Onbuhimo Wearing Instructions

(Click links below to view video demonstrations...)

Please remember that learning to use a baby carrier is a little like riding a bicycle. It will take some time and practice to be able to quickly and easily place your child comfortably and securely inside. After a few tries, it will become second nature. Try it first with a doll or stuffed animal.  Then try with your child.  You will have more success learning to use your Onbuhimo if your baby is rested and fed before you start

Front Carry:

--Begin with baby in one arm, and onbuhimo in the other, with rings near bottom, and scalloped edge at the top.

--Place baby against chest, and onbuhimo over baby, so that the scallops are up and the rings are at the bottom.

--Create a “seat” for baby by folding up the bottom portion (with the rings) around baby’s bottom and up between baby’s legs, between your tummies.

--Place straps over shoulders, one at a time.

--Cross the straps in back, by reaching across your back and grabbing the strap from the opposite side.

--Bring each strap from the back toward the front.

--Tread each one through the ring, and back toward the back.

--Cross straps in back again and pull tight.

--Bring the straps back around to the front, over (or under) baby’s legs and tie securely under baby’s bottom.

--You’re now wearing baby in an Onbuhimo. 

Back Carry (toss method)*:

--Place onbuhimo on a flat surface (bed, couch, etc.) and baby on the onbuhimo.

--Bring shoulder straps under baby’s armpits and grab the straps tightly, as close to baby’s torso as possible.

--Support baby with the other hand and lift in this position. 

--Gently “Toss” baby over your shoulder as Santa would a pack, using extreme caution, as this is your baby.

--Keeping the straps tight and leaning slightly forward, bring one strap over your head so one strap rests on each shoulder.

--Cross straps at chest, and continue them around from front to back.

--Tread each one through the ring, and back toward the front.

--Cross straps in front again and pull tight.

--Bring the straps back around to the back, over (or under) baby’s legs and tie securely under baby’s bottom.

--You’re now wearing baby in an Onbuhimo.

Back Carry (bed method):

--Place onbuhimo on a flat surface (bed, couch, etc.) and baby on the onbuhimo.

--Fold bottom portion of onbuhimo (with rings) up around baby’s bottom, in between, and then up over baby’s legs..

--Sit facing away from baby, so that your backside is between baby’s legs and the folded bottom portion of the onbu would be between the two of you.

--Lean back, so that you are almost on top of baby, grab the shoulder straps tightly, and bring yourself back to a sit.  By keeping tension on the straps, baby should travel to this position with you, “trapped” between your back and the body of the onbuhimo.

--Cross straps at chest, and continue them around from front to back.

--Tread each one through the ring, and back toward the front.

--Cross straps in front again and pull tight.

--Bring the straps back around to the back, over (or under) baby’s legs and tie securely under baby’s bottom.

--You’re now wearing baby in an Onbuhimo.

*It may be helpful the first few times to have a friend or family member help baby into place when using a back carry, until you become more comfortable with these techniques.

These are just a few carrying techniques to get you started.  As you become more familiar with your Onbuhimo you will discover what positions work best for you and may even develop some of your own.  For more information on babywearing and carrying techniques visit www.thebabywearer.com.