We Made Me Flow Life-Active Wrap review

It’s a comfy wrap for you and your baby, suitable for babies up to 24 months old and up to 15.9kg – if your back can hack it. At £65, the Flow Wrap is similar in price to other wraps such as the Close Caboo (£55). But there are cheaper options available on the market, such as the AmaWrap (£39.99) or the Hana Baby Wrap (£43.99).

First impressions?

My first impression was: What am I supposed to do with all this material? The Flow Wrap is one huge piece of soft fabric that never seems to end. It comes in four stylish colours: midnight black; charcoal grey; lavender; and pebble, and is soft to touch.

But at first, my sleep-deprived brain couldn’t quite handle the reams of stretchy material and the baffling instruction booklet. There are 58 steps to get your head around, and I ended up putting the wrap away for a while, too afraid to use it. But after watching a video online, all became clear. And with a bit of practice, slipping my baby into the sling became simple.

What are the seating positions like on the Flow Wrap – what are the different ways to carry your baby?

There’s only one position to carry your baby, with your baby facing mum or dad’s chest. The flexible fabric fits snugly to the contours of your body and around your baby – and is perfect for the newborn days. However, I can’t imagine a nosy two-year-old being happy in this position alone.

Is the carrier ergonomic? Does it support your little one’s hips and allow them to sit in the ‘M’ position?

Providing you follow the instructions and secure your baby safely, the Flow Wrap is a hip-healthy carrier, acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. It allows your baby to sit in the ‘M’ position, which is vital for your little one’s developing hips. To achieve this position, your baby’s legs need to be spread around your body with their hips bent so that their knees are higher than their bottom. I’m really conscious of my baby’s positioning when using a sling or wrap. Sometimes I did find that my little one slipped down, but I was able to adjust it to correct his posture.

Does the Flow Wrap follow the TICKS guidelines?

Yes. The secret to sling-wearing is to keep your baby close and comfortable at all times – and the handy TICKS guidelines are important to keep in mind when babywearing. Follow them when using the Flow Wrap: keep your baby Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep their chin off their chest and Support their back.

How comfortable is the Flow Wrap for the wearer/parent?

I love it. I’ve tried lots of slings since becoming a mum but this is the first wrap I’ve used. It has now become my firm favourite to wear about the house. The lightweight mesh fabric means you’re unlikely to get too hot – and the material is capable of self-regulating its temperature, according to We Made Me, to keep your baby cool too.

Although it was deepest, darkest winter when I tested the Flow Wrap, at no point did I feel like my son was overheating. The wrap is supportive for your back, distributing the weight of a baby evenly – and the tie at the front of your body means it’s simple to sit down and get on with things.

What body size is the Flow Wrap suitable for?

One size fits all. There’s heaps of material so you can get the perfect fit for your body shape.

How easy is the Flow Wrap carrier to put on and take off?

When you first try the Flow Wrap, the material pools onto the ground and it’s a little terrifying – as well as a great play toy for a cat. But perseverance pays off.

First, find the blue logo and centre it to your body, then wrap it around your waist and loop it over your back and shoulders, pulling the two tapered ends through the middle. Then, cross over the ends and tie it around your waist, finishing up with a knot at the front of your body. It was much easier to fit while in the house. If you want to tie it outside you need to find somewhere dry, with no mud or puddles nearby.

Like most carriers, it takes a little bit of practice to get the Flow Wrap to sit right – and a bit of confidence. But you can definitely put it on and take it off by yourself. I found the instruction booklet quite confusing as there are so many steps, but after watching a video online, it all clicked into place. I then referred back to the babywearing guide if I felt the wrap was too loose, or for advice on how to remove my son from the wrap.

Is it easy to put your baby/child into the Flow Wrap?

It takes a bit of practice, but if you’ve used a Close Caboo or a similar wrap it’s the same skill.

Is the Flow Wrap comfy for your baby/child?

My son Finn tends to fuss a bit when first put into a sling, but he settles quickly and looks comfortable in the Flow Wrap. The material is soft, and he can fall asleep soundly once in the right position. Wraps and slings are lifesavers when you have two children – this has become my go-to when running after my toddler in the house. The only thing I’ve found a little difficult is when Finn is wearing a bulky cardigan or jumper it tends to bunch up, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

What age child can the Flow Wrap baby carrier be used for?

The wrap can be used from birth up to two years, but your newborn will need to weigh over 8lbs before you can use the wrap – We Made Me advise the Flow Wrap can be used from 8-35lbs. If your baby is premature or smaller than 8lbs, their advice is to speak to a healthcare professional first.

How does it compare to other slings you have used?

This is the first wrap I’ve used successfully. In the past, I’ve been a bit scared to try one without rings or buckles as they made me feel more secure. However, once I’d mastered the skill it was really easy to use. And the flexibility and support it gave me and my baby was fab. I’ve worn it time and time again when Finn has been a bit unsettled during the day so I could get on with household chores, cooking, and playing with my two-year-old. Now Finn is a bit older I still prefer to use a more structured baby carrier, as I am usually flailing after my toddler.

Can you breastfeed while wearing the carrier?

Err...I am yet to try. I’ve never been able to figure out how to do this – regardless of the sling. But I’m sure another mama could work it out.

Does it feel durable?

This stretchy wrap feels durable – and it should for the £65 price tag! We Made Me say that the wide material will adjust as baby grows and so the fabric will not sag. On occasion, I did find the fabric was a bit loose around the baby – but this was down to a haphazard, one-handed fit and user-error, rather than the sling itself. Once I’d looked at the instructions again, adjusted baby’s position and realigned the wrap, it felt more secure.

Is it easy to clean?

Yep. Simply chuck it in the washing machine at 30℃ and any baby sick, cooking stains or paint marks you’ve picked up along the way will come out in the wash. But you need to find somewhere roomy to dry the wrap – it can’t be put in the tumble dryer.

What’s in the box?

Inside the box is the wrap, a babywearing guide and a cylindrical pouch that We Made Me suggest can be reused as a handy ‘day out’ pouch - storing three nappies, a packet of wipes and some nappy cream.

Who would the product be most useful for?

Any mums and dads keen to master the art of babywearing and become pros. The Flow Wrap is a lovely addition to the baby carriers I already have and I’d recommend it, especially for around the house. The lack of rings and being able to tie the knot at the front of your body makes it comfy for daily use.

How much does the Flow Wrap cost?

At £65, this wrap isn’t cheap but it’ll last for baby number two, three, or four.

MadeForMums verdict:

Super soft, stretchy and lightweight, this wrap is a great way to carry your baby around and keep your hands free for cooking, running after a toddler or while out for a long walk.

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