Frequently Asked Baby Wrap Questions

Is my baby too small for the Sleepy Wrap?

No. No baby is too small for the Sleepy Wrap. Although your little one may seem too tiny, she has just spent nine months in the womb and finds it much more comforting to be snug, secure, and close to you in your baby wrap than to be extended and alone in a stroller. The Sleepy Wrap is actually designed especially for infants. The fabric ensures a perfect fit for you and your baby without any extra bulk or wrinkles. Although the Classic Love Your Baby Hold is appropriate for all ages newborn to toddler, some moms prefer not to separate their baby's legs in their first months of life and choose to use the Hammock Hold or the Upright Newborn Hold. If your baby is very small the latter is probably the best. All holds on the site are safe and appropriate for the developing necks, hips, and spines in even the tiniest of infants. Even premature babies may be worn in the Sleepy Wrap. There are never any pressure points on your baby.
What are the washing instructions for the Sleepy Wrap?

Machine wash cold with like colors. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. We recommend washing the wrap before use.
Is the Sleepy Wrap suitable for hip and back carrying?

It is possible to use Sleepy Wrap for front, side and back carrying. We recommend front carrying (not forward facing) for infants as the optimal position. It is easier to wrap, the baby goes in and out easier, it goes over both shoulders (instead of one as in side carrying), and it provides easy and discreet nursing access.

Can you use the Sleepy Wrap to carry twins?

Yes, the Sleepy Wrap can be used with twins as well. It will accommodate newborns easily. We only recommend carrying both babies in the Sleepy Wrap up until the babies are about 2 months old. The suggested ages of your baby is only a guide. Please take note of your child's own physical growth and development. You can use the Upright Newborn Hold and put one baby in each of the shoulder pieces. Since you are carrying two very precious babies please make sure that the wrap is secure and tight and use common sense and your best judgment regarding your babies' safety while in the carrier. Put your arm around your babies when you feel that it's needed for extra security. We do not recommend carrying twins in the Hammock Hold.

When the twins get older, different moms do different things. Some moms have written to us that they carry one baby in the front with a Sleepy Wrap and use a soft ergonomic backpack baby carrier to carry the other baby on their back. Some buy two Sleepy Wraps and have their husband carry a baby as well! Others wear one baby in the wrap and push the other in a stroller and swap who gets carried and who gets pushed. You do have more options than just the double stroller!

Is it alright if I use the Classic Love Your Baby Hold with my newborn, or should I not separate my baby's legs?

Since the design of the carrier places no pressure points on your baby (essentially the baby is wrapped to your body instead of by bearing her weight on her own pelvis), separating your infant's legs will not harm the baby developmentally. Some doctors actually encourage keeping the baby's hip spread apart right after birth. This position places the head of the femur (the ball) against the acetabelum (the socket), and encourages deepening of the socket, so if anything it can actually help prevent hip dysplasia. The Classic Love Your Baby Hold is appropriate for your newborn. Ultimately, it is up to you what position feels best for you and your baby. All positions on the site are safe and ergonomic from birth.

Why don't you have the forward facing baby carry on your site? Is there something wrong with carrying my baby this way?

The forward facing carry in any baby carrier places pressure on the pelvis and spine. When your baby is facing forwards with legs unsupported, the baby's back is essentially arched instead of rounded. The center of gravity is different which makes the carrier tend to compensate when walking as well. Some sites that sell baby wraps and carriers advise you to only use this hold for a limited amount of time and that no developmental damage will occur if the baby is not placed in this position for hours on end. We can't wholeheartedly recommend this position as we believe that any pressure on little developing hips and spines is undue. Moreover, all the weight is essentially in the baby's most sensitive place. When your baby is facing forward his legs as well are not supported. Your baby's legs should be pulled up to a ninety degree angle. This is possible only if the fabric covers the whole back of the thigh, virtually up to the backside of the knee. It also does not provide good head and neck support, which is most desirable when your baby falls asleep. Of course it is nice for your baby to be able to see the world. However, in the front carry your baby can't turn away if the environment becomes too overwhelming. You cannot see your baby's face and it's tougher to read your little one's cues. We at Sleepy Wrap do not advocate front carrying or think it is a good position for either mom or baby.

