Several months ago I got on a waiting list through Paxbaby.com to try out her Traveling ObiMama. ObiMama is a work at home mom who makes mei tais (and ring slings). More specifically she has made some beautiful mei tais from woven wraps. I feel so lucky I got to try one out and share it with my babywearing group. It was definitely hard to say goodbye to this carrier after a week.
ObiMama, the Carrier:
After taking my own measurements of the carrier, and looking at the Obimama website, this is what I figured I had. A short (16″ tall) baby sized (16″ wide) mei tai with medium (85″) wrap straps in the Kombi style. The carrier had medium waist straps (a total of 70″ including the padded center). The extras on the carrier were: a dual toy loop, adjustable hood, knee pads and sleep hood tie-off loops. This wrap converstion mei tai was made from a BB Slen Blue Curacao woven wrap.
My ObiMama Experience:
I really liked this carrier. It was like wrapping, only with the ease of a mei tai. I got the support of the woven wrap that the baby carrier was made out of , but the quickness of tying on a mei tai carrier. The waist padding was very comfortable for me and the shoulder padding was very lovely too. I loved the wrap straps that I could spread them out over my toddler’s bottom and they could help support his weight similar to wrapping with a woven wrap. I took the ObiMama carrier to a babywearing meeting and all the mamas who tried it out were impressed at how comfortable it was. Even though this carrier was a short, baby size, my 17 month old toddler fit very well in it. Even with it being the smaller size, the body still went up higher on his back than some soft structured carriers I have tried.
Overall:
I really liked that this carrier was quick to put on, being a mei tai, but had the support of wrapping due to it being made from a woven wrap. Carriers made by ObiMama are very customizable. If you are lucky enough to get a custom slot, you can choose the size of your carrier and straps, and also add on many extras to make your carrier as unique as your child. Because of all the different body sizes you can have a carrier that will fit your baby or you choose one that will fit your toddler or preschooler. However, the size I tried was quite roomy and would fit my toddler for some time.
It even came with sleepy dust!
Where to Buy:
Obimama.com is the store, but these carriers are snatched up fast when they are ready. Occasionally she will list a custom slot for a buyer to send their own wrap. They are listed on Paxbaby.com, but I believe you would need to email Jillian to find out more information about that. Additionally, at times you can find ObiMama carriers on used babywearing forums such as The Babywearer.com’s For Sale or Trade boards.
Disclaimer: I got this carrier as part of Paxbaby’s “Traveling ObiMama” program and rented it for 1 week. I was not compensated in any way for writing this review.
Oh my gosh I love love that WCMT! I have a WCRS on the way of the same wrap. I need to check in to that program. I would love to try one out before I invested in one. I hear they are awesome toddler and preschooler carriers because they’re so supportive.
This is now my new ISO! From the moment I laid eyes on this carrier when Erin had it I loved it. Looking at the ObiMama website makes me love them even more. I can’t wait to own one someday. So worth it. Such great quality!
I’d love to have an Obimama! She does amazing work. I haven’t actually seen one in real life but from what I’ve heard they are the best WCMT. I might have to find my way on to that traveling list.