Overview
Babywearing is one way of carrying or transporting your baby without using a stroller. It’s a hands-free method that lets you (or other caregivers) keep baby close for a snuggle, but you can still do other things with your hands.
Traditional wraps are among the most common products used for babywearing.
Baby K’tan and Moby are two of the most popular baby wrap brands offering a range of products.
Which of these two brands offers the best baby wraps? Is putting your newborn baby in these cloth wrap carriers safe, and are they easy to use?
Continue ready for our detailed review of each brand’s original and classic baby wrap to help you find the best choice to meet your needs and preferences.
What’s A Baby Wrap & Do You Need It?
A baby wrap is a baby carrier that’s made almost entirely from cloth, without buckles, rings, or clasps that might dig into your baby’s soft skin.
They can come in different forms, with wraps from Baby K’tan created in a ready-to-wear, double-loop design (available in different sizes) and those from Moby in a single fabric, one-size-fits-all style (see photos below) that you wrap and tie around your body.
Baby wraps aren’t considered a “must-have,” yet many parents prefer getting one for convenience, especially if they plan on spending more time babywearing their little one.
Different clinical trials and studies reviewed by a 2020 study in the Infant Behavior and Development journal showed that babywearing can also promote a strong bond between parents and their babies as a form of attachment parenting. (1)
Babies in babywearing groups appear to form secure attachments with their parents or caregivers and are less likely to have a disorganized attachment (a child struggles to form secure bonds). (1)
Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Babywearing & What’s The Limit?
A 2020 randomized controlled trial, also published in the Infant Behavior and Development journal, showed that more hours spent babywearing appears positively correlated with more secure attachment. (2)
The more time you spend babywearing, the more likely it is to have better effects on your bond with your baby. (2)
So, it might be a good idea to get a baby wrap to take advantage of these babywearing benefits.
While baby wraps can be a bit more complicated than traditional baby carriers, many babywearing parents agree that it becomes easier with practice.
Baby K’tan Original vs Moby Classic: Key Points
Main Similarities
- Made of 100% cotton
- No hardware (buckles, snaps, rings, or zippers)
- Hands-free convenience
- Available in unisex styles and prints
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
What Makes The Baby K’tan Original Better?
- Ready to wear and use; doesn’t require wrapping or tying knots
- No excess fabric to tie or deal with
- Individually sized for the perfect fit for each caregiver
- Weight limits: 8 to 35 lbs (Moby Classic can only be used for babies up to 33 lbs)
- Five wearing positions (Moby only has four)
- Includes matching sash that doubles as a handy carry bag
- Has certifications, memberships, or approval from different government agencies, including the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association), IHDI (International Hip Dysplasia Institute), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International, and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- Offers limited lifetime warranty
What Makes The Moby Classic Better?
- 100% hypo-allergenic cotton
- One size fits all; there’s no need to buy additional wraps for other caregivers unless you want to have different ones
- Offers free one-on-one product support (Zoom, Skype, or even Facebook) to help you learn how to use the baby wrap (more of this below)
- Better versatility and functionality (the product can be used for other purposes)
- Costs slightly less
Continue reading for detailed reviews of each baby wrap.
The Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap
Pros & What Makes It Special?
Design
- Ready-to-wear cotton wrap (it’s a baby wrap that doesn’t require wrapping)
- Double-loop design (two pieces that are interconnected instead of just one whole fabric) that slips on easily (just like wearing a t-shirt)
- No hardware such as buckles, snaps, rings, or zippers
- Hands-free convenience
- Can be ideal with skin-to-skin kangaroo care or discreet breastfeeding
- Unisex design; can be suitable for moms, dads, and other caregivers
- Individually sized for a better fit for each adult (but you need to choose the correct size)
Materials Used
- Natural, chemical-free fabrics
- One-way stretch fabric
- The Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap is made of 100% natural cotton.
Size Options & How To Choose
- Individually sized from XXS to XL
Refer to this size chart to find the perfect fit:
Capacity & Weight Limits
- 8 to 35 lbs
Conversion Options Or Carrying Positions
- Five wearing positions
- Front (facing you), outward (facing forward), and hip carry positions
Prints & Colors
The Baby K’tan Wrap (Original) is available in four solid, unisex colors:
- Original black
- Heather gray
- Eggplant
- Original denim
The Baby K’tan Prints Baby Wraps have similar specifications as the Original, but they come in different printed styles:
- Graphite gray
- Misty blue
- Leopard love
- Sweetheart gray (with little hearts)
- Sweetheart black (with little hearts)
- Savvy snake
- Mad for plaid (gray)
- Mad for plaid (black)
- Floral garden
- Dandelion
Other prints and colors are also available with other Baby K’tan baby wraps (see products below).
