Once your precious newborn baby has arrived, both baby and parents will crave closeness. Some moms even miss being the feeling of carrying their baby so close during pregnancy and want to mimic that closeness during the newborn stage. With their stretchy materials, kangaroo shirts for mom allow you to wear a cozy top that safely tucks in the little one.
Kangaroo shirts are easy to use and give you skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Studies show that there are incredible health benefits for premature and full-term babies.
With kangaroo shirts, mom will only be able to wear them during the newborn stage, unlike other carriers that can accommodate older babies or toddlers.
What Is a Kangaroo Shirt?
If you’re new to being a mama or just haven’t heard of kangaroo shirts or babywearing shirts, then we’ll give you some insight. These special shirts are the latest trend for bonding both moms and dads to the newborn. Though in this article we’ll just be discussing kangaroo shirts for mom, there are babywearing shirts for dads as well.
Simply put – it’s a shirt that has a baby pouch on it. This pouch allows the baby to lie chest to chest with their mom, similarly to kangaroos (hence the name).
Aside from bonding with your child, there are many other positive benefits associated with skin-to-skin contact during the newborn stage.
Some benefits of wearing kangaroo shirts for mom and baby:
- May help to encourage breastfeeding
- Provides a calming experience for both mom and baby
- Can help to regulate the baby’s heart rate
- Helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature
- Provides added support for premature babies
How to Choose The Best Kangaroo Shirts For Mom
If you’ve never shopped for a kangaroo shirt for mom, it may be difficult to know what exactly to look out for. Since most are only suitable for newborn babies, keep in mind that most shirts won’t be around for the long haul.
Below are some features to consider to choose the best babywearing shirt for mom.
Comfortable Materials
One of the best things about kangaroo shirts for mom is their softness and comfort, so the last thing you’d want is to have an uncomfortable babywearing shirt.
If the material feels bad on your skin, then it’ll likely be worse for a sensitive newborn baby. This is why looking out for softer materials is important.
Cotton is both gentle and hypoallergenic, making it a great option. Polyester is a nice breathable material that is suitable for babywearing on hot, summer days. For a little added stretch, having a percentage of spandex in the material list is something to look out for.
Inside Or Outside Pouch?
There are a few different types of babywearing shirt designs. One difference to keep in mind is an inside pouch versus an outside pouch.
Some kangaroo shirts for mom are designed to keep your baby supported inside the shirt. This is the best option for enjoying skin-to-skin bonding, along with the other benefits listed above.
On the other side, there are shirts that have an outside pouch. This allows for some closeness with your child, but there is no direct skin-to-skin contact.
Keep this in mind when choosing the right style.
1. Lalabu Soothe Shirt
Made from polyester, rayon, and spandex, this shirt offers a soft but stretchy material that will feel like a second skin when wearing. Although this doesn’t provide skin-to-skin contact, you’ll still experience an intense closeness with your baby.
One thing we really like about the Lalabu Sooth Shirt is the added convenience of a built-in nursing bra. It features two fabric layers that give you extra coverage along with a soft elastic band for support. The shirt itself will cover mom’s stomach while nursing, and there’s no need to wear a bra underneath. Breastfeeding in public can be intimidating, but this shirt will help mom do so more privately to feel like it’s just her and her baby.
With the sleeves being a thin material, this shirt is a great shirt for summer. Even in colder months, this gorgeous color looks great when layering a jacket or cardigan.
Pros
- Extremely soft and comfortable materials
- Easy to breastfeed in with built-in nursing bra
- Can be stylishly worn in both summer and winter months
Cons
- Not suitable for preemie babies
- No skin-to-skin contact
2. Nesting Days Newborn Carrier
Nesting Days prides itself on providing a carrier that feels more like a cozy yoga shirt than a babywearing shirt. This shirt uses lightweight fabrics that wrap around mom’s body to evenly distribute the baby’s weight over her entire body. The tie on the side allows you to easily adjust the tension over the baby’s back, making it even easier to customize as the baby grows.