Is carrying my baby in the Sleepy Wrap alright for my babies back?

Many of the hard baby carriers, when the baby is positioned with the legs unsupported and hanging down, place too much stress on the spine. Most doctors do not recommend this position for infants, especially not for more than a couple of hours at a time (see the above question for more info). The design of the Sleepy Wrap ensures that there are no pressure points on your baby. Your baby's legs, hips and spine are supported. There is no limited length of time that your baby may spend in the wrap. You may carry your baby all day long if you wish with no harm to your baby's developing body.

I'm not a model shaped mom. Can I wear the Sleepy Wrap comfortably? Will it fit me?

Sleepy Wraps are definitely not only for model body type moms. The Sleepy Wrap is 5.5 yards long which enables moms of all sizes to wear it - the only difference being the number of times you need to wrap it around your waist - either once, two or three times - with all of the options being as comfortable and secure. Ultimately, it's a long piece of material that adjusts to your curves perfectly, no matter what body type you are. It distributes the weight equally across both of your shoulders and your whole back while carrying your baby. It makes a big difference on your back if you are carrying your baby on only one side or on two, if there are rings or no rings, and if the material is hard versus soft. It's nice on your shoulders and on your chest because it doesn't dig into you. It fits virtually everyone.

I have tried different kinds of slings, padded baby slings and unpadded baby slings, they all say that they support your back, but my back always ends up hurting at the end of the day. Is the Sleepy Wrap really different?

Yes, baby wraps in general are different. They distribute the weight of your baby evenly. There are no shoulder straps or metal buckles, only wide, soft, sturdy fabric wrapped around your body. The Sleepy Wrap should be wrapped tight to your body. It is not necessary to leave extra room for your baby. Wrapping it tight ensures that your baby will be carried high. Your baby's head should be high on your chest. Making sure the wrap is not twisted or bunched up will also ensure ultimate comfort. Remember when tying the baby wrap to spread it wide over your baby's bottom and wide over both of your shoulders. The special fabric of Sleepy Wrap will conform perfectly your baby's body. It truly is comfortable and great on your back without any extra padding! To compare baby wraps, baby slings and other baby carriers please visit our Compare Baby Carriers page.

What are the weight/age recommendations for these wraps?

There are technically no weight restrictions since the design of the baby wrap equally distributes the weight of your baby so there are no pressure points on mom or baby. It has been tested at 45 pounds and showed no signs of stress or overuse. Keep in mind, that it is a stretchy wrap. It is ideal for the first year of life, but you may use it as long as you and your baby are comfortable. We do know of a happy mom who is still carrying her thirty five pound two year and three month old in her Sleepy Wrap. (The picture below is with a big five year old girl.)

How does your baby wrap compare to the other wraps (like the Moby*)?

Both the Moby and the Sleepy Wrap are comfortable stretchy baby wraps and offer great support for carrying your little one around. They are both great on the carrier's back as there are no pressure points on mom or baby. Both can be used from birth until toddler or as long as is comfortable for the both of you. The main difference between the Sleepy Wrap and the Moby Wrap is in the fabric. The fabric of the Sleepy Wrap is a heavier higher quality knit. With a greater density comes the benefits of durability, extra support, and security. It adjusts perfectly to your body with no bulges or wrinkles. The give in the fabric makes it easy to wrap so that it fits just right. There is no need to guess how much room you need to leave for your baby to fit inside for a secure fit. With other wraps it is easy to end up tying it too tight for the baby or too loose so that the baby sags. With the Sleepy Wrap you simply tie the wrap snug against your body and no matter what body type you are, it will fit! The problem with the Moby or other similar cotton wraps is that you have to know precisely how much room to leave for your baby to get it to fit decently. The material of the Moby is less dense than the Sleepy Wrap, and there actually isn't so much elasticity to it. It's more a t-shirt kind of material that only stretches one way and bags out (like a stretched out t-shirt) after you take the baby out of the wrap, so you have to tighten it and retie it. The Sleepy Wrap bounces back and clings to your body and your baby. Thanks to the great material, nursing your baby is not a hassle. There is no need to loosen the Sleepy Wrap to position your baby to nurse. The material stretches easily over your chest area and your baby's head to give you as much privacy as you need. It's great for mothers practicing elimination communication as well, as you can take your baby out of the wrap and place her back in without a big ordeal. For mothers who have tried other wraps (especially woven wraps) tying the Sleepy Wrap is a little different. Don't hesitate to tie the fabric so that it actually stretches against your body. Remember that the material is actually intended to be stretched over your baby to provide extra support for the both of you.

