Do you want to build a bond with your newborn from the very beginning? We all know how important those first few months can be with your new baby (source). That’s why mom and dad want to hold their babies as closely as possible.
Aside from your standard carriers and wraps, there’s a new trend emerging. This is where babywearing shirts come in. But is it all just hype? Let’s find out and look at some options out there.
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What Is a Babywearing Shirt?
If you’re wondering what babywearing shirts are and what makes them so special, we’ll let you in on the secret. This is the latest trend for bonding between mom and newborn, as well as dad and newborn.
It’s simply a shirt with a pouch on it. The infant lies, chest to chest, with their parent.
If you’re already a parent, chances are you’ll have heard about the positive benefits of skin-to-skin contact. Of course, the main advantage is bonding with your child. But there are other benefits, including:
- May encourage breastfeeding (source).
- A calming and relaxing experience.
- Helps to regulate a baby’s heart rate (source).
- Allows regulation of body temperature for the baby (source).
- Support for premature babies (source).
How to Choose the Best Babywearing Shirt
Since babywearing shirts are a new product emerging on the market, it can be difficult to know what you’re looking for.
Most we found are only suitable for newborns, so keep in mind it’s not necessarily for the long haul. Check out the features you should consider if you want to buy the best babywearing shirt for you or your partner.
1. Soft and Comfortable Materials
The last thing you want is for your babywearing shirt to feel scratchy and uncomfortable. Chances are, if the material feels bad against your skin, it will be even worse for your sensitive newborn. So, be sure to look out for soft materials only.
Cotton is known for being gentle, as well as hypoallergenic. Polyester is also a breathable material for hot days. For some stretch, you’ll want to look out for a percentage of spandex too.
2. Inside or Outside Pouch?
Some babywearing shirts are designed so that your child can be supported inside the shirt itself. The is the best way to enjoy skin-to-skin bonding, alongside the other benefits.
Alternatively, this item of clothing can also have an outside pouch. While you can still enjoy some closeness with your child, there’s no direct skin-to-skin experience.
3. Hands-Free Design
Would you love to carry your baby around but still get on with your daily activities? Well, now you can. Some hands-free designs use compression, seams, and stitching to provide extra support.
4. Easy for Nursing
All newborns need milk, and some of the best babywearing shirts make this easy. They‘re made from thin and stretchy materials and can be discreet. V-neck designs in particular are the best for nursing.
The Best Babywearing Shirts of 2019
As we mentioned, babywearing shirts are relatively new to the market. We spent some time researching the best ones for moms and dads. Check them out to see which you like best.
1. DadWare Cotton Kangaroo T-Shirt
Casual Kangaroo Care
A lot of people automatically assume babywearing shirts are only popular with moms. But dads can enjoy wearing them, too.
Skin-to-skin contact can be beneficial for both parents to bond with their infant. This T-shirt may offer you the best way to do this.
It’s made from 92 percent cotton, blended with jersey, which makes it super soft. It’s also stretchy for comfort, with 8 percent spandex. This T-shirt is stylish, available in navy blue and charcoal colors.
While it’s not hands-free, you can hold your child while moving about. You can keep your infant cozy by pulling the velcro flap over, which may help with better sleep quality and building that unbreakable bond.
Pros
- Constructed from soft cotton.
- A flap for easy access.
- Two color options and several sizes.
Cons
- Velcro can scratch.
- Not hands-free.
2. Monochef Women’s Babywearing Sweatshirt
Keeping Warm and Cozy
Most babywearing shirts are suitable for the spring and summer. But this one is great for colder months of the year.
The idea of this sweatshirt is that it could be combined with a babywearing T-shirt, or a front-side baby carrier. It has two inserts: one for maternity and the other for carrying your newborn. All you do is simply zip in the one you want.
We think it’s adorable that there’s even a little hood to keep away the cold. It’s made from a warm polar fleece that’s going to be cozy for you to wear, too.
Let’s not forget that it has a trendy design. It’s grey, with a bright colored teal hood, so you can be warm and fashionable.
Pros
- Made from warm polar fleece.
- Compatible with carrier and shirt.
- Made for pregnancy, too!
Cons
- No supportive insert for baby on their own.
3. VIJA Halter Strap Plum Top
Summer Bonding Time
This summer top is going to let you enjoy intimacy no matter where you are. We love that you can easily breastfeed with this top. It’s also going to be discreet if you’re in public— you just need to adjust the straps.
