Baby K'tan Original Review

Baby K'tan makes various baby products, but their main focus is baby carriers. The company has a unique baby carrier that functions like a traditional wrap but is much easier to use because it doesn't require wrapping skills. The company was formed in 2005 by two families with special needs children and relies heavily on organic growth and word of mouth for advertising. It has continued to grow exponentially since its first product launch in 2007.

Performance Comparison

Baby's Comfort

The K'tan is pretty comfortable for babies, and only a few other products we tested are more comfortable for little ones than the K'tan.

This carrier wraps around little ones and holds them close with a little bit of give so they feel snug but not confined. Younger babies and infants, in particular, will find this wrap cozy and comforting.

Parent's Comfort

The K'tan is more comfortable than the average baby carrier for parents to wear. We think the K'tan may be less comfortable the longer you wear it due to a lack of structure or adjustability.

The K'tan lacks any padding or internal structure, potentially making longer trips more difficult. It is also size specific, meaning you can't adjust it like a traditional wrap, and as you change size or your baby grows, the carrier fit will also change. However, we think the soft fabric and wide shoulder strap design means it provides a comfortable cocoon of fabric, at least for shorter outings. The material can feel restrictive, like tight clothing, and for most positions, you will have three layers around you and your baby, which could get hot in warmer weather.

Ease of Use

The K'tan is one of the easiest-to-use wraps in the review, primarily because it doesn't require the multi-step wrapping process.

While traditional wraps are long swaths of fabric, the K'tan is two rings of fabric joined with a loop. You can easily put the carrier on without holding your baby and use similar holds and positions to traditional wraps. While you still need to review the manual to learn the exact process, the K'tan is more intuitive and by far easier to use.

Ease of Cleaning

We appreciate that the K'tan is very easy to launder because, between spit-up and blowouts, messes are a reality with babies.

The care instructions mention that the carrier is machine washable on cold and tumble dry on low. The ability to wash and dry your carrier means the window of time it's not available is short versus carriers that need to air dry. Also, spot cleaning while on the go is easy as the material scrubs clean and dries by air fairly quickly.

Should You Buy the Baby K'tan Original?

We realize that not everyone likes the idea of a size-specific carrier. However, if you select the right size for your frame, the K'tan offers a cozy fit that's especially great for the newborn stage. Plus, its price tag is affordable and may leave room in your budget for a different baby carrier or top-ranked baby backpack carrier down the road if needed.

What Other Baby Carriers Should You Consider?

The Boba Wrap is a budget-friendly contender that's stretchy and soft, offering a snuggly fit that's also great for the newborn stage. Of course, you will need to learn how to wrap. But it's hard to beat a wrap-style carrier's adjustability and customization. If you're hoping to purchase one carrier to share with a different-sized wearer, the Boba might meet your needs and budget.

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