This guide is written in Singaporean context. J

Sizing

“What size should I buy?” is the first question every mummy who’s venturing into babywearing would ask. For beginner mamas, I’ll recommend starting out with your base size – It’s the size where you can do full-length carries (e.g. Front Wrap Cross Carry) most comfortably. After experimenting with different sizes, here’s a conclusion from my own observations.

Petite body type (short, underweight/skinny) – Size 4

Average body type (slim mamas, most common in Singapore) – Size 5

Large body type (eh, me lah… UK14 to 16) – Size 6

Plus-Sized body type (above UK16) – Size 7

If you google, Size 6 is the average but see… Caucasians have bigger body frames than us Asians. The sizing is not only dependent on your body type, but also preference and experience. Some slim mamas like longer tails, so they’ll get a Size 6 anyway. I like shorter tails occasionally, and I can do a Front Wrap Cross Carry in a Size 4 (with the tummy muffin top jutting out haha). If you still can’t decide which size you are by the end of this write-up, just get a Size 6.

The sizing of the wraps also depends on the types of carries you want to do. This is a good website on the types of carries you can do with various sizes:

http://www.wrapyourbaby.com/wovenwraplength.html

Which Brand Should I Go For?

It varies from person to person, but most beginners go for Lenny Lamb, Girasol, Didymos, Little Frog, Inda Jani. 

Where do I buy these wraps?

There’re a lot more, just listing the more common ones if you’re just starting out. J

Local
SG Babywearing Swap (Facebook Group), Jars Of Fluff, Fluff Mail, Sophie Ian Baby Boutique, etc.

Overseas
The Babywearing Swap (International Facebook Swap Group), 5mr.com, birdiesroom.com, marsupial-mamas, b2boutique.co.uk, wrapbabyboutique.com, pinkletinkbaby.com.

Types of Fiber (Materials) and Fiber Care

Refer to: http://babywearing102.tumblr.com/post/53280622414/washing-and-care-by-fiber for more info. This is a pretty good guide. J

Types of Detergent

Rule of thumb is no Optical Brighteners and no Softeners. Most mamas use Ecover Delicate (can buy from iHerb), Earth’s Choice (Cold Storage). For wool, Eucalan is recommended.

Learning How to Wrap

I mostly learnt from Babywearing Faith/Wrapping Rachel/Wrap You in Love YouTube Channels. Or join a Wrap Clinic here. The key is to practise practise practise and soon you can wrap with your eyes closed.

Why are Wraps SOOO expensive?!

If you have spare time, read this: http://babywearing102.tumblr.com/post/56148580856/the-economics-of-babywearing

In a nutshell… Wraps are just like bags. There are Korean-style Bags from Qoo10 (wraps under $100), Coach Bags (wraps $100 to $300), Gucci Bags (wraps $300 to $600) and Chanel Bags (wraps $600 to $1000 or more).  The more expensive wraps are either limited edition, are of better material (which means more lasting and supportive… it’ll probably do fine after being run over by the MRT 10 times), or customized/hand woven. Wrap economics involve market value too, like how you can sell Chanels above the retail price that you bought.

For even MORE detailed information…

Check out the documents from Babywearing Singapore Facebook Group here. J Happy babywearing!