Make A Baby Wrap

A basic wrap is super easy, when when buying fabric on clearance, super cheap!

Buy 5 yards of a stretchy, lightweight fabric that will not unravel (if it does, you'll need to serge or turn/stitch the edges).  Stretchy material is really nice for a newborn to keep them snug and comfortable.  A stiffer fabric is nicer for older babies and toddlers.  Fleece is excellent for a cold weather wrap - your baby won't really need heavy clothing for a nice walk if you wrap them on in a way that covers their whole body including legs.

In most cases, the fabric you buy will be double the width that is on the roll meaning it's folded in the middle.  That being the case, you'll have 60+ inches of width and 5 yards of length.  When you're in a BIG area to lay your fabric out in, open the width to it's fullest, then fold in half down the length.  Fold in half again and maybe even again to form a thick rectangle of fabric that is 60+ inches wide.  Now, find the middle (most easily found by looking for the fold line where the fabric was folded on the bolt).  Cut down the middle of your rectangle pad (from top to bottom, not width) and you've just made TWO wraps.  Save one or give it to a friend!

Laying the fabric out, folding in half lengthwise and dropping a line to cut a straight line down the middle (most easily done by folding the fabric in length lengthwise again and again to form a smaller rectangle!).  Cut, and you have two wraps!

How do you wrap your baby?  www.wrapyourbaby.com and www.wearyourbaby.com are both great sites with lots of illustrated carries. 

How are you sure baby is wrapped on secure?  My favorite carry is the cross carry.  In this, the wrap crosses under baby's bottom to secure the bottom and there is a full back covering to offer plenty of support.  Pictured below is the cross under the bottom, the wrap on baby's back showing what part expands over the back, then the final one shows my baby completely covered and as snug as a bug.  The back expansion, when wide enough, can also cover baby's head (or your can tuck baby's head under a shoulder strap which is a good reason for stretchy fabric for young babies when they fall asleep so often), and the legs can also be tucked in nicely so your baby is completely covered. 

There are other ways in which to 'tie your baby on' so please feel free to experiment.  Become good at this and you'll be amazed at how comfortable it is to wear your baby, and get things done!