talk to me about a wrap...

What I can add to Jen's thoughts:

what sort of material is it made out of?
A wrap can be made out of any type of material, of course others are easier to work with than others. Knit jersey, solarveil, solarweave, gauze, cotton....

stretchy or not?
I have to say both. At least for me, both. I live in my water wrap, as it has SPF 15 in it so it's good for the pool, shower, and being outside. It's stretchy though, which can be a pain, so for times when stretchy is too annoying I prefer cotton gauze.

does it have a steep learning curve?
It can....depends on how handy you are I think. Peppermint.com is where I learned how to do carries....I have yet to be able to try a back carry though. Once you get it down it's really easy. The front cross-carry is (IMO) the easiest to get started with. Frankly, I found learned a wrap easier than learning a RS...which I never got down.

what about nursing?
I haven't got this one down yet either sadly....I only came across wraps late in son's babyhood.

WHY is a wrap desirable?
compared to a ring sling?

Frankly...I don't know I think it's a preference. I think they look cool and elegant, reminds me of pics I've seen of moms in other countries carrying their babies. RS's can be just as elegant though. I personally found wrapping easier than RS's but that's just me.

what about comparing it to a pouch?

Pouches are great (IMO again) for young babies, 3 mo and under. After that, I like wraps because frankly I couldn't get DS to like his pouch again....his little legs are just too long to fit comfortably in one.

how versitile is it?

Very much so I think! Several different types of front, hip, and back carries are possible.

How quick can you get your babe in/out of a wrap?

I'm such a klutz with tying....once I get it tied correctly it's a breeze to pop in ds and off we go. A min or 2 usually....if I have to stop and adjust it takes longer but I think this is because I am nowhere near very proficient yet.

I have used ring slings since my babes were born,yesterday i impulsively bought a ultimate baby co. wrap and im hooked it has a nice ring to thred through makes it tight around the waist. : I may still rs though.

Quote:
All your other questions were already answered but I wanted to add about the time concern. Wraps look alot harder then they are. I'd suggest sarting with just one position and getting it down pat before moving on to the next. And you can tie most without putting the baby down I (and most people I know who use wraps) can tie the FWCC in under a minute and never put the baby down.

Wraps are great. And if you don't mind a challenge, they are the best! Versitile, for sure. The way to wrap is endless. Check out www.wearyourbaby.com for great info and find a NINO group in your area for terrific hands-on experience.

The learning curve is steepest of any of the carriers, IMO, but the coolness factor is awesome. Wrapping your baby in a simple piece of cloth just makes you feel like an earth mama!

I will agree with PP to start with one type of carry and master that before moving on.