The Baby K'tan Original carrier is a wrap type carrier without the wrap design. This unique carrier is made of two loops of fabric joined by a smaller third loop that provides a wrap style final position, look, and feel. This carrier works for babies from 8-25 lbs in five positions. We like how easy this carrier is to use and clean, and we think it is fairly comfy for parents and passengers. This "wrap" is budget-friendly, but it is size specific so parents may not be able to share the same one, and there is no adjustability for fit or comfort. However, given the ease of use and lower price, it may be just what you need for simple baby carrying without the expense or hassle of more complicated carriers.
Baby K'tan Original Review
Inexpensive, easy to use, wrap style without the wrap hassle
Price:
$50 List | $50 at Amazon
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dry
Cons: Size specific, no adjustability
Manufacturer: Baby K'tan
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dry
Cons: Size specific, no adjustability
Manufacturer: Baby K'tan
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and BabyGearLab Review Team ⋅ Feb 19, 2018
RELATED: The Quest for the Best Baby Carrier
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Baby K'tan Original | |||||
| Awards |  |  | | |  |
| Price | $50.00 List $49.95 at Amazon | $135.00 List | $95.00 List | $190.00 List $189.95 at Amazon | $159.00 List $159.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dry | Ease to use, soft fabric, comfortable | Comfortable, easy to adjust, pocket | Easy to put on, super comfortable to wear, cozy for kids | Comfortable to wear, machine wash and dry, cozy |
| Cons | Size specific, no adjustability | Price, extra hanging fabric | Hang to dry, rough fabric | Long drying time, lots of buckles and straps, expensive | Price, harder to adjust on the go |
| Bottom Line | Inexpensive, easy to use, wrap style without the wrap hassle | Comfortable to wear and sit in, this sling is easy to use and clean | Easy to wear and adjust with comfort for baby but the fabric could be softer | Most comfortable to wear with a cozy seat and easy attachment | Comfortable carrier for parents and baby, but it's harder to use and expensive |
| Ratings Categories | Original | Tula Ring Sling | ComfortFit Sling | BabyBjorn One | Tula Free-to-Grow |
| Child Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Parent Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
| Ease Of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Original | Tula Ring Sling | ComfortFit Sling | BabyBjorn One | Tula Free-to-Grow |
| Min/Max Weight | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 33 lbs | 7 - 45 lbs |
| Carry Positions | Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs) Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs) Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs) | Facing In (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control) | Facing In (0 - 3 mo) Facing Out (3 - 6 mo) Hip Carry (6 mo - 35 lbs) | Facing In (0 - 36 mo./33 lbs) Facing Out (5 - 15 mo./26 lbs) Back Carry (12 - 36 mo./33 lbs) | Facing In (7 - 45 lbs) Back Carry (Head/Neck/Torso Control - 45 lbs) |
| Weight | sm 0.89 lg 1.04 lbs | sm 1.05 lg 0.97 lbs | sm 0.92 lg 1.16 lbs | 2.26 lbs | 1.25 lbs |
Expand to show full specification table | Hide details
Our Analysis and Test Results
Baby K'tan makes a variety of products for baby, but their main focus is baby carriers. The company has a unique carrier that functions like a wrap without the wrapping that makes traditional wraps difficult to use. The K'tan wrap is two rings of fabric joined together which functions like a wrap without the extra fabric and need to wrap yourself while holding your baby. The company started in 2005, by two families with special needs children. The company relies heavily on organic growth and word of mouth for advertising and continues to grow exponentially since its first product launch in 2007.
The Baby K'tan is easy to use and works for little ones from 8-35 lbs.
Performance Comparison
The chart below shows Baby K'tan Original's overall score (in blue) compared to the other products in this review. The K'tan earned a higher than average score and provided better performance for the price than the competition.
The sections below have information on the K'tan's overall performance. These metric scores were used to evaluate and calculate the scores for each carrier reviewed.
The K-tan is comfy for most little ones and many fell asleep in during our testing.
Baby's Comfort
The K'tan earned a 7 of 10 for baby's comfort. Only two of the other products we tested are more comfortable for little ones than the K'tan.
The K'tan is fairly comfortable for parents but the lack of adjustability means it may grow uncomfortable on longer trips or if you or baby change size.
Parent's Comfort
The K'tan earned a 7 of 10 for parent comfort. This score is above average, but we think the K'tan may be less comfortable the longer you wear it due to lack of structure or adjustability.
The K'tan lacks any kind of padding or internal structure which could make longer trips more difficult. It is also size specific which means you can't adjust it like a traditional wrap and as you change size or 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 fabric can feel restrictive like tight clothing and for most positions, you will have three layers around you and baby which could get hot in warmer weather.
While the K'tan may take some getting used to, once you have the positions down it is easy to use and much simpler than a traditional wrap.
Ease of Use
The K'tan earned a 7 of 10 for ease of use.
The K'tan is the easiest wrap to use in this review, primarily because it isn't a standard wrap. While traditional wraps are long swaths of fabric, the K'tan is two rings of fabric joined with a loop. This means 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.
The K'tan is machine washable and can be tossed in the dryer for a quick turn around time that gets you back out and on with life.
Ease of Cleaning
The K'tan earned a 9 of 10 for ease of cleaning.
The K'tan can be machine washed in cold and tumble dried on low. This means you can be using your carrier again with only a small break since it doesn't need to air dry. Spot cleaning on the go is also easy as the fabric scrubs clean and air dries fairly quickly.
Manufacturer Video
Other Versions
In addition to different fabric designs and an organic cotton option, Baby K'tan has some unique options for active parents or warmer climates. Each special option costs $10 more than the original.
- Baby K'tan BREEZE — The Baby K'tan BREEZE Carrier is made of cotton-mesh for breathability. Each fabric loop is jersey knit cotton on one side and perforated mesh cotton on the other. This means you can adjust the mesh where you need it for better airflow.
- Baby K'tan ACTIVE — The Baby K'tan ACTIVE Carrier is unique amongst carriers using a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and sweat. This carrier is quick drying and offers temperature control making it ideal for getting outside and staying active with your baby on board.
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and BabyGearLab Review Team