("So my sister in law just got a Moby as a baby shower gift and brought it with her on her recent visit. I know that the Sleepy Wrap is great in every way but I was really curious about the Moby. And all I have to say is that I am very very glad that I didn't make the mistake of purchasing a Moby. The most important thing to a comfortable wrap is obviously the material. The Moby does not stretch or move at all. Once it's tied on you, it's done. I really don't understand how you're supposed to put your baby in the wrap. So with some maneuvering I managed to squish my 4 week old nephew in the wrap. Forget even trying with my 8 month old. He's too big and there's no way he would've fit. I'm so used to wrapping the wrap tight around me and then just pulling and stretching the material around my baby -I assumed the Moby would be the same. None the less, my nephew didn't last 10 min in the wrap without breaking out in a cry. Strange since my little one loved and still loves his Sleepy Wrap. And I loved tucking my son's head in and under the material when he was smaller and less sturdy. I think I would've squished my poor nephews head if I even tried. I love my Sleepy Wrap and already wrote your company an email when I first received it on all the amazing things it did for me and my super colic son but I couldn't help but write again on how much better the Sleepy Wrap really is compared to other brands. Once again.... Thank you!"
-Sarah Lim, Laguna Hills, CA on July 7^th, 2008)

* The trademark "Moby" is property of Mobywrap, Inc. (CA cooperation)

How wide is the Sleepy Wrap?

Sleepy Wrap is 20 inches wide and 5.5 yards long. It is made so that one size fits all.

Where else can I buy a Sleepy Wrap?

Please visit our Store Locator for retail locations within the US, Canada and worldwide. Retailers please write to our wholesale department at wholesale@sleepywrap.com for any additional information.

Where are your baby wraps made?

We started making our baby wraps in the US at first, but once the demand skyrocketed we had to find a more economical solution. Our baby wraps are still designed in the United States and are currently made in China under fair working conditions, which allows us to be competitive with the rest of the baby carrier industry, and to provide you with the very best value. No child labor is ever used to manufacture our product.

What fabric is Sleepy Wrap made of?

The Sleepy Wrap is a sturdy cotton knit called French Terry. It is 95% cotton with 5% spandex.

Will I spoil my baby by wearing him?

No. Quite the contrary. Carried babies feel secure and loved. Carried babies make confident babies. Research has shown that carried babies will become independent sooner and ask to be put down instead of to be picked up. Please visit our Benefits of Babywearing page for more information.

What does the term "Kangaroo Care" mean?

This is the term coined when a mother holds or wraps her premature baby skin to skin on her chest. Instead of constant care in an incubator more and more doctors are encouraging mothers to wear their tiny infants (such as in the Sleepy Wrap Upright Newborn/Infant Hold). These babies thrive with access to food, warmth and the familiar environment of the womb. For more info check out our Kangaroo Mother Care page.

My husband and I are both tall. Will the baby wrap fit us?

Yes it will. The Sleepy Wrap is 5.5 yards long. It allows adults of all sizes to use it. If it seems that you have a little less fabric, it is safe and appropriate to tie the knot behind your back. If you have enough fabric, you may bring it around the front and tie it on the side.

How do I wear the Sleepy Wrap in the winter?

If your coat is big enough you can wear your baby under your coat. You will keep each other warm. Usually all that is necessary are some booties and a hat for your baby. A scarf for your self is a nice addition, especially if you will be nursing outside. For more information on breastfeeding in the Sleepy Wrap please visit our Nursing page. You may also wear your baby over your coat and dress your baby in a snowsuit or a full body fleece if you wish.

