Maya Wrap Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are the dyes used in your fabrics safe?
What if I order the wrong size or fabric?
How do Maya Wrap Baby Carriers compare to other baby carriers?
What about the lack of padding?
What is the weight limit for Maya Wraps?
Are your products fairly traded?
Did you have a recall?

Are the dyes used in your fabrics safe?

Maya Wrap has a certificate from their manufacturer stating that the dyes used to make Maya Wrap Baby Carriers do not contain any copper, nickel, lead, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, aluminum, arsenic, chromium or any other poisonous substance.
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What if I order the wrong size or fabric?

We will be happy to exchange your Maya Wrap or MamaBaby Sling. For complete details, please read our exchange/return policy.
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What are the differences and similarities between the Sling and the Pouch?

Common features of the Sling and the Pouch
Both the Maya Wrap Sling and the Maya Wrap Pouch are sewn from 100% cotton Guatemalan fabric. Neither are padded which means they are neither hot nor bulky and they will easily fit in your diaper bag. Both styles are machine washable in cold water. They can be put on in seconds (after a little practice). Your baby can be worn in nursing, front carry, kangaroo carry, hip carry, and back carry positions. Both can be used with newborns through 35# toddlers.

Maya Wrap Pouch Features
The Pouch is even easier to use and even less bulky than the Sling. There is no need to adjust your pouch every time you wear it. Simply adjust the zippers to fit your size, slip it on and set your baby inside. You can easily put your pouch in your purse. Some people prefer the Pouch with newborns. While nursing is possible in the pouch, it is not as easy as the Sling to nurse discreetly.

Maya Wrap Sling Features
The Maya Wrap Sling is incredibly adjustable. There are no pads to get in the way of making it as tight as needed to fit a small person, yet the long tail allows it to be worn by large people also. The top and the bottom of the tail can be adjusted independently allowing you to perfectly customize the fit of the Sling. The tail can be placed over your shoulder when nursing to completely cover you. Newborns are usually carried in a horizontal position, but with the Sling it is also possible to carry them vertically before they develop head control. The Sling also has many other uses. The back carry position is not recommended with children younger than about 12 months. It takes a little more practice (but not much more) to learn to use the Sling than the Pouch.
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What About the Lack of Padding?

For centuries parents all over the world have carried their children in unpadded carriers. You can too. An unpadded baby carrier is much cooler in hot weather. It will fit under the car seat or in your diaper bag. When you put your baby down to play you will hardly notice you are still wearing your Maya Wrap.

There are no padded rails to get in the way of tightening the Sling as much as you want to. The lack of padding in the Sling also makes it possible to use it as a harness or shopping cart strap.

What is the weight limit for Maya Wraps?

We recommend an upper weight limit of 35 pounds (16 kilos) . This is based on concern for the adult's back and balance. Both the Sling and the Pouch are capable of supporting well over 100 pounds (45 kilos) .
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Are maya wrap products fairly traded?

It is Maya Wrap company policy that all those involved in the production of Maya Wraps are paid a fair wage in the local context, have healthy and safe working conditions, and are at least 16 years of age.

To verify this, the president of Maya Wrap, Susan, visits Guatemala every year and goes to the places where our fabrics are weaved, laundered, and products sewn.

The children of all those involved with making Maya Wraps are in school. Some of the artisan's children help their fathers but it is in the context of doing chores and not child labor.

The artisans who prepare the yarns and set up the looms support their families well by local standards. The weavers make less but are still fairly compensated.

Maya Wraps are not sewn in a maquiladora. The youngest employee at the sewing facility is about 20.

We believe that our products are fairly made. Susan would be happy to try to answer any other questions and she is open to suggestions / information, etc., that would be helpful in ensuring this is the case.
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Did Maya Wraps have a recall?

Yes. Maya Wrap had a voluntary recall on Maya Wrap Slings with 1/8 inch rings purchased between Jan 1, 2001 and July 31, 2001. Rings that are about 1/4" thick were not recalled. Recalled Slings do not have lot numbers in them. Since the recall we have stopped using 1/8 inch rings and switched to 1/4 inch rings to prevent the problem that occurred. The 1/4 inch rings have been rigorously tested, and have been found to be safe. If you think you may have a recalled sling please contact Laura (click here) to arrange for repair.

The graphic shows a 1/8 inch ring (left) and a 1/4 inch (right) ring next to a bic pen. Click the graphic to see a larger image. The image is quite large. We have tried to make it as close to the actual of the rings and pen as possible.