Woven wraps are amazingly versatile as you can pick virtually any size and find a whole variety of carries that work for you. Although we recommend starting out with your Base Size (the length of wrap needed for a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC), which is featured in the instructions, you don't have to. You might want a shorter wrap so you have less length to deal with, or perhaps there's only a longer wrap available in the style you love! Some people like to have a few different sizes of wraps so they can do different carries or perhaps have a shorter wrap so the tails don't hang in a car park when putting it on and a longer wrap for multi-layer passes for comfort in long hikes.
There are loads of variations on FWCC you can try with a longer or shorter wrap or you could try something completely different. Read on to learn about the options open to you and why you might want to consider trying out baby wraps in different sizes.
See our full size guide here to find your Base Size and see the size of wrap you would need for different carries. You can also find video instructions for a range of carries on our Learn to Wrap pages.
Judy is is modelling a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) with a size 6.
Shop your Base Size now using the size filter
What Can I Do With Wraps That Are Not My Base Size?
Hannah demonstrates how you can use different size wraps for different carries
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.
- Wraps smaller than your Base allow you to do 'shorty' carries – you don't have to manage as much fabric.
- Wraps longer than your base may allow you to do carries with more passes for extra support and will let you explore some fancy finishes.
- Shorter wraps can be convenient for keeping in your bag for 'quick ups' as your little one grows and becomes more independent.
- Longer wraps might be easier to wrap with as your little one moves towards toddlerhood, but still wants to be carried for long periods.
Why Choose a Shorty?
- A shorty is a great choice for new and experienced wrappers!
- There's less fabric to work with, you have a big variety of front, hip and back carries to choose from.
- They're perfect for quick ups and downs as your little one grows. A
- cheaper option to experiment with.
A shorty wrap is a base -2 or smaller (usually a size 2-4).
Our favourite shorty carries:
Slipknot Carry
Robin's Hip Carry
Ruck Tied In Front
No No No Hip Carry
FWCC Tied Under Bum
Front Cross Carry
No Sew Ring Sling
Michelle, above, uses a base -2 for a simple slipknot carry.
Shop Sizes 2, 3 & 4
Top tip: Using a pair of sling rings to finish instead of tying off your wrap saves length and allows you to try even more carries.
Why Choose a Base Size?
A base size offers a few more options for wrappers!
- You can comfortably wrap a Front Wrap Cross Carry, which is a great first carry to learn – comfortable, supportive and simple
- Even more carrying options for hip, front and back carries
- More flexibility to add additional supportive passes as your little one grows
- Longer tails give options for decorative finishes
Our favourite Base Size carries:
Jenna using her base size to tie a Double Hammock Back Carry with a Candy Cane finish
Shop Sizes 5, 6 & 7
Why Choose a Long Wrap?
We'd usually suggest going with your Base Size or smaller if you're a beginner so that you have less fabric to manage. However, if you do choose a long wrap you will be able to do all the carries listed above as well as experimenting with some more decorative finishes and carries with more passes and support.
A longer wrap may also make sharing with your partner easier, however we do usually suggest choosing with the main user in mind.
Oscha's founder, Zoe, also liked a base +1 as it allowed her to tie the knots at the front to make sitting more comfortable.
Our favourite long wrap carries:
Judy using a long wrap with a Front Wrap Cross Carry to have long tails hanging from the knot
Shop Size 8
We have trained consultants on hand to help you. Simply email us on info@oschaslings.com or contact us through the messenger button in the corner of the screen.
New to Woven Wraps?
You might like to join our FREE online babywearing course on choosing your first sling
