Ultimate Guide to the Huggaloops Carrier

Ultimate Guide to the Huggaloops Carrier

I received compensation for this post.

I get a lot of questions about my Huggaloops Carrier. I wrote a review when Little Miss was brand spankin’ new, and I’ve been wanting to update it since I now have a lot more insight about this Canadian-made wonder carrier. I hope this post will answer the most frequently asked questions about the Huggaloops.

Anatomy of a Huggaloops Carrier:

If you are familiar with using a wrap to wear your baby, then the best way to explain a Huggaloops is that it allows you to achieve a Pocket Wrap Cross Carry without wrapping or tying. If you are not familiar with wrapping, just disregard that statement since you do not need to know anything about wrapping to use a Huggaloops. The Huggaloops is three interconnected loops:

Anatomy of a Huggaloops

When you put on your Huggaloops, you wind up with the body loops forming an X on your front and your back, just like you would with a wrap:

Putting on your Huggaloops Carrier

Putting on the Huggaloops Carrier:

The best way to learn how to use a Hugglaoops Carrier is by watching someone else do it, so here are my demo videos:

When the carrier was new to me, I struggled to figure out how to put the loops on over my head once I got the waist loop around my waist. Here’s a video from Huggaloops that helped:

I made this video to show how I put the loops on from my perspective, which is the only way I was able to learn to knit (by watching videos from the knitter’s perspective). 

Here is a full video of me putting on the Huggaloops, putting baby in the Huggaloops and moving her over for a hip carry:


(I’d like to point out that this is the second version of this demo, because the first time I did it, Cub came outside and decided to pee on a tree.)

And here’s a step-by-step collage:

Huggaloops Demo Collage

Here’s a look at a proper seat in the Huggaloops. I like to really scoop baby’s bum into the waist loop, then bring the fabric of the waist loop up between us, getting her knees up higher than her bum:

Proper Seat in a Huggaloops

Click to view full size graphic.

The Perfect Huggaloops Hold

Choosing the right size of Huggaloops Carrier

The Huggaloops Carrier comes in three sizes: 0, 1 and 2. They can also be made to a custom size. My first piece of advice when choosing your size is to measure yourself. Dress size varies from brand to brand, as we all know!

Huggaloops Size Chart

I requested a Size 1 for my initial Huggaloops review. The last time I knew what size I was would’ve been before getting pregnant with my first child when most of my clothes were a size 8. Feeling enormous (as one is wont to do when pregnant), and lazy (also a pregnancy symptom), I did no research and asked no questions and went for the Size 1. The only good thing about choosing the wrong size is that I am well-positioned to encourage those about to purchase a Huggaloops to get feedback from the experts at Huggaloops via their website, email or Facebook page. When Little Miss was a newborn, I was still able to use my Size 1 carriers because she was so little and not filling out the fabric with her weight. By the time she hit about 10 lbs, I noticed she was drooping lower and lower in the Bamboo carrier, and I was less comfortable. The Size 1 Everywhere carrier, since the fabric is that much tighter feeling, continued to work okay for us, but as she got heavier I found she was getting further and further from “close enough to kiss” level. I took this comparison when she was 18 lbs:

Huggaloop Bamboo Size 1 vs Size 0

See how, with the Size 0, she’s quite high on my chest and she has a nice “knees higher than bum” seat? Even though she’s heavier, I’m still super comfortable carrying her in the Bamboo Size 0 because it fits properly! Here we are at Costco just last weekend! (She’s now 20 lbs and 13 months old.)

Huggaloops at 20 lbs

Here’s the fit difference on me at the waist:

Everywhere Size 0 vs Size 1

Click to view full size graphic.

The Perfect Huggaloops Fit

What’s the difference between the Bamboo Huggaloops & the Everywhere Huggaloops?

Everywhere vs Bamboo Huggalooops Carrier

The Huggaloops Carrier comes in two different fabrics. The Bamboo Huggaloops feels like your softest, snuggliest t-shirt. It is made of 65% bamboo, 30% cotton and 5% spandex. The Everywhere Huggaloops is made of an athletic, technical fabric that feels a lot like swimsuit material and is made of 92% polyester chitosante and 8% spandex. This fabric was originally designed for marathon runners: it helps to regulate body temperature and keep moisture away from the skin.