Of course, the halter neck design is trendy and ideal for the hot summer weather. But this top is also designed well. Semi-side seams combined with elastic shirring can help your baby stay comfortable and not slip down.
There’s also a double band towards the bottom of the pouch to support that cute baby bum.
It’s important to note that this top doesn’t have a hands-free design. You’ll have to sit and hold your baby. Alternatively, you can support your infant with your hands to make sure they’re safe while moving.
Pros
- Made from soft cotton material.
- Stretchy for comfort.
- Easy to breastfeed.
- Supportive additions.
Cons
- Not hands-free.
- Runs small, so you’ll need to size up.
4. VIJA Men’s Kangaroo T-Shirt
Best for Skin Allergies
Are you looking for a hypoallergenic babywearing shirt? This T-shirt for men is made from 94 percent cotton, which makes it great for you if you’re a dad with skin allergies. It’s also super soft for your newborn, avoiding irritation.
Your infant can enjoy comfortable cuddles with dad in this hands-free shirt. You can walk around with confidence, enjoying activities while your child sleeps.
Simply wear it like a normal shirt then place your child into the pouch. No ties or adjustments are needed. It has three layers of support to securely hold your baby and make them feel safe.
It’s great for relaxing, bonding, and maybe even sleeping more comfortably. Plus, you can choose between stylish heather grey or black, to match your wardrobe.
Pros
- Stylish and comfortable design.
- Supports your newborn’s head.
- Machine washable.
- Several sizes and two colors available
Cons
- Only suitable for babies up to 15 pounds.
5. NuRoo Soft Moisture-Wicking Shirt
Best for Being Active
One of our favorites is this mother’s babywearing shirt. Simply put it on like a normal shirt and you can enjoy the softness, support, and bonding time.
This product comes with a design that offers full coverage for your baby. This shirt includes a fashionable belt for a supportive fit.
Compression makes the baby feel secure, almost recreating the womb. It also makes it hands-free.
Seamless stitching is going to be just what you need postpartum. It will feel comfortable as your body adjusts to life after pregnancy. It’ll also reduce chafing for your new baby.
The polyester makes this product breathable and moisture-wicking, so you can feel cool on hot days. What’s more, this is one of the few babywearing shirts that adheres to ASTM sling and carrier standards.
Pros
- Made from a soft polyester material.
- Seamless stitching for comfort.
- Tested up to 45 pounds.
- Compression for support.
Cons
- Sizes seem to run big.
- Babies outgrow it quickly.
6. Lalabu Dad Babywearing Shirt
Best for Adventures
Does dad want to take his baby on an adventure? Then this shirt may be just the item of clothing you need. It has a sporty V-neck style, making it look and feel casual. It has short sleeves for warm weather, with a slim fit design.
It’s made from a mixture of polyester, rayon, and spandex. This makes it soft and comfortable for dad and newborn to wear all day.
All you’ve got to do is carefully place your child into the built-in pouch. It extends to swaddle your child and has head support. While this isn’t a hands-free shirt, you can still walk around if you hold your baby.
Pros
- Sporty and casual style.
- Short sleeves for the summer.
- Soft for dad and baby.
Cons
- Maximum weight is 15 pounds.
- Not fully skin to skin.
7. VIJA Design Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
Best for Soothing
You can wear this fashionable T-shirt and hold your child close. It’s a babywearing T-shirt that supports your child and allows skin-to-skin contact.
It’s made from cotton and can support children weighing up to 20 pounds, thanks to the shirring on the sides. It’s great that this top can also be used for nursing— you’ll be able to do this discreetly, even in public.
It’s also machine washable, so you can launder it with your other washing. This T-shirt is hands-free.
Pros
- Made from soft cotton.
- Ideal for easy nursing.
- Hands-free.
Cons
- Some moms reported the sizes run small.
Conclusion
If you want to bond with your newborn baby, hold them close with a babywearing shirt. You might help your bundle of joy sleep better and even help them to stay cozy. Of course, we’re not just talking about moms — we’re talking about dads, too.
Are you wondering which one is our favorite? Well, we think the DadWare cotton kangaroo t-shirt is special. It’s super soft, encourages skin-to-skin contact and is stylish too. Dads can really bond with their newborn child, and it could help both relax, even after a long day.
Do you have a favorite babywearing shirt? Let us know in the comments below and ask us any questions you have. Remember to share, too!
