Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap review

Serenity is the most premium version, made from a mix of bamboo and cotton, but is still a budget baby-wearing option, costing just £42.

The parent-facing front carrier claims to be suitable from newborn up to 35lbs (approximately 16kg), which is roughly the weight of a 3 year old. Similar products on the market include the We Made Me Flow Wrap, Close Caboo, Ama Wrap (£39.99 on Amazon) and ErgoBaby Wrap (£47.99 on Amazon).

Tested by

Alex is a mum to two boys – Ralph, who’s 3, and newborn Max. She used the wrap around the house, doing the nursery run, on days out and walking to the shops.

What were your first impressions of the Boba Serenity Wrap?

Taking the wrap out of the box, I felt trepidation! It was essentially a very, very long piece of material and I was concerned about having to put it on correctly every time I used it. I’ve previously only used more structured slings or carriers with buckles and clips, and I was never particularly comfortable carrying my eldest around with these.

On a more positive note, the fabric felt incredibly soft, luxurious and breathable, so nice for both myself and Max to use. I also liked the colour – Rainforest, a darkish green. The Serenity Wrap comes in four plain colours and two patterned designs, and this one is particularly versatile and unisex.

What’s in the box?

The bamboo wrap, a fabric carrying bag to stash it in and instructions, both for the wrap and more general baby wearing advice.

How easy is the Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap to put on and take off?

It takes quite a bit of practice! The instructions in the booklet are clear and have photos to guide you, but you still need to have a few goes to get it right. The brand does warn that this is the case on its website and to the company’s credit, it provides videos and a helpline to contact if you are struggling. However, I felt it wasn’t completely clear how to position the legs in the Newborn Hold from the information provided.

I had to build up my confidence at home before venturing out with Max as I knew I’d struggle to put it on when I was away from the instructions.

One thing I found a bit tricky, even after using it regularly, was getting the tension of the material right. The fabric is surprisingly stretchy so even though it would feel tight when I put it on, once Max was in it and we started walking, I often felt him sliding down too low. And the nature of the wrap meant it was impossible to readjust it without having to take him out, which you just can’t do in the middle of the street. It meant I sometimes had to walk around supporting his bum with my hand.

Can you put the Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap on and take it off by yourself?

Yes - and I did so just a couple of weeks after my c-section. I found the wrap easiest to put on when standing up. One negative is that the length of the material meant it would drag on the floor as I was putting it on – not ideal in wet, dirty outdoor situations. You are best to keep the wrap on when out, even if you take your baby out of it temporarily – this is especially true if, like me, you are also chasing around after an active three-year-old.

Is it easy to put your baby into the the Boba Serenity?

Yes, although you might find it a little fiddly at first, and it might take you a while to get used to which pieces of material to slide your baby behind first. I was also a bit nervous about getting the leg positioning right in the Newborn Hold as the legs are hidden under the fabric. Watching an instruction video helped with this.

Max would sometimes grumble a little going in but almost always fell asleep pretty quickly.

How can you carry your baby in the sling?

The wrap is put on in just one way but it offers two front-of-body, parent-facing positions with your baby in an upright position. The first is the Newborn Hold, which is suitable up to 10lbs/5kg in weight and keeps your baby’s legs inside the carrier. The second is the Love Your Baby Hold, which can be used from 11lbs and shows their legs hanging outside. You are advised to move your baby to this hold when they start stretching their legs out.

I like the fact your baby is looking at you and feels very close to your body, as this seems to reassure them and keep them cosy. The downside is that as they get older and want to explore the world, they are stuck looking at you!

Is the wrap ergonomic?

Yes, the Boba Wrap provides an ‘M’ position seat and is recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a ‘hip-healthy’ product. Max certainly felt very well supported and comfortable in the wrap when I got the tension right. I suffer with a bit of neck, shoulder and back pain, down to years of working at a computer and scoliosis, but using the carrier didn’t aggravate those areas.

Does the Boba Serenity Wrap follow the TICKS guidelines?

Yes, providing you put it on correctly. The upright positioning of baby is particularly good for complying with TICKS as if you have positioned the wrap correctly and tightly enough, you should be able to kiss your baby’s head, see them clearly and check that their airway is clear and back supported. I did feel confident that I was carrying Max safely every time I used the Boba and got the tension right.

Does the Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap fit all adult sizes?

Because you have to wrap it around your body, the Boba is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ carrier. It should theoretically fit any parent and baby well, as the excess is simply tied up and left to hang, plus there is enough stretch in it to get a good fit as your baby grows. I have quite a short torso so I did sometimes feel swamped by it – but that would probably be the same with any wrap.

