What can a stretchy wrap do?

Stretchies have an unfair wrap. They are bunched into a corner, told they can only be tied one way, and boredom may take over. But fear not! There are actually several different carries for a stretchy wrap, and we will discover them together this June on Amy Wraps Babies!

Every three days in June, a new video tutorial will be posted for a carry that can be done with a stretchy wrap. All month long, tips and tricks for stretchy wraps will be shared and we'll take a look at the latest product options for stretchies as well. 

What else can a stretchy wrap do?? If your bored with your stretchy, you've moved beyond the "Hug Hold," then these tutorials are for you! [Image of 12 photos of a white woman wearing a variety of stretchy wraps tied in a variety of ways. Text on the image states quote, what else can a stretchy wrap do? A series of discovery with Amy Wraps  Babies.]

What's the difference between a stretchy and a woven?
A stretchy wrap is made from a strand of fiber that is knit into fabric. Knit fabric stretches in all directions. Woven wraps are made from fibers that are woven together into fabric. Woven fabric typically has some stretch along the diagonal but minimal to no stretch from side-to-side. Woven wraps are also sized carriers, with each size being used slightly differently by different body types. Stretchy wraps are "one size" carriers meaning they're all about 15 feet long, give or take. Most of the carries being unveiled this month take as much length as a Pocket Wrap Cross Carry, with noted exceptions (both longer and shorter). 

What's makes stretchy carries unique?
There are more restrictions on what can be done with a stretchy wrap compared to a woven. A woven wrap allows for single-layer carries, while most stretchy wraps require three layers of fabric over baby (hybrid wraps like Wrapsody and Babylonia BB Cool are the exception). Most stretchy wraps are for front and hip carries only; not recommended for back carries (same exceptions again).

What else can a stretchy wrap do?
Each carry will be posted here as we work through our June line-up:

Tutorial #1: Reinforced Robin's: https://youtu.be/AFdDHd0cous?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• This is a one-shoulder carry, and this specific version is for a baby who is comfortable being worn with their legs out of the carrier. This version can be nice for hot days because it has one shoulder and an open side. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee.
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Boba wrap (black)

Tutorial #2: Robin's Front Wrap Cross Carry: https://youtu.be/mzU8lpCBvcE?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• This is an advanced carry that works for babies who like to be worn legs in or legs out (shown legs in). This version of Robin's has a horizontal pass underneath rather than having an open side like Reinforced Robin's. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. If a baby is worn legs in, as shown, be sure baby's weight is resting on their bum, not their feet.
• Skill level: Advanced
• Wrap used: Petunia Pickle Bottom for Moby wrap (blue with black pattern on one side)

Tutorial #3: Pocket Wrap Cross Carry tied at shoulder: https://youtu.be/2ETuKJ0sI3w?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• This version of PWCC is intermediate to advanced, but some wearers may find that retightening this version is more convenient because all the slack from the outside "pocket" pass can come around back and up through the slip knot. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Advanced
• Wrap used: Babylonia Tricot Slen Cool (red)

Tutorial #4: Front Wrap Cross Carry: https://youtu.be/AFIkeffCT2Y?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• Stretchy wraps aren't just for newborns. Front Wrap Cross Carry can be a very comfortable way to wear a baby who is in the upper range of the stretchy wrap weight limit (be sure to always consult the instructions for your wrap to determine its weight capacity). This video shows the classic version with cross passes under baby's knees for toddlers or newborns; also shown are two alternate versions for smaller babies who don't need passes under knees. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry, and a version of that is shown in the second half of this tutorial.
• Skill level: Beginner
• Wrap used: Moby wrap (teal)

Tutorial #5: Reinforced Kangaroo Carry: https://youtu.be/xRnwseqTbAA?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• Reinforced Kangaroo is a comfortable carry typically done with a base size woven wrap, though its three layers are perfect for a stretchy wrap carry, or hybrid wrap in the case of the Wrapsody hybrid used in this tutorial. With a stretchy wrap, be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Wrapsody hybrid, the Graduate