Packaging & Storage Options
- Includes a handy carry bag that converts into a matching sash (can be used as an added back support for your baby when they’re bigger)
- Also fits easily in your diaper bag for easy stashing
Safety
Back Support For Moms & Dads
- Evenly distributes your baby’s weight across your back and shoulders
- Adjustable band provides optimal support for your back
Is This Baby Wrap Ideal For Newborns?
- Yes, as long as your baby weighs at least 8 lbs
- Consult your pediatrician before babywearing if your baby is under 8 lbs
Ease Of Use
Extra Features & Other Specifications
Certification & Brand Memberships
- Approved Hip Healthy by the IHDI
- ASTM International
- CPSC
- JPMA (member)
- Canada Textile Flammability Regulations
- European standards
- The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (member)
Cleaning Options
- Machine washable
- Dryer-safe
Lifespan & Durability
Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty
Expiration
- Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons & Disadvantages
- Needs to be the correct size for each caregiver (it means that you might need to buy more than one if you aren’t the same size as your baby’s dad, mom, co-parent, or other caregivers who will use the baby wrap)
- Some complaints about experiencing difficulties in using the product, sizing challenges, poor fabric quality, and non-breathable materials
- Costs more than the Moby Classic Baby Wrap
Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
“Comfortable, cute, and easy! Baby falls asleep in it and I have my hands free to get other things done. Baby loves it, I love it—an all-around win.” – Reviewer on Baby K’Tan
Negative Reviews
“This material really loses its shape and stretches out between washings. So, it ends up loose in some places and doesn’t provide enough support for the baby.” – Reviewer on Amazon
Different Baby K’tan Baby Carriers
The following are baby carriers from Baby K’tan and their differences:
- Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Baby Carrier – made from 100% natural cotton
- Baby K’tan ORGANIC Baby Carrier – made from 100% certified GOTS Organic cotton
- Baby K’tan BREEZE Baby Carrier – made from 100% cotton (with 50% cotton, 50% cotton-mesh)
- Baby K’tan ACTIVE Baby Carrier – made from 100% polyester
- Baby K’tan ACTIVE OASIS Carrier – made from ultra-flexible nylon, polyester, and spandex blend
Moby Classic Baby Wrap
Pros & What Makes It Special?
Design
- A long piece of fabric that you need to wrap and tie around your body
- One-size-fits-all style (no need to get additional baby wraps for other caregivers unless you prefer having different colors for each user)
- Offers versatility and functionality (the product can be used as a stylish breastfeeding privacy blanket, scarf, or sash when you no longer need it as a baby wrap)
Materials Used
- 100% hypo-allergenic cotton
- Breathable material
Size Options & How To Choose
- One piece of fabric that’s 18 ft (5.5 meters) long
- No guesswork in finding the perfect size to fit you or other caregivers
- If you’re a petite and slender user, you can wrap the excess tails behind your back, then bring the rest forward again to tie in the front (see photos below).
- If you have a wider waist, you might find it more comfortable to wrap the tails behind your back (see photos below).
Capacity & Weight Limits
- Babies from 8 to 33 lbs
Conversion Options Or Carrying Positions
- Newborn hug hold (your baby’s feet tucked inside the wrap)
- Hug hold (your baby’s feet dangle from the wrap)
- Kangaroo wrap and hold
- Hip hold
Prints & Colors
Available in solid colors or prints, such as:
- Disney’s vintage Mickey and Friends
- Disney’s Minnie Mouse
- Pacific (dark green)
- Pear (light green)
- Stone gray
- Black
- Rose quartz (light pink)
- Terrazzo (mosaic print)
- Leopard
- Dusty rose
- Olive etch
- Cocoa
Packaging & Storage Options
- No extra or matching sash and bag
One-On-One Training & Support
To help you learn how to use the baby wrap, Moby also offers free one-on-one training through Zoom, Skype, or even Facebook with the brand’s Certified Babywearing Educator.
To book a training, contact Moby through the following:
- Phone number: (888) 629-9727
- Email: info@mobywrap.com
Safety
Back Support For Moms & Dads
- When wrapped correctly, your baby’s weight is evenly distributed across your hips and back.
- You can adjust the shoulder straps for added comfort.
Is It Safe To Put Newborns In A Moby Wrap?
