In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Baby K'tan Original Review

Inexpensive, easy to use, wrap style without the wrap hassle
Best Value Award
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Price:   $50 List | $50 at Amazon
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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72
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 16
  • Child Comfort - 25% 7
  • Parent Comfort - 35% 7
  • Ease of Use - 30% 7
  • Ease Of Cleaning - 10% 9

The Skinny

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.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
This Product
Baby K'tan Original
Awards Best Value Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award 
Price $50.00 List
$49.95 at Amazon		$135.00 List$95.00 List
$94.95 at Amazon		$190.00 List
$209.01 at Amazon		$159.00 List
$127.20 at Amazon - 20% off
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dryEase to use, soft fabric, comfortableComfortable, easy to adjust, pocketEasy to put on, super comfortable to wear, cozy for kidsComfortable to wear, machine wash and dry, cozy
Cons Size specific, no adjustabilityPrice, extra hanging fabricHang to dry, rough fabricLong drying time, lots of buckles and straps, expensivePrice, harder to adjust on the go
Bottom Line Inexpensive, easy to use, wrap style without the wrap hassleComfortable to wear and sit in, this sling is easy to use and cleanEasy to wear and adjust with comfort for baby but the fabric could be softerMost comfortable to wear with a cozy seat and easy attachmentComfortable carrier for parents and baby, but it's harder to use and expensive
Rating Categories Baby K'tan Original Tula Ring Sling Maya Wrap... BabyBjorn One Tula Free-to-Grow
Child Comfort (25%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
Parent Comfort (35%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
9
Ease Of Use (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
6
Ease Of Cleaning (10%)
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
5
10
0
9
Specs Baby K'tan Original Tula 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 sm 1.05 lg 0.97 lbs sm 0.92 lg 1.16 lbs 2.26 lbs 1.25 lbs
Packable Size Small Small Small Large Medium
Fabric 100% Cotton 100% Cotton Cotton, Polyester Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam 100% Cotton
Hood No No No No Yes
Storage Options Pouch on the belt. None 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
Optional Accessories None None Ring Covers, Wet Sac None None
Care Instructions Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Machine wash cold, hang dry. Machine wash warm, hang dry. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
  • The Baby K'tan BREEZE
    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.
  • The Baby K'tan ACTIVE
    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