The Baby K’tan Original is a great baby carrier if you want something cozy, easy to use, and budget-friendly. After trying several options with my own three kids, the Baby K’tan turned out to be the standout baby carrier for the infant months. In this Baby K’tan review I’ll go over the ins and outs of this popular baby carrier.
The K’tan is a great choice for parents like me who like the idea of using a wrap, but who also don’t really want to deal with learning complicated wrapping techniques that require lots of practice and patience.
The K’tan offers lots of the same benefits as wrapping, but without the fuss.
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Overview
The Baby K’tan’s magic is in how easy it is to use. It is basically just two loops of fabric attached together by a smaller loop. It also comes with a waist “sash” (used for extra support with some carrying positions) that doubles as a bag. That’s it! The fabric is soft and comfortable, and ideal for very young babies.
I’ve used a few types of stretchy wraps with my own three kids when they were newborns (up through the first 6 months or so, at which point I switched over to soft structured carriers, like the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the LILLEbaby).
I started out with the Moby wrap and I really liked it at first. The fabric on the Moby is extremely cozy. However, in pretty short order I ended up switching to the Baby K’tan, and that’s been my go-to ever since.
I decided to make the switch after a day out in the pouring rain with my then-infant son. As I was trying to get him into the Moby, the long fabric kept dragging on the ground and getting soaking wet, and it was all just too much for me.
You know how it is when you’re struggling with a baby + baby gear and quickly losing your sanity? Yeah, that was me. I decided I needed something similar to the Moby, but easier to use and less cumbersome.
Enter, the Baby K’tan.
The K’tan feels pretty similar to the Moby. But instead of having to deal with one VERY long piece of fabric that you have to wrap around your body, you have a much shorter, less unwieldy piece of fabric to deal with.
The Baby K’tan baby carrier is made with two loops of fabric. To put the carrier on, you hold the loops together, and place it over your head like a necklace, with the connecting loop at the back. You then separate the loops and place one arm through each of them.
You’ll end up with an “X” shape across your front. You lower the outer loop from your shoulder so that it hangs down at your waist. The inner loop will become the pocket seat for your baby. The whole thing gets secured with a sash around your waist.
It’s really, really simple (even though it probably sounds a bit tricky when it’s written out!)
This video tutorial will show you just how easy it really is to use.
In any event, the Baby K’tan doesn’t fall on the ground and get all wet, and you don’t have to learn any complicated wrapping maneuvers.
This speaks to my sense of practicality, and also to the fact that I don’t want to wrap myself up in sopping wet fabrics. Is that too much to ask?
I enjoyed using the K’tan right away, and after using it with all three of my kids I would still highly recommend it. I think it’s an especially good choice for babywearing after a c-section, because the fabric doesn’t sit at all near your incision (I’ve had three c-sections, so I know something about this!)
Details
The Baby K’Tan Original can be used from newborns up to 35 lb. toddlers (although personally, I find this wrap much more suited to the younger babies).
It’s made of 100% all-natural cotton, and it’s very soft to the touch. The cotton fabric and lack of buckles and straps makes this carrier really nice for even tiny babies.
There are 5 possible carrying positions, including a hip-carry, which the K’Tan is well suited to.
Sizing
It’s important that you get the right size Baby K’tan. What matters here is your size, not the size of the baby. Sizes range from XXS to XL, so no matter what your body type is you should be able to find a good fit.
The Baby K’tan is meant to have a snug fit, while allowing for some “stretch” for your baby.
Here is detailed information on how to choose the correct size Baby K’tan carrier.
Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of the Baby K’tan in a little more detail (this is a Baby K’tan review after all!)
Pros of the Baby K’tan
This soft carrier is ideal for newborns, easy to use, and cozy.
- The Baby K’tan is very easy to get the hang of. This is one of the biggest assets: there is nothing complicated about this wrap. You’ll have your baby securely in the carrier in no time (although I do think it’s always useful to watch a video tutorial on any carrier first, and practice over a bed once or twice)!
- It’s appropriate for newborns and even preemies (although you should check with your own doctor if you’re not sure).
- No fussy buckles or straps, no extra fabric to trip over, and you can put it over your head like a t-shirt.
- The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recognizes the Baby K’tan as a “hip healthy” product when used as directed.
- Ability to breastfeed while using the K’tan. I will admit I have not tried this! That looks advanced to me. Ha! But it is, apparently, doable.
- Machine washable: you can toss the K’tan right into the washing machine, no problem. The carrier is made solely of a soft fabric, so you’re not dealing with any buckles or straps.
- It’s lightweight and the fabric is soft and extra cozy for very young babies.
Check here for the current price of the Baby K’tan.
Limitations of the Baby K’tan
- As your baby gets bigger, the K’tan tends to become less comfortable. If you look on Amazon, you’ll find photos of giant babies still enjoying the K’tan (and it does technically go up to 35 pounds!) In reality I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone using this type of carrier for a kid that big, although I’m sure somewhere out there a toddler is rocking the K’tan! In my experience, when your baby is around 6-8 months old you’re better off with a carrier like the Ergobaby.
- The K’tan is sized for each individual (Small, Medium, Large, etc.), which is limiting if you want to share the carrier with a partner who doesn’t have the same body size as you.
Safety Notes
- Use the Baby K’tan, and any baby carrier, only as directed.
- You want to make sure that your baby’s airways are always open.
- If you have a preemie or very tiny baby, check with your pediatrician before using the carrier.
Summary
The Baby K’tan is an affordable, simple, cozy choice. You can keep one in the car and toss it on for an errand, or snuggle with your baby around the house.
I would highly recommend starting out with a Baby K’tan. This carrier is especially useful for the first few months of your baby’s life. At some point, there’s a good chance that you’ll want a soft structured carrier for your older baby or toddler. But the K’tan really is an excellent choice for infants, and it’s sold at a very reasonable price point.
I hope this Baby K’tan review was helpful!
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