Stretchy or woven wrap?

[oliesmama]

I'd like to order a new snuggly wrap before baby arrives in November and have been looking at loveyduds (similar to Moby). Reading through these boards, I realize that a woven wrap will have a longer life since they can hold more weight but I'm wondering if I need that considering I loved using my Beco and my peanut shell with my first child (still love the Beco when I'm not so pregnant).

I like the price point of loveyduds (~$50) and love the prints (so many I'm having a hard time deciding!).

Should I just go ahead and get the loveyduds or is there a woven wrap with a similar (or lower) price point I should consider?

Thank you!

[Carrruth]

Woven wraps generally cost more, although you can find great deals on used wraps on TBW. If you think you're happy with your other carriers, then I would stick with a stretch wrap just because they are easier to use. I would be worried that you might not end up using a woven wrap as much since there is a bit more of a learning curve and you already have other carriers you like. However, you never know, you might just fall in love with woven wraps like so many other mamas!!!

[Jillian79]

I use woven wraps 90%+ of the time but I still found a woven to be a bit too much fabric at the very beginning with my son. I think if you really like stretchy wraps for the beginning then it's a great choice for you, but if you find yourself later wanting to do different carries, or wanting to wrap over using your other carriers then looking into a cheap used woven is an excellent idea.

[Quirky]

for a newborn i definitely prefer a stretchy wrap, as i think it takes a lot more practice and a lot more breaking in of the wrap for a woven for a newborn. if you want something that's in between a stretchy and a woven and still easy to learn on, you might consider a wrapsody bali stretch -- easier than a woven but a bit more supportive for longer use than a stretchy.

[oliesmama]

Great advice! I'll order the loveyduds and keep a woven wrap on my list if I would like an alternate to the other carriers I have.

Thanks!

[baturay]

I think it depends...if you are going to be able to buy the woven wrap later, than yes, stretchy wraps are easier to learn to wrap with and I'd go with the stretchy wrap. But, if (budget-wise) it's going to be hard to get a woven wrap later, I'd use the funds you have now to purchase a good woven wrap (Girasol, BBslen, Hoppediz, Neobulle). You can most certainly use a woven wrap from birth through toddlerhood. I've had mamas come wanting a stretchy wrap and then leaving with a woven wrap when they try one on and feel the difference in support and weight distribution. So, I don't agree that stretchy wraps are for newborns and woven wraps for older babies. I've met sooo many mamas that have started with a woven wrap and never used a stretchy. So, I guess my advice is to decide based on your budget in the long term.

[oliesmama]

Decided my best option is to get to a local babywearing group to see both types IRL and make a decision.

I appreciate everyone's comments! Thank you!

[Prisca]

Originally Posted by oliesmama

Decided my best option is to get to a local babywearing group to see both types IRL and make a decision.

I appreciate everyone's comments! Thank you!

If you have access to a group, that's the best thing to do so you can try them for yourself in person. Have fun playing with all the fluffies!

[limabean]

I would buy the woven wrap and make a stretchy wrap -- they're incredibly easy to make, even for a non-sewer like me.

You just buy 5.5 yards of stretchy cotton fabric, cut it to a 23-inch width (or even have the fabric store lady do this for you), and you're done! No hemming required -- mine held up through tons of wearing and washing, with no fraying at all. If you want to go all-out, you can sew a button or something in the center so it's easier to find for putting on, but that's not necessary if you'd rather not.

It only costs a few dollars and seriously takes about 5 minutes to do.

[ann_of_loxley]

I would personally go for a woven wrap. Go on 'thebabywearer.com'. You can get a used wrap you will love for much cheaper if money is a problem (and when is it not? lol).

[Adasmommy]

I second the suggestion of getting a used woven wrap--that way it's cheaper AND softer.

I'm expecting in December and can't wait to wrap my baby in a soft, warm, woven!

[oliesmama]

Originally Posted by limabean

I would buy the woven wrap and make a stretchy wrap -- they're incredibly easy to make, even for a non-sewer like me.

You just buy 5.5 yards of stretchy cotton fabric, cut it to a 23-inch width (or even have the fabric store lady do this for you), and you're done! No hemming required -- mine held up through tons of wearing and washing, with no fraying at all. If you want to go all-out, you can sew a button or something in the center so it's easier to find for putting on, but that's not necessary if you'd rather not.

It only costs a few dollars and seriously takes about 5 minutes to do.

So, as one who is not at all crafty, is there a specific fabric I ask for when I go to the store? Is saying "stretchy cotton" sufficient? Or is there a more specific term?

Thanks!

[K-Mom3]

Originally Posted by oliesmama

So, as one who is not at all crafty, is there a specific fabric I ask for when I go to the store? Is saying "stretchy cotton" sufficient? Or is there a more specific term?

Thanks!

Look in the knit section. I like jersey knits and T-shirt knits. Once I get to the knit section I feel every fabric to find one that is extra stretchy and not too thick.

I'm wondering--could you make a woven wrap as well? I assume that would be better hemmed. Does anyone know the name of the fabric most are made of?

[limabean]

Originally Posted by oliesmama

So, as one who is not at all crafty, is there a specific fabric I ask for when I go to the store? Is saying "stretchy cotton" sufficient? Or is there a more specific term?

Thanks!

I used a jersey knit. You can just feel the stretchy cottons until you find one that feels like a t-shirt, thin, soft, and stretchy.

K-Mom, you could definitely make a woven wrap, but I would think you'd have to hem all the way around to avoid fraying, so it'd be slightly more labor- and skill-intensive. I'm sure any woven fabric would work, so if you just feel them and choose one that's soft and thin, it should work fine. I would probably bring my Maya Wrap ring sling with me and try to find something similar to that.