Babywearing Tip of the Week: The Podonbutai- A Giveaway! *Updated With Winner!

*Updated with winner below!

Traditional baby carriers are probably my very favorite. Most traditional Asian carriers have two straps (or four in the case of the Mei Tai) and a wide rectangle of fabric that goes over the baby. The straps are wrapped around the baby and the babywearer's body and then tied, and can be worn on the front or back.

Never before has there been a fusion of traditional carriers until... The Podonbutai! I am more than excited to reveal this awesome creation by Jenn at All Natural Mommies. The Podonbutai is named accordingly: pod for podeagi, onbu for onbuhimo, and tai for mei tai! I think I am in love! Whether you are a professional babywearer or new to wearing your babies, this is a MUST HAVE!

If you are wondering just how this is even possible to wear such a combination, the Podonbutai can be worn as either a podeagi, onbuhimo, or mei tai!

The Korean Podeagi (top left photo) has one strap at each corner that cross the babywearer's front (if back carrying) or back (if front carrying) and ties underneath the baby's bottom. It can also be worn without the straps on the shoulders for those with neck and shoulder problems. See a podeagi back carry here.


The Chinese Mei Tai (photos at right) consists of 4 straps - two longer straps for the shoulder area and 2 shorter straps for around the waist. The Mei Tai allows for easy back carrying and also distributes the weight nicely for wearing on front, hip, or back very comfortably. I highly recommend the Mei Tai when wearing a larger child!





Japanese Onbuhimos (left) have one strap at each corner that also feed into rings or loops on the bottom so that the strap will go under the child's legs and then can be tied by crossing the front or back of the babywearer's body depending on front or back carry. It can be tied like a mei tai or podeagi, or also Tibetan style by feeding the straps up through the shoulders and tying off (as shown in photo at left.)


You use just the top rail/straps if wearing the Podonbutai as a podeagi or obuhimo, and for the mei tai you add a strap through built in loops for the waist. Just remove the waist strap when not using as a mei tai! See the Podonbutai Frequently Asked Questions here.

Jenn's original and very unique design is genius, in my opinion, because sometimes it is convenient for me to wear the mei tai, but I have found it very hard to put Gray in it while he is sleeping. So, I removed the strap and wore it as a podeagi during the fireworks the other night! (Yes- he fell asleep during the fireworks!) I was able to hold him while he slept and put on the Podonbutai as a podeagi with no assistance needed!

The Podonbutai comes with a matching bag which makes it quite portable and convenient to keep the extra strap in when not in use. It is wonderful to have so many options in just one carrier! The quality is superb- I am just in love with my Podonbutai!!!

*Check out the new Podonbutai photo gallery with pics of me wearing my 3 month old niece Abigail! The FAQ page has been updated, too!

All Natural Mommies features many products from cloth diapers to baby carriers. Jenn is offering FREE SHIPPING on all baby carrier orders through July 31! Just email Jenn@all-natural-mommies.com before your place your order. The Podonbutai will be available to the public beginning Monday July 9, 11 PM (EST)!

Be one of the first ever to own a Podonbutai! Jenn from All Natural Mommies is giving one away in the fabric of your choice!

Here's how to enter:
1. Fill in the Mr. Linky below
2. Link to this contest post and All Natural Mommies in a post on your blog by Wed. July 11

Everyone is eligible to enter. If you don't have a blog, just enter your name in the Mr. Linky, please also sign up for the All Natural Mommies newsletter, and leave a comment so that I can contact you.

The winner will be chosen at random from the Mr. Linky list Wed. July 11, 10 PM (CST.)

Congratulations to our winner: Renee from When 2 Became 3 !