As previously mentioned, kangaroo shirts for mom that offer skin-to-skin contact provide health benefits for mom and baby, and Nesting Days knows this. With this carrier, you’ll be able to feel your baby’s skin on yours to make you feel closer to your baby than ever – literally!
This carrier can be worn in different ways depending on the baby’s size, from 5-9 lbs, 9-13 lbs, and 13-18 lbs. As your baby grows, you’ll be able to wear the same kangaroo shirt rather than purchasing a new top at each stage.
Pros
- Cozy and lightweight materials
- Evenly distributes baby’s weight
- Can be adjusted as baby grows
- Provides skin-to-skin contact
Cons
- May have to add a small blanket to make up for space if carrying a preemie
3. NuRoo Pocket Skin to Skin
The NuRoo Pocket kangaroo shirt provides skin-to-skin contact for mom and baby to enjoy closeness during the newborn stage. Made with 90% polyester, this shirt is a breathable and cozy material. It also has 10% spandex, providing the perfect amount of stretch to comfortably hold your baby. The longer sleeves make it great for wearing during fall and winter months to keep your baby close and warm.
With this stylish babywearing shirt, you’ll get full coverage while also allowing mom to move around easily hands-free. This shirt is a simple as putting it on – no tying, wrapping, or repeated adjusting.
Because moms are busy, getting skin-to-skin contact can be a challenge. With this shirt, mom can easily hold her baby close while being able to do chores around the house, grocery shop, or just about anything else she would do when not wearing her baby.
Pros
- Provides skin-to-skin contact
- Breathable material
- Offers a snug but comfortable fit
- Hands-free
Cons
- Some reviewers stated that the sizing runs small, so keep this in mind when purchasing
4. Halter Strap Kangaroo Top
The VIJA halter kangaroo top allows you to snuggle up to your baby and practice skin-to-skin contact. It comes in a stylish design that looks more like an ordinary shirt than a babywearing shirt. Made from soft, stretchy cotton material, both you and your baby will feel comfortable when wearing.
The material holds the baby in place while also being flexible enough for the baby to move around and seek the breast for breastfeeding. The semi-side seams prevent the baby from slipping sideways.
Keep in mind that this is not a hands-free design, so you must make sure that you have a free hand to provide additional protection.
Pros
- Offers skin-to-skin contact
- Ability to easily breastfeed
- Helps to stabilize the temperature of the baby
Cons
- Not hands-free
5. NuRoo Pocket Soft, Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Babywearing Shirt
This is the second time NuRoo has shown up on this list, and for a good reason. They do their homework when researching the best designs and material combinations to provide ultimate support for you and your baby. With this kangaroo top, you can easily wear it on a warmer day because of the material’s breathability.
There is no need to wrap or tie with this top either. You just simply slip on the top, and it’s ready to go! You get hands-free support, so you can do all of your busy momming duties while providing you and your baby with the necessary skin-to-skin contact.
It comes with a support belt to provide even more stability while carrying your little one. Again, no buckles or straps on the support belt; all you need to do is put it on! This kangaroo top adheres to the sling carrier standards, meaning that it’s been tested to hold up to 45 lbs!
Pros
- Made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials
- Comes with a support belt to provide additional stability
- Can hold up to 45 lbs
- Hands-free design that provides baby with skin-to-skin contact
Cons
- Only comes in one color
6. VIJA Design Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
Another great kangaroo top from VIJA design, this shirt is both stylish and gives you full coverage. You get to practice skin-to-skin contact up to 15 lbs, which is about four months old. It’s a discreet nursing top and can help encourage your baby to breastfeed more often and for longer periods of time.
One great benefit of this option is the belly support for post-partum moms. You can even pack this top in your hospital bag and wear it after delivery to provide immediate support and hands-free holding. The shirring on the sides keeps your newborn in the correct position while also looking flattering on mom!
