There are so many options for babywearing to choose from it can be overwhelming.
As a brand-new mom, I have recently experimented with multiple baby carriers.
We were gifted the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier – Original Stretchy Infant Sling, the Moby Easy-Wrap Carrier, and the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 carrier.
Then I went ahead and bought myself a Solly Baby Wrap because it is lighter and to be honest, I saw a few influencers raving about theirs and it convinced me to try it.
I’m also going to share my thoughts on the Moby Easy-Wrap Carrier and the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 carrier in another post but will focus on how the Solly and Boba compare here.
But if you don’t need the details, and just want a recommendation…
Between the Solly and Boba Baby Wraps, the Boba provides more value for less cost. It is about $20 less, it’s stretchier giving baby more flexibility, and it can hold up to 10 pounds more weight, increasing its utility period.
See how much both the Solly Baby Wrap and Boba Baby Wraps cost on Amazon (Boba/Solly) and at Walmart (Boba/Solly).
Read on if you want more detailed information!
My Experience with the Solly Baby Wrap
I splurged on the Solly Baby Wrap.
I already had three other carriers, but I really wanted to try the Solly Wrap.
I’d seen a couple of YouTubers raving about it, and how buttery smooth it is, so I decided to get one when I still had my Amazon baby registry discount (15%) and Solly already had it marked down.
Generally, you can find the Solly on Amazon for about $70.
I was excited to try it out because I already had a Boba wrap, but I found it initially bulky and hard to maneuver.
Initially, I struggled with the Solly because the fabric is a little less stretchy than I was anticipating, and as a first-time mom, I was tentative with how tight to wrap my baby, and when he squirmed, I got nervous.
I took this picture literally the day that I finally got my baby to sleep in the Solly and not push back against it. The first few times, I couldn’t master the right tension, and he was either too far down, or too tight.
This time it was just right. It felt like when you first learn to ride a bike and can’t quite figure out how to balance everything until you do, then it clicks. I had a similar moment with the Solly wrap.
Now I like it because it is lighter than most other wraps and it comes in tons of super cute patterns.
The only reason I ranked it four stars and not five, is the stretch factor. I wish it was just a tad more stretchy, but overall it’s a great option, especially if you or your baby run hot!
My Experience with the Boba Baby Wrap
I have been excited about babywearing since before I even knew I was expecting. So, it’s no surprise that a baby wrap was one of the first things on my baby registry.
I chose to get a Boba baby wrap in the color vintage blue, as you can see here!
It took me several tries to finally feel like he was secure and comfortable. Just tight enough, not too loose and not constricting.
Plus I started feeling a little more comfortable when he was about 10 pounds or so.
He was born six pounds four ounces, so it took several weeks for him to get up to eight pounds when we tried it out for the first time.
Now it feels more like muscle memory to get all wrapped up and he can sleep for a good 2-3 hours in the wrap during the day when I’m bopping around the house, catching up on cleaning and computer work.
I’ve even done laundry with him in it, and it’s taken some developing my abs and leg muscles again, but we made it work.
I’m thankful for the freedom of movement we have in this wrap, how soft and flexible the fabric is while still being supportive, and that it’s on the thicker side because even in SoCal where we live, we’ve had some cold winter days.
I would get any of my friends who have babies in the future a Boba wrap for sure! It’s worth an add to your registry.
Key Differences Between the Solly and Boba Wraps
The key differences between the Solly and Boba wraps are the fabric type, maximum baby weight, and the selection of colors available.
The Solly wrap is made of 100% Tencel Modal and the Boba wrap is made of 95% cotton, 5% spandex.
The Solly wrap weight limit is 25 pounds whereas the Boba wrap can hold up to 35 pounds.
The Solly wrap is available in 24 colors and the Boba wrap comes in 15 colors.
The cost difference of around $20 isn’t enough to be a factor for most folks, but if you need to count every dollar, the Boba is a better option.
| Cost* | Fabric Length | Wrap Weight | Fabric Type | Baby Weight | Baby Age | Season | Color Options | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boba Wrap | ~$40-60 | 5.5 yards | 1.76 lbs | 95% cotton, 5% spandex | 7 – 35 lb | Birth to Up to 6-9 months | Fall/ winter | 15 |
| Solly Wrap | ~$70-80 | 5.5 yards | 1.1 lbs | 100% tencel modal | 8 – 25 lb | Birth Up to 9 months | Spring/ summer | 24 |
*Cost differences are associated with different fabric colors and pattern options.
Key Takeaways Between the Solly and Boba Baby Wraps
Solly is a noticeably lighter material than the Boba, so it’s a good option if you have a summer baby or either of you just runs hot.
Because the fabric is lighter, it’s also over a ½ pound less weight and balls up into a much smaller pocket than the Boba so if you’re taking it somewhere that it will make a difference to have less bulk, that is something to consider.
In my experience, the Solly wrap is a bit more restrictive because the fabric doesn’t have the same stretch as the Boba does.
Boba has a nice stretch because of the added spandex to the fabric. If your baby tends to squirm when wrapped, this is a good option because there’s room when they move around.
Every baby is different, but mine typically gets fussy being put into wraps for the first few minutes.
I noticed that he relaxes into the Boba more quickly and for longer, and my gut is that it’s because the Boba has more stretch to it so he doesn’t feel as restricted.
Now I will admit that I’ve struggled a ton with using both wraps and it’s likely some user error on my part, but I’ve had more success with the Boba.
Why Should I Babywear?
Hands-Free
Having the ability to move around and get some stuff done, especially during the first few months is such a game-changer.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s possible to keep baby in the wrap and breastfeed without taking baby out of the wrap.
This is great especially if you’re on the go and you can pause to feed with a privacy shield already in place because the wrap can be spread out to ensure you’re covered.
Promotes Bonding
Anytime you and your baby can be touching, especially in a soft and secure way, will help both to feel close.
It helps baby to bond since they are warm and secure against your body.
And it helps mom and dad to bond because you feel baby, you can smell that great baby smell, and there’s nothing sweeter than feeling your little one snoozing all cuddled up against you.
Helps reduce postpartum depression
This one is directly tied to being hands-free and promoting bonding.
It allows you to have more mobility and get around while at the same time staying close to baby and having extended contact while getting off the couch.
Any incremental steps that help to combat the blues or deeper feelings of depression go such a long way.
You can even play with your baby while they’re nuzzled up, play bouncy, tickles, or got your nose!
Calms gas and reflux
The upright position of baby wraps helps to calm gas and reflux in babies, which is good news for everyone.
A baby with an upset tummy is not a happy one, and it’s so hard to see them in pain when it can be prevented.
Less Crying
A clinical trial noted in the journal Pediatrics cites that baby-wearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying significantly!
The trial found that baby-wearing resulted in a reduction in crying of 43 percent overall and 51 percent at night.
Easier Transition
Wraps are great because they keep your baby in a soft secure cuddle touching you, so they can feel your warmth in the closest environment to the womb as possible.
The tightness of the wrap to your body is comforting and makes your baby feel secure.
Encourages healthy hip development
While the outward-facing position may not be harmful, the inward-facing position is acknowledged as hip healthy.
Final Thoughts
Both the Boba and Solly wraps are good options depending on what is most important to you.
If it’s to get a bit more use I’d go for the Boba since it holds 10 more pounds than the Solly so you can likely get a few more months out of it.
The Solly is probably a better option if it’s to stay cool during hot summer days and Boba if you have an infant during the winter.
As to which is better, I really wanted to love the Solly but the Boba has served me better. And for me, what it came down to was fabric stretch.