Tutorial #6: Pocket Front Double Hammock: https://youtu.be/hv2wmVImzZU?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• This carry is tied on almost exactly like the classic Pocket Wrap Cross Carry, but the integrated shoulder flips and lack of cross passes make it unique enough for a name update.  Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Solly Baby wrap

Tutorial #7: Front Wrap Cross Carry tied at shoulder: https://youtu.be/pShhyE4mU4Q?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• This carry is very similar to Tutorial #3, Pocket Wrap Cross Carry tied at shoulder, except in this one the cross passes that make the "X" under baby's bum are on the outside of the "pocket" pass. Some find PWCC easier to "pop" baby in and out of and tighten out the slack, but FWCC has its benefits too. Notably in this tutorial, the wrap used has a pocket in front which lands in a convenient corsage position in this carry. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Joey wrap by Kangaroo Karry (grey)

Tutorial #8: Front Wrap Cross Carry with a Poppin's finish: https://youtu.be/a5n6y7dUVnQ?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• Fancy time! This one is tied on much like Tutorial #2, Front Wrap Cross Carry with a Robin's finish, it just has a different finish option. It is a very beautiful carry, and very comfortable too! Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Advanced
• Wrap used: Lille Baby (blue)

Tutorial #9: Front Reinforced Torso Sling with a Poppin's finish: https://youtu.be/qK15I1XBiFw?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• Here's a carry for hot weather with a stretchy wrap. With only one shoulder and one side that only has one layer over the wearer (but still 3 layers over baby), this is a nice option to stay cool. It's also great if you find yourself with a stretchy wrap that is a little short. If you find your tails too long, wrap them around your waist an extra time or two, or tie your tails in a bow. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Beluga Baby (pink)

Tutorial #10: Hip Wrap Cross Carry tied at shoulder: https://youtu.be/K-VwUJNg7Bs?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• The tenth tutorial in the series a newborn-to-toddler hip carry with two shoulders. It is very similar to tutorial #3, Pocket Wrap Cross Carry tied at shoulder, except this time we eliminated the flip/twist of the wrap at shoulder and baby is placed on the wearer's hip. Always be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Advanced
• Wrap used: Babylonia Tricot Slen Cool (red)

Tutorial #11: Hip Wrap Cross Carry: https://youtu.be/cC2Mr0iuad0?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• In this version of Hip Wrap Cross Carry we "twisted" things up a bit - one pass that comes over shoulder has a slight twist to keep the wrap from creeping up the wearer's neck. This twist is completely optional, and it "levels up" the skill level to intermediate. Always be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Joey Wrap by Kangaroo Karry (blue)

Tutorial #12: Front Reinforced Torso Sling with a Robin's finish: https://youtu.be/sxuZ69QEaEE?list=PLKEWebOl-RXovOsFyPHe9g8jrm89GbbHr

• Here's yet another carry for hot weather with a stretchy wrap. This carry has one shoulder and one side that only has one layer over the wearer (but still 3 layers over baby), making it a nice option to stay cool. It's also great if you find yourself with a stretchy wrap that is a little short. If you find your tails too long, wrap them around your waist an extra time or two, or tie your tails in a bow. Be sure all three layers that pass over baby extend from baby's seat up to their neck and from one knee to the other knee. ​Small babies who wish to keep their legs inside the carrier may do so with this carry (though it is shown with legs out).
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Wrap used: Tuck and Bundle (black and white stripe)

Only one more tutorial left to post - Pocket Wrap Cross Carry!! We're going back to basics and laying out all my favorite tips for starting out with a stretchy wrap. The edited tutorial will be up soon - in the meantime catch the Facebook LIVE with all the same tips! (For captions, click the post below to view comments with the video.)

The stretchy wrap series is not sponsored by a company or group.