Babywearing Stretchy wraps - they are all the same, right? NOPE! - LET'S TALK 1 WAY VS 2 WAY STRETCH.
- Emma Edmondson-Payne
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28
When I first started babywearing I actually used a pre-tie style of stretchy wrap, which was a Baby K'tan (if you know, you know, don't judge me!). Of course I know now due to their lack of adjustability, really these are better being described as a carry assist. (Needing one hand to support your little one at all times).
Had I known what I know now, I'd of instead purchased a stretchy wrap (2-way stretch - more on that later) or an adjustable pre-tied adjustable wrap like a Close Caboo, but some people find the rings diggy) orrrr a stretchy hybrid like an Izmi Breeze or a Mamaruga Zensling (depending on size of baby.
If baby was super scrunched or premature / low weight then I'd definitely suggest 2 way stretch as a great starting point, due to guaranteed fit, and the need for less adjustments before getting baby near the sling. I'd also strongly recommend going to a consultant to ensure my fit was safe and learn how to correct things if it wasn't.
When it came to my consultancy training (I was definitely overwhelmed by stretchy wraps initially) I tried one… and it got so tight when I pulled it felt like clingfilm, and then another had stretch for days. Turned out I needed to tighten differently depending on the stretch style - it really does make all the difference.
So 1-way vs 2-way. Let’s break it down.
What Is a Stretchy Wrap, Anyway?
Stretchy wraps are long pieces of soft, stretchy fabric often used to carry newborns and younger babies. Perfect for the 4th trimester as they are so mouldable, you tie to fit, and get a snug, womb-like hold, that most babies love. You can set your wrap up in the morning, and pop baby in and out as needed throughout the day (checking your tightness each time)
But whether your wrap stretches in one direction or two can massively change how it feels, and functions, and when tying taking different steps to ensure safety.
So, What’s the Difference?
🧵 1-Way Stretch
A 1-way stretchy wrap stretches in one direction (across the width) and the other direction won't stretch at all.
Pros:
As these have less stretch these can feel more supportive as baby grows
Work quite nicely when tied FWCC (front wrap cross carry like a woven - but this can come with a learning curve)
Cons:
More steps if you want to do a regular pocket wrap carry, and can feel more complicated
Baby goes in and you tighten around them - you may need to settle baby more between stages
It may feel trickier to spread the fabric
You need to be precise when tightening to ensure baby doesn't slump
Don't be taken in by pretty patterns (Freerider I'm looking at you) instead consider 2-way Coracor.
Are less intuitive to learn with because the stretch isn't consistent.
🧶 2-Way Stretch
A 2-way stretchy wrap stretches both across the width and along the length.
That means it’s a bit more elastic all over, and some wraps even feel bouncy.
Pros:
Far easier to learn with
You really can pre-tie and tighten and focus on getting your set-up right before baby goes in.
Cons:
You need to be quite precise to ensure baby doesn't slump down (supporting baby knee to knee, and to nape of neck, ensuring they are high enough to kiss, no stooping).
Can sag more quickly, especially as baby gets heavier
Needs tighter tying to prevent baby sinking down over time
May feel less supportive with older babies, at which point you could tie differently, or more commonly move onto a woven wrap if you enjoy wrapping. Alternatively you could explore ring slings. Meh dais or half buckles.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on a few things:
✔️ Your baby’s age
✔️ Your confidence with tying
✔️ How long you plan to use it
✔️ Whether you want to reuse it with future babies
If you’re brand new to babywearing, or looking to carry a particularly small baby a lightweight 2-way wrap is a lovely place to start. I quite like the brand HanaBaby, Izmi and Lifft. You could set your wrap up in the morning, tie and tighten it first, then pop baby in and out throughout the day as you need (checking the tightness each time) which is a huge help when you’re running on no sleep!)
How Can You Tell Which Is Which?
Not sure what kind of stretch your wrap has? Try this:
Hold the wrap flat in front of you.
Stretch it across the width, then try the other way.
If it only stretches across (side-to-side), it’s a 1-way.
If it stretches both ways, it’s a 2-way
Some wraps have slightly more but limited pull in one direction (this is what I'd class as a 1.5 stretch - a typical brand which comes to mind is the Ergobaby wrap) you may find learning like most YouTube tutorials helpful - just experiment with the pre-set tightness if you're keen to use it.
good Tutorial for one way stretch
good Tutorial for 2way stretch
Tightening
Spreading
Nothing beats in person support and I do find these videos more useful as recap resources post consult!
Final Thoughts
So no — stretchy wraps are definitely not all the same. The way the fabric stretches can affect how your baby sits, how your back feels, and how confident you feel wearing them.
The good news? There’s no wrong choice — just the right one for you and your baby right now.
If you’re unsure, try before you buy! Local sling libraries (like the one run by Emma in Hastings — she’s amazing!) often have both types available, and someone can help you find the perfect fit.
Still confused or struggling with your wrap?
Reach out! I’m always happy to chat about all things babywearing — and trust me, once you find your sling, it changes everything.
💛