Is it comfy for your baby?

It’s very soft and cosy. I was a bit paranoid at first about how strong it was and found myself holding Max’s bottom to start. But he always fell asleep shortly after going in, so he must have felt secure. The fabric and design are also incredibly reassuring for your baby, as they are really close to your body, while the breathability of the bamboo fabric means they don’t get too hot or cold.

You can also use the shoulder straps to protect their head if they fall asleep. I found myself stroking Max’s back a lot while carrying him, which was good for bonding.

What age can the Boba Serenity Wrap be used for?

The brand says the wrap can be used from newborn to roughly three years (35lb/16kg), although I think it is best suited from newborn to six months. After that I would worry about the level of support offered for both of us and would feel happier with a more structured carrier that allows your baby to face forward and look at the world. My three-year-old is large for his age and weighs 17kg – a kilo too big for the weight limit but not far off. I can’t imagine carrying him in it even a year ago.

How does it compare to other wraps you have used?

It’s not as easy to use, at least not without practice, when compared to other carriers I’ve used. For example, the Close Caboo Lite sling has a similar soft, stretchy feel but is more structured for putting on as it comprises two pieces and the rings. This is helpful when you are on the go and need to take the carrier on and off, or make adjustments.

Similarly, the Mountain Buggy Juno (£139 on Amazon) and BabyBjorn One (£139.99 on Amazon) carriers are much more straightforward for popping on and off. On the downside, they are a lot more expensive and you can’t put them in a changing bag for easy carrying.

The Boba is much easier to wash than many other carries and the fabric feels lovely, plus it folds down surprisingly small, meaning you can stuff it in your change bag or buggy basket to give yourself options on the move. It also looks really stylish when you have it on.

Can you breastfeed while wearing the Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap?

Yes. This was a revelation for me, especially as a second-time mum, and a definite advantage of this product.

The wrap is designed for breastfeeding in an upright hold only and it’s best done standing up. This may not suit everyone as the latch is different to the standard cradle hold. Boba has plenty of guidance on its website on how to do this and does warn users it may take a little practice, as well as require a hand to shape the breast to help the latch. You also need to move your baby down a little bit and adjust the carrier accordingly, as well as wear shirts and tops with button access rather than draped feeding tops.

I actually found feeding while using it extremely easy, discreet and convenient as I was able to do it hands-free. During a practice run at home, Max latched on with no trouble first time and I found the ability to feed him while moving around the house and doing chores very liberating. On the next occasion, I was carrying him while pushing a buggy to collect my eldest from nursery and we were able to feed while walking. It was definitely Mum multitasking at its finest!

Does the Boba Serenity Wrap feel durable?

Yes, the fabric feels excellent quality and I think it would last at least a couple of children.

Is it easy to clean?

Yes. The fabric can be spot-cleaned or machine washed on a cool cycle. It needs to be air-dried not tumble-dried though. When Max brought up some posset when I was putting him in one day, I was able to get rid of it with a damp cloth and it dried quickly.

Who would the Boba Serenity Bamboo Wrap be most useful for?

Parents who want to keep their young baby close, need their hands free due to older children or want to get out and about without a cumbersome buggy. The upright positioning is good for babies with reflux and the carrier is also ideal for breastfeeding mums who want to discreetly feed on the go.

What are your favourite elements of the Boba Serenity Wrap?

I think the fabric is beautiful and really comfortable to wear, plus the mix of bamboo and cotton makes it breathable, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I remember using another wrap with my eldest in the height of summer and the two of us were dripping in sweat, which was very unpleasant.

I was also impressed that the bamboo protects against UV rays. The little Boba tab on the edge of the wrap is handy for positioning the fabric when you put it on, too, and I like the little carry bag but it could do with a drawstring and perhaps a carry handle.

It is good value for money?

The wrap costs £42 (the standard wraps are £38, the patterned one £48) and compared to other similar products, it is a fair price. There are no extras needed as it adapts as your baby grows.

Where can I buy the Boba Serenity Bamboo wrap?

Its available from Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict

In my opinion, this is not an entry-level wrap – it is one that requires practice. So if you are nervous about baby-wearing, or want something easy to use, it might not be the best product for you. But if you want to put in the effort, or already have prior experience of slings and carriers, the Boba Serenity is beautiful quality wrap, comfortable for both parent and baby to use, and a decent price.

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