In my dream world, everyone will own both of these carriers. I use them differently. I preferred the Bamboo when Little Miss was a newborn because it is so cuddly and because I often wore it in lieu of a shirt. (I’m pretty sure my FedEx guy never even noticed.) The Bamboo feels roomier and stretchier when baby is tiny, and I found it easier to get her in the Bamboo when I was first learning to Huggaloops like a pro. Now that she is 20 lbs, I find myself always reaching for the Bamboo when my purpose is cuddles and comfort. This spring she was sick off and on, plus teething, and the Bamboo Huggaloops became my go-to for wearing her around the house when she refused to be put down. When we were in Montreal and she was the sickest she’s ever been, she spent more time in the Bamboo Huggaloops than out of it. When she was asleep, I would sit propped up in bed in an effort to keep her upright to reduce congestion while still getting a bit of rest myself!



I always reach for the Everywhere Huggaloops when we are going somewhere. For example, also in Montreal, I walked 4 km round trip with Little Miss in the Everywhere Carrier and was totally comfortable. It’s hard to explain exactly how supportive the Everywhere Huggaloops is until you’ve tried it. Most “stretchy wrap” carriers really are not supportive enough past about 15 lbs. Partly for fun and partly because he flat-out refused to walk any further, I tried putting all 38 lbs of Cub in the Everywhere:

35 lbs in the Huggaloops Everywhere Carrier

I carried him home from the park (about 450 metres) like this, and was astonished by how well supported he was and how comfortable it was for me. Now, realistically, if I need to wear my almost-four-year-old for any length of time, I’m going to put him in a toddler-sized buckle carrier on my back. His height alone makes it impractical to wear him on my front for any length of time. However, I was very pleased to see that younger (shorter) children who weigh 35 lbs can absolutely ride in the Everywhere and both wearer and child will be comfortable.

Bamboo  Everywhere 
65% bamboo, 30% cotton and 5% spandex 92% polyester chitosante and 8% spandex.
super snuggly super supportive
easier to use on newborns comfortable even with big toddlers
Natural UV filtering UVF 50
Temperature regulating properties Breathable, fast drying, antimicrobial

Click to view full size graphic.

Bamboo or Everywhere Huggaloops

Other frequently asked questions

What is the weight range?

7-35 lbs. When Little Miss was a newborn, I used the newborn hold, which is demonstrated in this video. This hold is great for little teeny babes who are still curled up.  Once baby starts to straighten her legs, it’s time to switch to a legs-out carry in standard hold.

How do you wash your Huggaloops carrier?

For both the Bamboo and Everywhere: Machine wash cold, gentle cylce. Air dry or tumble dry on low/no heat.

Where do I measure myself to determine my size?

Take your bust measurement around your breasts, right across the nipples. Measure your true waist, so the narrowest part of your torso.

Do I use my pre-pregnancy size to determine what size carrier I buy?

Huggaloops recommends going by pre-pregnancy size, plus 2 inches to allow for comfort in the postpartum period.

Can I use the Everywhere in the water?

The Everywhere Carrier is not safety-tested for aquatic use. Because it dries quickly and doesn’t absorb water, you’ll find the Everywhere to be a great option poolside or at the beach since, if it gets splashed, it will dry quickly. (Plus, it has UVF 50 protection.)

How do I tighten my Huggaloops?

Ideally, you never have to. This is not a carrier that stretches out over time. If your carrier is a size too big, this video shows a method of tightening it.

How do I break-in my Huggaloops?

A Huggaloops should be given a good stretching before you first use it with baby. Putting the carrier on and spreading the panels wide and stretching firmly inch by inch really helps to make the carrier feel soft and easy to manoeuvre. Here’s a video.

It feels too tight with my newborn in the Everywhere. What do I do?

Your carrier should fit skin tight. The Everywhere Carrier is extremely stretchy and holds its shape perfectly. Because it is so supportive, you will find that a baby who doesn’t weigh much simply doesn’t stretch out the fabric enough, so you have to help spread and stretch the fabric so that both of you are comfortable. As your child grows, you’ll find their increasing body weight will help to spread the fabric out on its own, and, trust me, you will appreciate that support! Stacey demonstrates how to wear a newborn-weight baby in the Everywhere and how to spread out the fabric properly in this demo video.