I need a baby carrier that I can nurse in and that is not too complicated to adjust. Do I have to retie the wrap to position my baby at the breast?

No you do not need to retie the Sleepy Wrap in order to nurse in it. Many carriers claim that it is "possible" to discretely nurse. Pulling it off with grace is sometimes another thing. This is where the Sleepy Wrap is different, thanks to the fabric. The fabric of the Sleepy Wrap has enough give that you can easily position your baby and completely cover your baby's head and your chest without it being too tight and awkward. You really do not need to loosen and retie the wrap in order to nurse your baby. This really helps when your little one simply wants to nurse, and does not feel like waiting for you to adjust anything or finagle around. To learn more about nursing in a Sleepy Wrap please visit our Nursing page.

What is the thickness of the Sleepy Wrap? Will it be too hot to wear in the summer? How does it compare to other wraps, both stretchy and woven regarding the heat?

The Sleepy Wrap is a higher quality fabric that is denser than the other cotton stretchy wraps on the market (i.e. the Moby or the CuddlyWrap). With the greater density comes the benefits of durability, extra support, and security. On the other hand, there is the factor of added warmth. It is 95% cotton so it is breathable and not as hot as a thick woven wrap (like a Storchenweige). I wasn't deterred from using it in the hot desert in Egypt on a camel safari. There are many happy mothers all over the world who are wearing their babies in the summer with no problem.

My baby seems to be sinking down when I am walking- Am I tying it right, or do I just need to tie it tighter?

Remember when tying the Sleepy Wrap it is not necessary to leave any extra room in order for your baby to fit inside. The wrap should be tied tight. There should be no bulges or wrinkles and there should be no part of the wrap that is loose or hanging from your body. If anything, when pulled away from you the material should actually bounce back against your body. It obviously shouldn't be tied so tight that it is uncomfortable or that you can feel pressure anywhere. Aside from tying it tight, it helps enormously for the fabric (the "x" that is created with the wrap) to be pulled to the back of your little one's knees. With a wider base it helps to keep your baby in place and better support your baby's entire back, bottom, and legs. When the wrap is snug against your body and the fabric is pulled to the back of your baby's legs, your baby will be carried high on your chest and will be more comfortable for the both of you.

Another thing that you can do, especially when you are carrying a heavier baby is to be sure that you cross the wrap high on your chest. In step 5 of the basic tie, when you cross the two pieces of fabric to create the "x" that your baby is supported in, the pieces should cross each other above your sternum (where your ribs meet). Basically the higher the "x" is, the higher your baby will be carried. Some moms have written in that it helps to untie the wrap and actually tie the knot under your baby's bottom for additional support. You should be able to climb a mountain without your baby sagging. Please visit our Tying Methods page for more information.

I've tried a baby sling and it was too complicated. Is the Sleepy Wrap baby carrier any easier to get used to?

With the Sleepy Wrap, you only need to learn one basic tie. Once you can tie it snug against your body with no twists you have already become a master. The joy of the Sleepy Wrap is that your baby will fit inside without you having to guess how much room to leave so that the baby won't be held too high or too low on your chest. Tying the wrap may take a couple of practices. Yet with a little experience you will find the right fit for you and your baby. It will become as easy and commonplace as tying your shoelaces. Stick with it, it's definitely worth it!

Why does the Sleepy Wrap cost only $39.95? Is the material of a lesser quality than other wraps?

You can rest assured that the material we use to make Sleepy Wrap is in most cases double the cost of comparable baby wrap knit fabrics on the market. We at Sleepy Wrap strongly believe that ALL women, regardless of their financial situation, should be able to wear their baby in a baby carrier that is both durable and safe. We keep quality high and prices low, to make this possible.

Why don't you have some of the colors that I can see in you Photo Gallery available on your Buy Now page?

Some of the colors shown in Photo Gallery were only sample products and we haven't yet started offering them for sale. We are regularly introducing new colors to our stock, so please check back for any updates. Once new colors are available for sale they will be shown on our Buy Now page.


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