Return to Main - DIY Babywearing on Facebook - TICKS Rules for Safe Babywearing - 4 Rules for Safe Fabric Selection

Wraps & Slings Widths and Lengths

See chart below for general sizing for wraps and slings. Keep in mind that some brands may vary slightly. Woven wrap sizes range about 20-30 centimeters depending on brand; the length listed is the minimum length for that size.

The first set of measurements in each chart is the standard width for that carrier (which does not tend to vary with size).

Tapered ring slings typically measure from the rings to the middle of the taper.

Remember to buy 20% more fabric than needed to account for shrinkage. Simply multiply the length x 1.2 to add 20%.

Woven Wraps

For the most part, nearly any wearer can use any size woven wrap; it simply changes what carries you can do with it. Most people learn on their "base size" - that is, whatever size they need in order to comfortably tie a Front Wrap Cross Carry in the back with a double knot. While this can vary based on how the wearer carries their weight, wrapping skill, and the child's size, typically a smaller wearer will be a base 5, and average sized wearer will be a base 6, and a plus size wearer will be a base 7 (although base can vary from 4 up to 9.)

The base sizes in this chart are listed with unisex t-shirt sizes, although this can vary from person to person and is not an exact science.

Different carries are then listed based one what size wrap is needed in relation to your base size. For example, a Ruck Tied in Front is a "Base-2" carry; if your base size is a 6, you could probably do that carry with a size 4 wrap. If your base size is an 8, you might need a size 6 wrap to do the same carry.

Tapered wraps measure the length of one rail (both rails being the same length with parallel tapers).

Ring Sling Lengths

Ring sling sizing is based on the wearer's size, but keep in mind that this is aiming for a hip-length tail and than anything from 12" of tail to mid-shin is safe - therefore the sizing is very flexible. (Author's note: I wear a unisex size small t-shirt and my husband wears an XL and we use the same ring sling.)

Tapered tail ring slings are measured from the rings down the center of the taper.

The first line of the chart is average WIDTH for ring slings. The following rows are LENGTHS. The lengths listed are FINISHED length from rings to tail. If you are buying fabric, you will have to account for shrinkage AND the amount of fabric that will be turned under the rings for the shoulder. The last column of the chart is the amount of fabric you would need to buy including 20% shrinkage and 5" for the shoulder.

Stretchy Wraps

Stretchy wraps, like Moby, Boba, or Solly wraps, are typically "one size fits most," although Moby does sell an extra long wrap as well.

Pouch Slings

Pouch slings must be carefully sized to the wearer. The sizing here gives the range including the shorter circumference (around the top and bottom rail of the pouch.) The widest part of the pouch (around the middle of the curve) would be about 2" wider. Search our Facebook group for the hashtag "#pouchsling" to find a video on measuring yourself for a pouch!

Again, this is total circumference - when the sling is laying flat, the length is half of this since it is looped over on top of itself.

"Sizing" typically approximately matches what size unisex t-shirt you wear.

-- Alyssa Leonard - 2016-07-16

Return to Main - DIY Babywearing on Facebook - TICKS Rules for Safe Babywearing - 4 Rules for Safe Fabric Selection