I feel like the carrier is digging into my sides. What do I do?

Spreading the fabric at the sides makes a HUGE difference!  Here are the areas to pay attention to:

KEY POINTS

Do I have to wear the fabric spread out over my shoulders? Doesn’t that restrict movement?

You can absolutely fold up the fabric on your shoulders so that you have full range of motion!

Folded shoulder in Huggaloops

Can I use it for a hip carry, forward-facing carry or a back carry?

You cannot use the Huggaloops on your back, or in “forward-facing” position. It’s really easy to wear baby on your hip, though, as I demonstrate in my video above!

Huggaloops Hip Carry

Can I breastfeed in my Huggaloops?

Breastfeeding in any baby carrier takes practice, and it seems to me that my tiny boobs also help make this easy to manage. There is a breastfeeding hold video you can watch, but honestly, I just kind of wiggle myself and Little Miss until she can reach the nipple and then adjust the fabric of the carrier as needed. I find nursing in the Huggaloops easier than in a buckle carrier.

How does it compare to a Baby K’Tan carrier?

The K’Tan carrier also sets you up for a Pocket Wrap Cross Carry. The main difference in construction is that the K’Tan is a two-piece carrier: the waist loop is a separate sash that you tie. While the “style” of carry you achieve is the same, the level of comfort is very different. I found the K’Tan fabric to stretch out, and I needed to toss it in the dryer often for it to regain its shape. There is no way that I could carry my 35-lb son in the K’Tan. You can read my K’Tan review here.

My favourite things about the Huggaloops Carrier:

  • Easy to wash.
  • Affordable and made in Canada.
  • Comfy cozy hold for newborns but can also be used with toddlers.
  • Super compact carrier: perfect as a back-up in the diaper bag or for travel.
  • You can put baby in and take baby out of the carrier without having to remove your coat or sweater, as demonstrated in my Huggaloops Multiway Sweater review.

Downsides of the Huggaloops Carrier to consider:

  • Because it is a sized carrier, it cannot be easily swapped between wearers. Unless your partner (or another caregiver) is the same size as you, they won’t be able to use your Huggaloops.
  • Less versatility in terms of types of carries: if you can only buy one carrier (ever), and want to be able to back carry, then you need a woven wrap, buckle carrier or Mei Tai—not a Huggaloops (or you need to #buyallthecarriers!). I recommend a combo to all my pregnant friends: a Huggaloops and a buckle carrier.
  • It’s hard to choose between the Bamboo and the Everywhere!

Shop & Connect

You can get your Huggaloops from Maman Loup sponsor  Lil’ Monkey Cheeks!





74 responses to “Ultimate Guide to the Huggaloops Carrier”

  1. […] ======> Find my Ultimate Guide to the Huggaloops Carrier here<======= […]

  2. Kathy Harrigan

    This carrier looks so easy to use!

  3. This is fabulous! I always thought that “stretchy” wrap type carriers were no good after 15lbs. Great to know that the Huggaloops is the exception!

  4. What an amazing review!! I need to safe this!!! It answers ALL the questions !!!

  5. Erika Sullivan

    I researched wraps like crazy when I was pregnant. This was the clear winner. Thanks for this great review!

  6. Awesome review! I’ve been thinking about this carrier ever since we found out we were expecting…and now knowing its twins leads me to think we may need two (one for me and one for the hubby).

  7. Ashley Stone

    Awesome review! You literally covered all the questions and more that I had when researching the huggaloops. I especially like that you included pictures of using the huggaloops with an older child. It’s great to see that even a 20 lb little one can still be put into the carrier.

  8. Great review. I didn’t know you could do a hip carry with it. 🙂

  9. Lindsay Cociardi

    Awesome review!
    Answered all the questions I had thought of when researching my Huggaloops! I think you should have added that the Customer Service from Huggaloops is second to none. They are so beyond helpful and fantastic! New Momma’s researching would be glad to know that!

  10. Kristen Rielly

    This guide was very helpful. I have been debating purchasing a huggaloops since my babe was born 7 weeks ago and I was first introduced to this! It’s all I can think about but the tricky part is convincing my husband that I NEED this carrier! Of course your guide doesn’t help me spend less money as I now want both the bamboo and everywhere as well as the sweater (where I had initially thought I didn’t need the sweater)!
    Thank you for taking the time to put this together and include videos and photos as well.

