If you’re looking for a newborn carrier that blends the style and comfort of a traditional baby wrap with the convenience and simplicity of a structured carrier, the Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap is an excellent option. This elegant, breathable, and buttery soft wrap is offered in multiple colors as well as two different size options and is made with non-toxic and naturally hypoallergenic material.
If you’re considering getting one, you can save by clicking this link and using the code TheStrollerMom.
If you’re new here, I’m Emily, AKA The Stroller Mom. I review strollers, baby carriers, and other baby gear from a mom’s perspective. Every product I review is tested with my kids to uncover the details parents care about most. I am actually writing this post with some help from my friend Hannah, who is also a mom of 3 and has a newborn to help me test it with smaller babies. I have tested over 30 different baby carriers, like the Tula Explore, the best Waterproof Baby Carriers, Tushbaby hip carrier, and even the Mabe and the Wildbird Aerial Carrier.
In this post, I’m sharing what it’s actually been like to use the Wildbird wrap, what works, what doesn’t, and who I think it’s best for.
This post contains affiliate links, and I was gifted this wrap, but all opinions are my own. This is something that is very important to me. When you use my affiliate link, you don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my links. Thank you for supporting our work—we’re so grateful! Please do not use photos on this blog without permission!
Table of Contents
Aerial Buckle Wrap Quick Summary
If you’re short on time, here’s what you need to know about the Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap:
Pros:
- Buttery soft
- Easy to put on
- Cute and minimal design
- Shoulder straps are perfect to support your newborn’s head
- Made of 95% natural and sustainable fabric
- Available in 5 colors
- Easy to clean
- Two size options make it suitable for moms (or dads) of all body types
Cons:
- The padding on the waistbelt strap is wrapped around through a loop in one piece with the buckle. This means it is generally removed by stepping out of it, or unthreading the buckle (which takes some time), or by bringing it up over your head (impossible while still holding your baby).
- Only recommended for up to 15 pounds (but tested up to 25 lbs), so chunky babies may age out of it quickly
- Shoulder straps roll when capped over shoulders if you raise your arms (pretty common for most wraps like this)
Price
The Aerial Buckle Wrap retails for $84.00, and as of now, my discount code does not apply to this wrap. You can use code TheStrollerMom, though, for savings on almost everything else on the Wildbird site, including the Wildbird Aerial Carrier.
Weight Limit & Specs
Here are the stats:
- Recommended for babies 0-6 months
- Meets standard requirements for babies up to 25 pounds, but is recommended and intended for babies under 15 pounds
- Comes in two sizes: XS-XL and L-4XL
- XS-XL for waist size 24” – 41”
- L-4XL for waist size 35”- 53.5”
- Machine washable (inside out with like colors on cold) and line dry recommended
- OEKO-TEX certified
Carrying Positions
This carrier is only works as a front carrier with your baby facing in (this is the only way you can wear a newborn). Always remember to practice TICKS for safe babywearing. T – Tight, I – In view at all times, C – Close enough to kiss, K -Keep chin off chest, S – Supported back.
Material and Aesthetics
The Aerial Buckle wrap is made with natural, hypoallergenic, and certified non-toxic materials. It is 67.5% Lenzing Tencel, 27.5% Modal, and 5% Elastane made primarily from eucalyptus and beech trees. The material is stretchy, soft, and breathable. Both you and your newborn will love the way that it feels and looks. It is currently offered in sage green, taupe, black, beige, and caramel brown. I hope someday they will add some floral prints!
Comfort and Usability
The ease and efficiency of wrapping up your baby without the actual tedious steps or learning curve of wrapping makes this carrier perfect for new parents, parents who have other children, want something simple, or have a baby who is impatient for mama cuddles. Both the shoulder straps that criss-cross in the back and the waist strap are easily adjustable to make things comfortable for you and your baby. I personally love that it does not drag on the ground the way traditional tie wraps do when putting your baby in the carrier. I do not miss trying to tie a wrap in the Costco parking lot while it’s raining and the carrier being all wet on the bottom.
The main issue I have with this wrap is the design of the waist strap. Because of how the buckle is threaded through, you have to bring it up over your head or step into it to put it on or take it off. Or you can try messing with unthreading the buckle through the loop, but this is not easy. I had this same issue with their Aerial Buckle Carrier (review). This isn’t an issue so much when putting it on, but if you are out and about and want to take it off, you will need a safe place to set your baby down to fully take off the wrap.