If you’re an experienced mom with more than one little one at home, then you know caring for both your children and newborn can be challenging. With this top, you can easily carry your baby while also taking care of the rest of your mom-duties. Because of its stylish design, you can wear it on its own, with your baby close to you, or when it’s time to breastfeed.
Pros
- Offers skin-to-skin contact
- Hands-free design allows you to get other things done while holding your newborn
- Has shirring on sides for ultimate support
Cons
- Only comes in one color
7. Monochef Women’s Fleece Zip-Up Maternity Baby Wearing Carrier Hoodie
For a babywearing top that will keep you and your little one warm and cozy during winter months, the Monochef Women’s Fleece Zip-Up top is a great option. Made from polar fleece, you can keep you and your baby safe and warm during cooler parts of the year.
This top isn’t just limited to babywearing; it can even be worn as a maternity shirt with a few adjustments. Just be sure to read all of the instructions it comes with to ensure proper wear.
Pros
- Keeps mom and baby warm during winter months
- Versatile design allows for multiple types of uses
Cons
- Requires a baby sling
8. VIJA Design Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care Shirts For Mom
This top will not only look adorable but will bring mom and baby closer than ever. Moms can enjoy skin-to-skin contact for babies up to 15 pounds. You’ll look cute whether you’re babywearing or not with the chic design of this kangaroo top.
When you’re out and about, and your little one gets a little fussy, it can be hard to know what to do. One benefit of this top that it can soothe your baby as you hold them close to you. If you need to nurse, this top will make that a little easier for you.
You can bring this to the hospital and wear it right after delivery. It offers both belly support and support for your baby all at once.
Pros
- Stylish design and can be worn with or without baby
- Offers skin-to-skin contact
- Easily and discreetly nurse while wearing this shirt
- Hands-free support
Cons
- Only comes in one color
9. Seraphine Women’s Skin to Skin Wrap Cotton Maternity Top
You can look cute and comfortable in this soft, cotton kangaroo top. It comes in three different colors, so you can choose your favorite or opt for all three for versatility in your wardrobe. This shirt looks cute both as a maternity shirt, kangaroo top, or even on its own!
With easy and simple access for breastfeeding, you can confidently nurse your baby as needed. Whether you’re hanging out at home or out and about, you can discreetly breastfeed your newborn. Keep in mind that this is only hands-free when seated, so make sure to have a supportive arm when carrying the baby while standing or walking.
This is another option that offers skin-to-skin contact, so you can easily get the recommended full hour of closeness with your little one.
Pros
- Can be worn after birth
- Offers skin-to-skin contact
- Easy access for breastfeeding
Cons
- Only hands-free when sitting
10. Kangaroo Mommy T-Shirt Big Pocket Cotton Soft Maternity Pregnancy Nursing Vest
Made with polyester, rayon, and spandex, this top offers ultimate comfort and flex while keeping your baby safe and secure on your tummy. This shirt is easy enough to use, you just need to put on the shirt, slip your baby in the pouch, and you’re ready to go!
While some of the options above only have one size available, this amazing top offers multiple sizes. From the moment your baby is born, you can place your newborn in the pouch and start taking them on adventures with you.
Although this is not one of the kangaroo shirts for mom that not offer skin-to-skin contact, you and your baby will feel close and comforted. The breathable fabric works great for summer months, but you can easily slip on a cardigan during cold winter months.
Pros
- Made with comfortable materials
- Simple to wear and use
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Does not offer skin-to-skin contact
In Conclusion
Kangaroo shirts for mom allow both the mother and baby to experience closeness and comfort. Many styles offer skin-to-skin contact, which has shown to provide health benefits to babies. Hands-free carriers allow mom to carry her baby while having the ability to carry on most of her daily tasks. In some cases, wearing a kangaroo top can help mom with breastfeeding, as it encourages the newborn to seek the breast. There are a variety of styles to choose from, so we broke down our favorites above.
You may also enjoy this article for additional information on Postnatal Care: Things Women Need To Do After Delivery.