  11. Briana S

    What a great guide you have made! I love that this carrier is a stretchy that seems to be well loved past 15 lbs unlike most others.

  12. Christa Marshall

    Love this review! Been eying the Hugaloops for baby #2 and I think you helped me make up my mind! Now…to decide on size…

  13. Julia

    What a great review! I love how you included detailed instructions about the size. I originally thought right away that I’d ask need size 1, but after reading your description and seeing the pictures I think I’d be better with size 0.

  14. Kathleen Myers

    This is so perfect. I’ve been looking for something for my new squish due in April.

  15. Chelsey Gike

    I can’t wait to buy one of these for my little man!

  16. Megan Childers

    I had the moby with ny first baby and I loved having baby close! However, once baby got bigger, the stretchy wrap just didn’t work well for us. This Huggaloop sounds like it will work much longer! Plus it looks so mich easier than getting my straps all dirty trying to wrap them around me at the gricery store. I really want to try this huggaloop!

  17. What an excellent review!

    I am the proud owner of a bamboo Huggaloops and it is one of our favorites still at 17 months and 22lbs!

    I really loved your comparison of the two different types of Huggaloops carriers! I have been contemplating purchasing the Everywhere, however I wasn’t too sure how different the carriers would be in terms of functionality. After having read this review, I have added the Everywhere Huggaloops to my must have list as my little man grows!

  18. Bashayer

    I saw you wearing this carrier in one of your picture and right away thought that it was a baby carrying shirt! I’m about to buy a Vija skin on skin shirt and the way the huggaloops goes on looks exactly the same, so now I’m wondering if I should just skip the shirt and go straight for the huggaloops which I’ll be able to use for much longer as the skin on skin shirt will only be good for 2-3 months :/.

  19. Okay, you’ve convinced me, I need a bamboo for our coming winter baby! We have the everywhere and have used it with my toddler out at the beach and on canoe trips. But the softness of a bamboo is so tempting! It’s my go-to gift for baby showers, now I think it’s time to get my own. I’m especially loving these new fall colours!

  20. Corinne Kershaw

    I discovered huggaloops after my son was 2 and no longer allowing me to baby wear him. Now that I’m pregnant with my second child, I’d love to try one!

  21. This product review was extremely thorough. The included photos and links were very helpful.

  22. Stephanie Arseneault

    The more I read about huggaloop the more excited I get! As a first time mom to be, I am so excited to begin wearing my baby! Huggaloop seems like the only answer. Especially for a nre born!

  23. Rachael Ramsey

    Super helpful! Answered so many of my questions!

  24. Jeanne C.

    Wow! Would like to try it!

  25. Wendy Dickey

    I have never used a hugaloops but after reading your review I definitely want to. I especially appreciate the comparison of the two fabrics. Choosing is always hard when you have no experience with the carrier!

  26. amanda fauth

    I would love this wrap. I have a Fidella woven. But something like this would be much quicker!

  27. K Powell

    Wish I’d had one of these with my first little one!
    They seem so simple after working with a wrap. 🙂 My first was a fall baby so we have lots of dirty, muddy and wet tails with our wrap, Huggaloops would completely eliminate that, woohoo! Looks like I’ll be adding it to my wishlist

  28. Laura Ward

    Wow! I really appreciate how detailed and informative this review is. Not only is the huggaloops lovely to look at (those colours) but it’s so versatile and looks so comfy for mommy and baby. I couldn’t resist entering the giveaway!

  29. Gayleen Peters

    What a great review! Answered so many of my questions!!! With baby #2 due in January, I’ll definitely be needing a carrier like this! Especially with my toddler running around!

  30. Marie

    Wow, think you covered everything. Love how this wrap is already looped. I really like my maman kangaroo wrap, but problem with 5m of stretch fabric is it drags on the ground/floor while you’re getting it on. This carrier solves that issue. From what ive read, I think it is the best carrier ever!

  31. kayla sheehan

    This looks great! Also looks easy to use. Would be perfect for baby boy due in november!

