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
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The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Baby K'tan Original | |||||
| Awards |  |  | | |  |
| Price | $50.00 List $49.94 at Amazon | $65.00 List $59.90 at Amazon - 8% off | $95.00 List $94.95 at Amazon | $190.00 List $173.72 at Amazon - 9% off | $159.00 List $127.00 at Amazon - 20% off |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dry | Easy to use, comfortable to wear, cozy for baby, lower price | 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 | Hang to dry | 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 | Easy to use, comfortable sling to wear and sit in | 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 |
| Rating Categories | Baby K'tan Original | Nalakai Ring Sling | Maya Wrap... | BabyBjorn One | Tula Free-to-Grow |
| Child Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Parent Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
| Ease Of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Baby K'tan Original | Nalakai Ring Sling | Maya Wrap... | 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 |
0.9 lbs | sm 0.92 lg 1.16 lbs |
2.26 lbs | 1.25 lbs |
| Packable Size | Small | Small | Small | Large | Medium |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton | 58% Bamboo 42% Linen |
Cotton, Polyester | Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam | 100% Cotton |
| Hood | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | Pouch on the belt. | Pocket on the tail | Zippered pocket on tail | None | Velcro pouch on waist belt |
| Other Features & Notable | Azo Dye-free | None | None | Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 |
Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 |
| Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | None |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. | Machine wash cold, hang dry. | Machine wash cold, hang dry. | Machine wash warm, hang dry. | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Baby K'tan makes a variety of products for babies, but their main focus is baby carriers. The company has a unique carrier that functions as a wrap without the wrapping that makes traditional wraps difficult to use. 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.
Performance Comparison
The K-tan is comfy for most little ones and many fell asleep in during our testing.
Baby's Comfort
The K'tan is pretty comfortable for babies. 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 is more comfortable than the average carrier for parents to wear. 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 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 is very easy to keep clean.
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