carrier styles...
mei tai-"may tie"... podegi-"pohDAYgee"... onbuhimo (onbu for short)
anatomy of an onbu...
an onbuhimo is a traditional japanese carrier which gained popularity in the 1940s. the word translates to "on the back"! it's basic construction is a rectangle of fabric, with two straps coming from the top corners & two rings at the bottom corners to thread the straps through. it's a fun & comfortable baby carrier! i use steel rings because frankly, i don't like aluminum & nylon rings are petroleum-based. the body measures 15"x20" with 4"x70" straps.



anatomy of a podegi...
the korean podegi (also spelled podaegi) has a very simple design. it consists of a blanket & two long straps. traditionally, the blanket is very wide & wraps around both adult & baby. the straps can be tied in a variety of ways, over or under the shoulders and around/under baby's bottom & legs, then secured around the waist of the wearer. tied correctly, they are quite secure & comfortable. the podegis available here are half a yard wide, instead of the traditional wider style. the narrower style appears to be highly popular with western babywearers, which is why it is the style i've chosen to provide. the blanket measures 18"x26", with 4"x85" unpadded straps. my podegis feature a continuous, unpadded strap between the layers of the blanket, not two separate straps attached at either side. both straps meet in the middle & are triple-sewn for strength & security you can trust.


in the photo above, my son is 6.5 months old & approximately 17 lbs. how the time flies!


anatomy of a mei tai... 

the mei tai originates in china & is basically a rectangle of fabric as the body (with or without a head support) and 4 straps which can be tied in a variety of ways, depending on what your carrying needs are. a mei tai is so versatile & comfortable, it can be worn on the front, back or hip & one size will fit many different body shapes & sizes. because the straps are long & there are no buckles or snaps, both parents can wear the same carrier simply by tying it to suit their comfort. and babies love being carried! a mei tai is a good choice for babies who prefer to be carried upright (like my colicky boy) & for larger children. a mei tai can be used from infancy to beyond toddlerhood, if you are so inclined.

this is an example of a hooded mei tai
*new* infant insert!
when babies are still very small, they may seem to float around in your carrier. this is where a little extra padding comes in handy. the insert measures 14"x12" & has extra padding around the curved edge. just position the insert behind your infant (swaddled or unswaddled) & place baby into carrier as usual. inserts are $15 each & can be customized to match your carrier.