  32. Thank you so much for all the answers! And for the demo! I need need one of these!

  33. Nicole Burch

    So I think I finally know that I want to order the bamboo, thanks! I’ve been debating since I saw you at the GCDC in April! Now I just have to pick a colour. Decisions, decisions. Good thing Baby #3 won’t be here until end of November!

  34. Rachel

    My 4 week old has been a bit colicky/fussy lately, and he is not fitting in my lillebaby carrier yet. I would love to be able to try the huggaloops, and I feel like your post has been a great education on this carrier!
    Thanks!

  35. Jaclyn

    This is really helpful. I don’t normally like a sized carrier (woven fan here) but this would be a great gift for my expecting friends and a nice carrier to keep in the car for my own baby.

  36. KC harmer

    I love my everywhere. It was great living in Tucson Arizona as it provided sun protection.

    Thank you so much for putting all these benefits and tips together.

  37. Ali Otwell

    Awesome review! So detailed! Thank you for the step-by-step pictures!

  38. Amy Hall

    Thank you for great details, comparing sizes and materials.

  39. Jennifer Lasovich

    I always enjoy reading your reviews. The pictures and details really helped me distinguish between a size one and zero. Thanks Lindsay!

  40. daykam_aram

    Looks very practical without the hassle of endless rope of cloth

  41. Tbis is such a grrat carrier. i bought one for my little guy back in April or May. I really wish your guide had been around then because at the time I boughf a size 1. Looking at your photos and reading this post makes me realize I probably should habe sought our more help with sizing and sized down. This is a great guide! Thank you for putting it together.

  42. Heather

    Well written review. I wish I had known about this carrier when LO was a newborn. We used the Moby, which was fine, but I would have appreciated how much quicker the Huggaloops is.

  43. The Huggaloops looks awesome! I have a boba wrap, and it’s not supportive enough anymore for my 16 pound baby. The Everywhere carrier looks like an awesome option to carry her from our stacked townhouse out back to our parking spot, as it’s sooooo heavy to carry her in her bucket car seat now. And then I’d have the carrier to go out and carry her doing errands!! It looks so much easier to put on than a wrap carrier.

  44. Amber Ludwig

    I really love that this carrier is easily washable!! My son spit up constantly!! I also love that it can be used for and infant or a toddler!! Anything that grows with my child is a winner in my book 🙂

  45. Misty Rivers

    Technology has advanced so far. This could possibly be the best baby wearing system ever.

  46. Lara

    I love how stretchy yet supportive the fabric looks in your video. This product does look like it takes some practice to get the hang of though… Both my girls were extremely colicky, and I can’t see it being easy to wrangle a ten pounder that’s doing the kicking and back-breaching that accompanies colic or teething.

  47. Liz

    This page has helped me really understand what this wrap is all about. I’ve never heard of it before so I’m really looking forward to trying it out!

  48. Kayla Green

    Awesome review! My daughter loves my huggaloops, it’s the fastest way to calm her when she’s fussy!

  49. Ashley morel

    I could have definitely used this review when I had my latest addition 2 months ago, it took me two weeks to figure out how to use my huggaloops! mainly because she wanted legs out and I found that hard to do with a the newborn carry, once I switched to standard it worked like a charm. I love my huggaloops for my reflux fussy baby, especially when it comes to chasing my toddler around. She pretty much only naps in the huggaloops, and I use it to calm her down when she is really gassy by bouncing her in it on an exercise ball! Hands free all the way!!

  50. I never even thought about the difference the fabric would make! And I had no idea this no-tie option was even out there until now. Great review, thanks for sharing!

  51. Tera Penton

    Have wanted to try the hugs loops for a while now but haven’t. I have bought a few different carriers and I need a few more including w hugs loops

  52. Nicole Lalonde

    I love my Huggaloops but your review just made me want to get the bamboo one as well! Great review for an amazing product!

  53. Ashley

    Love this review! You covered absolutely everything . I love my Huggaloops and use them daily. I keep one in the house and the other in the car. Best way to get snuggles with the babes.

  54. First, this is the best website I’ve visited. Your step by step guide to how to use it and sizing was so helpful, pictures and all. Second of all, the fact that you trust the product so completely to add ‘cons’ to your page gives me more faith in you and your product. Thank you for advertising honestly!

