What is a base size?
Your 'base size' is the size of wrap that will allow you to comfortably do a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC). Other carries are usually noted as needing a size + or - your base, for example, a carry needing a base -1 would be one size down from your base.
Wrapping with this size will give you the flexibility to try a few different types of carries and discover what suits you and your little one. That is why we generally recommend you start with your 'base size'.
Not sure what we mean by 'sizes'? Check out our Size Guide to learn more.
Want to learn more about Baby Wraps? Visit our guide here.
Why the FWCC?
We use the Front Wrap Cross Carry to work out your base size as this is the most commonly recommended carry for new wrappers. It is a great place to start as when wrapped the FWCC feels very safe and secure and is supportive for baby and carer.
The FWCC introduces a lot of the basic skills of wrapping such as creating a seat, tightening your carry and keeping tension in your wrap. It is also similar to the carry you may have used with a stretchy sling, making it an easy transition.
Learn more about transitioning from a stretchy to a woven sling here.
Curious what a Front Wrap Cross Carry looks like?
Take a look at Hannah's real-time wrapping video below!
The good news is you don't have to actually try tying a FWCC in order to figure out your base size.
Our simple guide will give you an idea of which size might be right for you:
Note: If you are tall (5'10"+) or have a baby who is more than 12 months old, we would suggest going one size up. If you are under 5' we would suggest going down a size.
Top tip: If you are buying a wrap to share and are unsure which size to buy, it is generally recommended to buy with the main user in mind.
How do I know which size is best for me?
There are a number of considerations which go into choosing the best size of woven wrap including:
Your dress size and height (i.e. your base size)
The age of your baby
And most importantly, how you want to use your wrap; are you looking for quick and simple carriers or more opportunities to experiment?
As we mentioned above, a lot of the time we suggest choosing your base size as your first woven wrap, because itoffers you the flexibility to try a lot of different styles of carries.
Can I start with a smaller or larger size?
Of course! Woven wraps sizes aren't like clothing sizes, you could choose virtually any size and find a carry which works for you. So if the wrap fabric you have chosen is not available in your base size, don't panic, you might find another size works even better for your family.
Using a larger size is possible, you will simply be left with longer 'tails' (unwrapped lengths of fabric) or will be able to experiment with more complicated carries. We don't usually suggest that beginners choose a size larger than their base, as they can be a little harder to work and learn with.
Using a smaller size will mean changing the style of carry you use - you might not be able to do a FWCC, but there are hundreds of other carries to experiment with and your sure to find one which suits you and your little one.
Try searching Youtube for carries using smaller sizes to see how a shorter sling might work for you. A couple of our favourites are:
Short Cross Carry
Slipknot Carry
Robin's Hip Carry
Ruck Carry
Top Tip: When looking at tutorials, remember to pay attention to how many sizes away from their base the wrapper is using. A carry requiring a base -2 would be a size 3 for some (like Michelle in the image below), but for other wrappers, a base -2 might be a size 6.
New to Woven Wraps?
Our FREE online course will tell you everything you need to know about choosing wrap.
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