The hardest decision when purchasing a wrap is what size should you choose, especially if it’s your first wrap. It’s not like buying a dress, when you know your confection size, and that’s it. It’s better to consider other viewpoints than your height and weight.
Here’s some advice on how to choose between sizes.
First things first: answer these questions!
1. Are you going to wear your baby exclusively, or is someone else in your family also going to do it?
There are obvious differences if the wrap is only for a slim, short mom, or if she is going to share the wearing of their baby with the burly dad. It’s important to consider this in the beginning.
If more than one person uses the wrap, keep the biggest (in height or in confection size) in mind when choosing it. It’s easier to do something with the remaining fabric the shorter person will have than it is to make a wrap longer (because it’s impossible).
There are obvious differences if the wrap is only for a slim, short mom, or if she is going to share the wearing of their baby with the burly dad. It’s important to consider this in the beginning.
If more than one person uses the wrap, keep the biggest (in height or in confection size) in mind when choosing it. It’s easier to do something with the remaining fabric the shorter person will have than it is to make a wrap longer (because it’s impossible).
2. What’s the carrier person’s T-shirt size?
This question relates to the previous one: the carrier person’s body type influences the length of the wrap needed. Even though she/he may be short, if she/he wears bigger-sized clothes, the wrap should be longer. It can happen that a short, stocky mom and a tall, thin dad can use a wrap of the same size.
This question relates to the previous one: the carrier person’s body type influences the length of the wrap needed. Even though she/he may be short, if she/he wears bigger-sized clothes, the wrap should be longer. It can happen that a short, stocky mom and a tall, thin dad can use a wrap of the same size.
3. What’s the child’s size?
It goes without saying that there is a huge difference between a newborn and a toddler. Think about how tiny the new baby is with its average 3-4 kgs and 50-60 cms compared to a jumping, exploring toddler.
Aside from some exceptions, we can generally say that a bigger child requires a longer wrap for the multiple-layered wrap-ways.
It goes without saying that there is a huge difference between a newborn and a toddler. Think about how tiny the new baby is with its average 3-4 kgs and 50-60 cms compared to a jumping, exploring toddler.
Aside from some exceptions, we can generally say that a bigger child requires a longer wrap for the multiple-layered wrap-ways.
4. What are you going to use it for?
Maybe you don’t have any ideas yet, but you may have a preference in the beginning.
Where will you carry your child – on the front, hip or back? The type of wrap-way matters, because, for example, a rucksack requires less fabric than a forward cross carry. Obviously, the longer the wrap is, the more wrap-ways you can try. But if you know exactly what type of wrapway you’ll use, choose the wrap accordingly.
Maybe you don’t have any ideas yet, but you may have a preference in the beginning.
Where will you carry your child – on the front, hip or back? The type of wrap-way matters, because, for example, a rucksack requires less fabric than a forward cross carry. Obviously, the longer the wrap is, the more wrap-ways you can try. But if you know exactly what type of wrapway you’ll use, choose the wrap accordingly.
What sizes are available?
Sizing
The Bellelelle wrap sizes are based on the international sizing system, and you can find sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7. Among the ring slings you can find sizes S and M. What do they mean?
Size 4: cc. 3.7 m
Size 5: cc. 4.3-4.4 m
Size 6: cc. 4.7-4.8 m
Size 7: cc. 5.3-5.4 m
Ring Sling S: cc. 170 cm
Ring Sling M: cc. 190 cm
The sizes are the post-wash sizes. The slings are tapered, and the length means the shorter side of the sling measured from the ring.
Guidelines
For easier orientation, we’ve made a table based on our and other babywearing parents’ experiences. In the table you can find the basic wrap-ways and the necessary wrap sizes for different physiques. The sizes are based on female confection sizes. As you can see, there are two sizes shown, which are generally enough for the most of the wrap-ways. If you are willing to carry a toddler or have a bigger chest diameter than the average, it’s worth choosing a longer wrap.
Choosing a ring sling is easier.
Size S: approximately 170 cms sling, recommended for short size XS-M persons.
Size M: approximately 190 cms sling, recommended for tall and persons above size M.
For easier orientation, we’ve made a table based on our and other babywearing parents’ experiences. In the table you can find the basic wrap-ways and the necessary wrap sizes for different physiques. The sizes are based on female confection sizes. As you can see, there are two sizes shown, which are generally enough for the most of the wrap-ways. If you are willing to carry a toddler or have a bigger chest diameter than the average, it’s worth choosing a longer wrap.
Choosing a ring sling is easier.
Size S: approximately 170 cms sling, recommended for short size XS-M persons.
Size M: approximately 190 cms sling, recommended for tall and persons above size M.
| Type | Name | XXS-XS | S-M | M-L | XL-XXL | XXL+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Kangaroo | 4 | 4 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 6 |
| Front | Front Wrap Cross Carry | 4-5 | 5 | 5-6 | 6-7 | 7 |
| Front | Front Cross Carry | 4 | 4-5 | 5 | 5-6 | 6 |
| Hip | Robin's Hip Carry | 4 | 5-6 | 6 | 6-7 | 7 |
| Hip | Hip Cangaroo | 4 | 4 | 4-5 | 65-6 | 6 |
| Back | Rucksack Carry | 4 | 4 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 6 |
| Back | Double Hammock | 4-5 | 5- | 5-6 | 6-7 | 7 |
Why is it a problem if the size is not fitting?
If the wrap is too short, you cannot make a double knot, and it’s dangerous for your baby. The simple knot can loosen during babywearing, and it can lead to dangerous situations. Never wear your baby without a proper knot! Over-long fabric under the knot can be frustrating for the carrier, because it can limit their free space when they are moving (climbing the stairs, using public transport); someone can step on it, or it can be caught. But too long is less of a problem than too short, because with some smart tricks you can hide the remaining material (for example, by wrapping it around your waist one more time).