  55. Wendy

    Wow! Great review! Love all of the info, pictures and links. I would love to gift one of these to my daughter and son-in-law.

  56. Kimberly Stoessel

    Very informative review. I don’t think I would have been able to figure it out without seeing the video and collage. This would have been great when my daughter was a newborn. She could still use it for a few years as she is small for her age. Looks very comfortable.

  57. Rachel WG

    Thank you for introducing me to the Huggaloops! It is on my must-have list for baby #2. Now to choose between bamboo or everywhere! hmmmm

  58. Elishia

    This is on my wish list for our next baby. Everything else you recommend I love, so im sure this will be the same!

  59. Melinda Williamson

    I live in hot and muggy Georgia. Which fabric would suggest? The bamboo seems more breathable, but the wicking aspect of the Everywhere seems like it might be more ideal.

  60. Heidi Garand

    I used a Maman Kangourou stretchy wrap with my first daughter when she was a newborn, and it was great except that it’s not the most convenient thing to use outside in the winter/spring because it’s hard to get it on without the ends dragging on the ground. Now my second child is due next February, and I was thinking of getting a Baby K’tan but you’ve pretty much convinced me to try a Bamboo Huggaloops instead 🙂 I like supporting Canadian businesses and this carrier looks really great.

  61. Stephanie Fahl

    I’ve been following your posts about this carrier for a while. I really wish I had this for when my 3 children were newborns. I love how it looks and would be perfect for new nephews/nieces!

  62. Laura Martin

    I never considered a wrap carrier before because they looked like too much work to put on. I went straight for the Lillebaby Airflow instead. However, even though my daughter weighed enough to use it when she was born, she looked like she was drowning in it…I put off using it until now, and she’s 5 months old already. Your review convinces me that this carrier would be fantastic, esp. for newborns… When she was younger I ended up carrying her constantly and my arms were always sore. Hoping to win it so I can use it for her but also our future kids as we’re planning to have 2 more.

  63. Bianka Kulz

    This carrier looks amazing! And you make it look so easy and fun to use! Thank you for this post!!

  64. Kate

    I love my wraps, but find that I reach for my Ergo when out and about with my LO so that I don’t have to worry about staining the trailing fabric when I’m wrapping / unwrapping her. But I miss the ‘cozy’ feeling of the wrap. A Huggaloops Carrier seems like it would work like a charm!

  65. Allie Reno

    This looks easy to use! Thank you for being so thorough. Really answered some questions I had especially for size.

  66. Dulce Finegold

    This would be so awesome to wear!

  67. Aaron Reck

    I would gift to my cousin rachel. She’s got 3 in diapers.

  68. AllieL

    My little guy isn’t due until end of Dec., but I’ve started researching different carriers (mostly wraps and slings), and this one looks awesome! 🙂

  69. Maryse

    Ok juste merci!!!!!!! ( on m’a dit que tu parlais français aussi!)
    J’ai commandé ce porte-bébé et j’ai essayé au moins 30 fois avec mon conjoint de l’installer correctement! Nous étions tellement frustrés! Et finalement, une maman m’a partagé ta page et j’ai trouvé la réponse à mon problème dès la première photo!! Merci merci!!

    1. Lindsay

      Tu me rends tellement heureuse!!! Je suis TELLEMENT contente de t’avoir aidée!!!

  70. I loved using my Huggaloops (stretchy wrap) for when my daughter was first born. I still love it now, but also love to use a SSC. I have only tried the Tula. I found it very easy to use and it is really comfortable.

  71. […] carriers; these two carriers narrow at the base to accommodate small babies without an insert. My Huggaloops will be a staple, and I would like to get a bit more use out of my woven […]

  72. […] carriers; these two carriers narrow at the base to accommodate small babies without an insert. My Huggaloops will be a staple, and I would like to get a bit more use out of my woven […]

  73. Most Recent I bought of Huggaloops Carrier one for my family. It’s an amazing gift for my child. Thanks for your valuable content.

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Welcome to my Wolf Pack!

My name is Lindsay and I am a 40-year-old mama of four trying to live an eco-friendly, budget-friendly life! I am a substitute teacher and Child Passenger Safety technician in Calgary, Alberta. Join me on my adventures!

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