- Yes, as long as your baby meets the minimum (8 lbs) weight requirement
Ease Of Use
Here’s a guide on how to use the Moby Wrap:
Extra Features & Other Specifications
Certification
- Not indicated
Cleaning Options
- Machine wash (use gentle detergent with cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle)
- Dryer safe (lowest dryer setting only) or hang dry
Lifespan & Durability
Warranty
- Not indicated
Expiration
- Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons & Disadvantages
- Not pre-formed; requires wrapping from scratch
- Some complaints about the fabric being too long and touching the floor, especially during the first steps of wrapping it around the body
- Some complaints about the lack of back support and the knots loosening after some time, requiring readjustments
Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
“The material is a breathable and soft feather knit which feels like a softer t-shirt.” – Reviewer on Moby Wrap
Negative Reviews
“On the very end where you tie it around your waist there’s this huge tag that’s thick and sewn in, makes it hard to tie and ugly as hell.” – Reviewer on Amazon
Different Moby Baby Carriers
The following are baby carriers from Moby and their differences:
- Moby Classic Baby Carrier – made from 100% natural cotton
- Moby Evolution Baby Carrier – made from a stretchy cotton blend
Summary & Recommendations: Which Is Better, Moby Wrap Or Baby K’tan?
Baby K’tan vs Moby Wrap baby carriers have different pros and cons. Choosing the baby wrap that suits your needs and preferences is best.
Choose Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap if:
- You prefer a ready-to-wear carrier that doesn’t require wrapping or tying knots
- You want an individually sized product for the perfect fit for each caregiver
- You like one that has a slightly higher weight limit (up to 35 lbs)
- You prefer having more wearing positions
- You like one that has a handy carry bag
- You feel safer with a product that has many certifications and approvals from third-party and government agencies
- You prefer one with lifetime warranty
Choose Moby Classic Wrap if:
- You’re looking for a product made from 100% hypo-allergenic cotton
- You prefer a one-size-fits-all wrap, so you won’t need to get more for other caregivers
- You want a brand that offers free one-on-one product support (for learning how to use the baby wrap)
- You like its versatility and functionality (can be used for other purposes)
- You prefer one that costs less
FAQs
Can My Baby Safely Sleep In A Baby Wrap?
Yes. The cloth provides soft head support for your baby. But ensure that your baby’s mouth and nose are facing away from your skin and aren’t covered by the cloth.
Will A Baby Carrier Or Wrap Hurt My Little One’s Legs & Hips?
When used correctly (be sure to study the product manual), baby wraps can offer ergonomic positioning for your baby’s healthy hip development.
What’s The Best & Most Suitable Material For A Baby Wrap?
This can depend on your preferences, the season, or the climate.
Lighter, breathable cotton wraps are ideal for summer and hot climates, while thicker linen or bamboo wraps might be best for colder climates and winter use.
Other Baby Products: What Are Alternatives To The Moby Wrap?
- Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier
- Boba Wrap Carrier
- Solly Baby Collaboration Wrap Carrier
- Lille Baby Dragonfly Wrap
- Ergobaby Aura Baby Carrier
- Mebien Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Is Boba Or Moby Better?
They have similar styles and price ranges, but Boba Classic Wrap might be slightly better than Moby for the following reasons:
- Longer range of weight requirements (7 to 35 lbs)
- Certified hip-healthy by the IHDI
- Adjustable spandex fabric for a better fit
Buying Guide & Baby Carrier Types
Baby Wrap Carriers
Pros
- Made entirely of fabric; no hardware to possibly dig into your baby’s skin
- Most can easily fit inside a diaper bag
- Offers versatility (depending on the design, can be worn in a variety of positions and used for varied purposes aside from babywearing)
Cons
- Wrapping can be complicated
- Extra fabrics (tails) can be unsightly
- Can become hot due to the many layers
- Stretchy fabrics can loosen after several uses or washing
Ring Slings
Pros
- Stylish cradle for younger babies; hip carrier for older babies
Cons
- Less versatile than baby wraps
- Has hardware (rings)
- Provides less support and usually has fewer positions available
- Lack of way to fully secure the fabrics, posing possible safety risks
Solid Baby Carriers
Pros
- Lightweight metal frame to keep the carrier’s shape and support your baby’s weight
- Durable and heavy-duty
- Ideal for hiking or other outdoor activities
Cons
- Usually heavier than the other baby carrier types
- Usually pricier and bulkier
Soft Structured Carriers
Pros
- Requires no guesswork
- Can provide better ergonomic support than wraps or slings
- Lighter and more versatile than solid structured carriers
- Ideal for use even for lengthy periods
- Usually have higher weight limits than wraps or slings
Cons
- Aren’t ideal for newborns (except products that come with removable newborn inserts)
- Usually bulkier than wraps and slings, making them difficult to place inside a diaper bag
- Has buckles, clips, and zippers that need to be secured at all times (and can dig into your baby’s skin)
- Sizing options might be limited
References
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7502223/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31877392/