On the note of straps, you can tuck the extra side straps in the fabric on the side closest to the baby (see photo below where I compare it to the Wildbird Aerial Carrier).
A couple of my followers on Instagram noted loosening on the straps as they used it more, especially with babies on the higher end of the weight limit. I experienced similar issues with the Solly wrap if I did not get it tight enough. Thankfully, it is a lot easier to tighten the straps on the Wildbird wrap.
Who Should Choose the Wildbird Aerial Wrap?
This is an excellent carrier for moms (or dads) who are seeking a simple, stylish, and comfortable newborn carrier for the early days. It is perfect if a traditional wrap feels either confusing or tedious to you, if you have a baby that loves a contact nap, or if you appreciate natural, sustainable, and low-tox materials.
Wildbird Buckle Wrap vs. Wildbird Buckle Carrier: What are the differences?
The Wildbird Buckle Wrap is better suited for newborns, whereas the Buckle Carrier is best for babies ranging from 2-24 months. The Wildbird Aerial Buckle Carrier can be worn as a front and back carrier, and the Aerial can only be worn in the front and works up to 15 lbs. The Aerial Buckle Wrap is softer and stretchier for a smaller baby, while the Aerial Buckle Carrier is made of linen, which offers more structure to hold your bigger baby. I will say the naming of these two carriers is confusing since both have aerial and buckle in the name…
I got the Aerial Buckle carrier when my third baby was born and wore her in it a lot in the newborn stage. I found the straps would ride up and hurt my back, and I wish I had had the Aerial buckle wrap instead for the early days. I know it’s not ideal to have two carriers, but having one that fits your baby and is comfortable in those early days really can be very helpful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size does Wildbird Aerial fit?
It comes in two sizes for parents: XS – XL and L – 4XL. The XS-XL size is for waist sizes 24” – 41” and the L-4XL size is for waist sizes 35”- 53.5”.
Can you wash your Aerial Buckle Wrap?
Yes. Wildbird recommends washing on a cold cycle, inside out and with like colors. It should immediately be line-dried out of sunlight to ensure your wrap is long-lasting.
Can you use Aerial Wrap with an older baby?
The recommended age range is 0-6 months or up to 15 pounds. (25 pounds being the absolute maximum.) This wrap is best for the newborn stage.
Is the Wildbird Aerial Wrap good for a hot climate?
Yes. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for a warmer climate. As someone who lives in a very warm climate, this is a great option.
Is the Wildbird Aerial Wrap Hip-Healthy?
Yes, the Aerial Wrap is hip-healthy.
When does Wildbird Aerial Wrap go on sale?
In the past, Wildbird has done sales on Black Friday and Mother’s Day. You can use my code TheStrollerMom, to save on most items on the Wildbird site.
Baby Carrier Comparisons to the Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap
Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap VS Solly Baby Wrap
- Both carriers are the same price: $84 (I do have a code for Solly: THESTROLLERMOM)
- The Wildbird Aerial Buckle wrap is much simpler and easier to put on
- The Solly Baby Wrap is offered in more colors and patterns, but has a bigger learning curve
- The Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap is stretchier, but the Solly Baby Wrap is made of 100% natural fabric
Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap VS Boppy ComfyFit
- The Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap is much softer and made of mostly natural material, whereas the Boppy ComfyFit is made of entirely synthetic fabric
- The Boppy carrier can be worn with the baby facing in and out, and it is a little easier to take the baby out of the carrier
- The Boppy is more affordable ($70 vs $84), but quality and style are lacking
Final Thoughts
Babywearing is a special way to enjoy and care for your little one. I recently taught a new moms class at our church, and I wish I could show you the look on their faces when I showed them how to tie a wrap like the Solly Wrap, but then showing them something like the Wildbird wrap, which is much more user-friendly, it was like a sigh of relief. I appreciate that this wrap ensures that the experience is non-frustrating, simplified, and comfortable without compromising on style. My friend has tested this wrap for the last couple of months exclusively with her newborn and found it was comfortable to wear for multiple naps a day, and even found her baby fell asleep much faster in this cozy carrier as opposed to other options on the market. This wrap makes for a happy baby, which in turn makes for a very happy mama!
If this post helped, please consider shopping through my links (and save when you do with code TheStrollerMom)— it’s a small way to support my blog while keeping honest reviews like this coming. Thank you, and happy babywearing!
