Today's mothers are more connected to their babies than ever before. Moms are trying to stay as close to possible to their babies, providing comfort when needed. Gone are the days of leaving the baby in a crib or cradle all day. But no matter what your intentions may be, holding your baby at all times is not always possible. One option to help free your hands as you keep your baby close is a wraparound carrier.

What Is a Wraparound Baby Carrier?

A wraparound baby carrier, or baby wrap, is made out of a long piece of strong fabric. The baby is cradled in a pocket created by the folding and crossing of the fabric. Most wraparound carriers let you carry the baby in the front or on your back.

Baby wrap carriers can be made of either woven fabric or stretchy fabric. Woven fabrics do not give, so they come in different sizes based on height and weight. Stretchy fabrics can be one size fits all, because they give to accommodate different sizes. Stretchy fabric carriers allow you to put the carrier on without having the baby in place, which may be more convenient as you are learning how to use the carrier.

Common Holds for Wraparound Carriers

Many moms like wraparound carriers for their versatility. They give you the ability to position your baby in several different holds or carries, depending on how comfortable your baby is in different positions.

The basic hold on most baby wrap carriers is fairly straightforward. Your baby is on your chest either facing out or facing you, depending on how she is the most comfortable. The wrap starts by placing the middle of the fabric on your tummy. You will then cross the fabric behind your back and pull it up over your shoulders. Then, allow the ends of the fabric to dangle over your shoulders while you get your baby. Sit your baby in the little pocket of fabric created by your tummy. Keep one hand on your baby and draw one fabric end across your baby's bottom and leg. Repeat this with the other end, and tie the wrap behind your back.

With this basic hold, your baby can be cradled on your chest, laying sideways in the fetal position, or facing forward. It takes some practice, but you will find that your baby is comfortable in this position as she grows. You can also use these instructions backwards to place the baby on your back, but you should have someone help you position the baby correctly since you will not be able to see.

The cross carry is another popular hold for wraparound carriers. It is very similar to the basic hold, but it can be done with a shorter baby carrier. It starts with the baby carrier tied into a loop. Take the loop and flip it to make the shape of the number eight. Then, hold it horizontally on your back and put one loop of the eight over each of your shoulders. Next, pull one of the loops over your head so that the carrier sits like a sash across your body. Repeat this with the other loop. You will now see the carrier crossed on the front. Spread out the fabric on your shoulders to make it comfortable. Your carrier is now ready for your baby, who is placed in the carrier with one leg in each loop. The fabric needs to be spread carefully under the baby's bottom to provide support.

There are other carries possible with a wraparound baby carrier. These are the two most basic holds. You will want to experiment with your particular carrier to find the hold that is the most comfortable for you and your baby.

Potential Downsides to Wraparound Baby Carriers

Wraparound-style baby carriers are almost perfect for moms who want to hold their babies close all of the time. They allow moms to do this comfortably. There are a few drawbacks to this type of baby carrier, however.

First, they can be a little confusing to use the first time. Most moms find it difficult to position the carrier when they first get it. For this reason you should have someone help you get the baby into the carrier the first time you use it. Most of the modern wraparound carriers come with detailed instructions on DVD, so you will have a visual reference as you learn how to use it.

Another potential drawback of these carriers is the fact that they can be quite warm. If you live in a warm climate, you may not appreciate the feeling of several layers of extra fabric wrapping around your body. The good news is that there are carriers made out of lightweight materials specifically for this reason.

Benefits of Wraparound Baby Carriers

The benefits of a baby wrap carrier often outweigh the small drawbacks. Babies who are held tend to cry less and feel more secure. This is possible with a wraparound carrier. Studies have shown that being carried in this manner helps the baby's developing sense of balance. This can improve motor skills and coordination later in life.

Babies who are carried are quiet and more alert than those who are not. This is the perfect state for the developing nervous system. They are able to take in their environments in a calm, reflective way. This seems to help them sleep better at night.

Wraparound carriers come in a variety of fashionable colors, so you are sure to find one that matches your own tastes. If you decide that a wraparound carrier is the right baby carrier for your needs, you will need to decide if you want a woven carrier or a stretchy one. Woven carriers tend to be cooler, making them ideal for warm climates. If you choose a woven carrier, you will need to decide on the length of the carrier. If you are going to use the basic hold, make sure you get a carrier with plenty of length, as that hold requires extra fabric. Once you have your carrier, give yourself some time to get used to using it, and then enjoy having a close, secure way to carry your baby.