first impression? Does anyone here have Bali Breeze love? Should I maybe exchange for the next size up and hope it gets softer and more manageable with a washing and some practice? Anyone have thoughts on the Bali stretch?

[Carrruth]

Bummer! Sorry to hear she won't do a return. Is there anything else you might want from her store?

As for it being uncomfortable, are you spreading the wrap out over your shoulders or is it bunched up? Just wondering if there might be something you could do to make it feel better on your shoulders. Guaze wraps are not as supportive as woven wraps, but some people really like the lightness of guaze. The fabric should definitely get softer with washing.

The Bali Stretch is a lot like the Moby, but it's a little less stretchy than most stretch wraps. I know people who have used stretch wraps with their toddlers, but most people prefer to switch to a different kind of carrier once their baby gets older. So I wouldn't really recommend getting a stretch wrap if you already have a Moby, unless that is really what you a planning to use long term.

Maybe you can sell it on The Babywearer and get a woven wrap since it sounds like you're interested in wrapping. You might even be able to trade someone for one, or get a used woven wrap on the forum for a good price.

[KJoy]

I have a Bali Baby Breeze that I used a ton during dd's first summer. It was great in the summer heat, but as she got heavier I found that I had to wrap carefully to avoid any pressure points. Make sure the top rail is really snug, and, like the pp said, make sure the fabric isn't bunched up. There's definitely a learning curve, as there is with a woven wrap. Oh, and mine isn't soft like my wovens, but it's not crunchy at all - definitely gets better with wash and wear.

How old is your lo? I've heard that the Bali Baby Stretch wraps are fabulous for very young babies, but, like with any stretchy wrap, you'll want more support pretty quickly, especially when you're ready for back carries.

Good luck! Sorry the fabric looks different from the picture. That's a bummer.

[pixiepunk]

gauze definitely softens up with washing and use. all wraps are going to be a little stiff when they're brand new.

gauze is finnicky and can cause pressure points if you wrap sloppily (i'm a sloppy wrapper so i could never make it work very well for me with a heavier baby). but if you practice and work on wrapping it, you should be able to make it work.

mobys are *really* long. most wraps are not going to be that long. and if you can do a wrap cross carry with it and tie it in the back, why bring the wrap all the way back around and tie in front? of course i'm one who hates dangling tails and excess fabric, so i tend to use shorter wraps vs. longer ones, and have always cut down my stretchy wraps because the length drives me nuts.

the bali stretch is nice, but it's going to be a lot like the moby, only less stretchy. but still not useful IMO once they get heavier, and not good for back carries.

so i guess if you feel like you want the extra length, see if you can return it for a longer one. wash it several times, and maybe braid it when you're not using it, and it will definitely soften up. i have a rebozo length one that i cut down from a longer wrap and it is really super soft, i use it as a scarf/shawl now, since i don't do one-shouldered carries much anymore. and i owned a ring sling made with one a few years ago, and it was nice and soft too. so it will definitely soften up with use and washing.

[Adasmommy]

Usually a front wrap cross carry (if that's what you're doing) is tied in the back. Mobys are so long because they're one size fits all, so that's probably why you're used to tying in the front.

If you prefer it, I'd exchange it for a longer one. But if you got a gauze wrap because of the benefit of staying cool, realize that less fabric wrapped around your waist will be cooler!

It won't ever feel like the Moby, but it should soften up. There is definitely a difference to get used to between using a stretchy wrap like the Moby and a gauze or woven. But I completely prefer woven wraps over stretchy and would expect you to be comfier in the long run. Now gauze, some people are comfy in and some aren't.