Onbuhimos vs Meh Dais/Bei Dais

Onbuhimo (and variations)

For more details, see Carrier Types: Onbuhimo

Mei Tai (and variations)

For more details, see Carrier Types: Meh Dai

Onbuhimo (Traditional)

Reverse Onbuhimo

Buckle Onbuhimo

Meh Dai/Bei Dai

Description:

Roughly rectangular body panel.

Two top corners each have a medium-length strap.

Two bottom corners each have a fabric loop, single ring, or double rings.

Description:

Roughly rectangular body panel.

Two top corners each have a short, typically padded strap with a set of double rings near the end.

Two bottom corners each have a medium-length strap.

Description:

Roughly rectangular body panel.

Backpack-like padded straps with webbing connect each top corner to the bottom corner of the same side.

Straps may connect/disconnect with buckles or may be permanently connected with ladder locks to adjust them.

Description:

Roughly rectangular body panel.

Two top corners each have a long strap that may be wide or narrow.

Two bottom corners each have a medium-to-short length strap. Variations include one of the bottom straps being replaced with double rings ("ring waist") or the whole waistband being constructed with webbing and buckles ("buckle waist") like a soft structured carrier.

Appropriate Age:

Child must be independently sitting and able to put themselves into a sitting position.

Should be worn arms-out (panel at armpit-level) so child must be able to support themselves.

Appropriate Age:

Child must be independently sitting and able to put themselves into a sitting position.

Should be worn arms-out (panel at armpit-level) so child must be able to support themselves.

Appropriate Age:

Child must be independently sitting and able to put themselves into a sitting position. Generally preferred for walkers.

Should be worn arms-out (panel at armpit-level) so child must be able to support themselves.

Appropriate Age:

Usable from newborn through toddlerhood. A too-big panel can be cinched and rolled to fit a smaller baby. Wrap straps can help offer supplemental support for a slightly too-narrow panel on a larger child.

Can be worn arms-in for small babies or arms-out for older babies and toddlers.

Versatility:

Designed for back carries only. Can do front carries, too, but can be awkward to thread behind your back.

Versatility:

Designed for back carries only. Awkward but possible for front carries. (Just difficult to thread the double rings behind your back.)

Versatility:

Designed for back carries only. Possible to do front carries; easier with a carrier that buckles open and closed to allow the straps to cross (as opposed to a carrier with ladder lock closure which does not allow for strap-crossing.)

Versatility:

Good for front, back, or hip carries. One of the few carriers that can be used to safely back carry a child before they can sit independently. Very experienced wearers can even use a meh dai to back carry a newborn. Too-large meh dais can be very easily cinched or rolled to fit smaller babies.  Too-narrow meh dais can use wrap straps to offer extra knee support.

Comfort:

High back carry with no waist band means that all of the child's weight is on the wearer's shoulders. This can be less comfortable for long periods of time. Long straps can be used for reinforcing tie-offs for more comfort.

Comfort:

High back carry with no waist band means that all of the child's weight is on the wearer's shoulders. This can be less comfortable for long periods of time. Long straps can be used for reinforcing tie-offs for more comfort.

Comfort:

High back carry with no waist band means that all of the child's weight is on the wearer's shoulders. This can be less comfortable for long periods of time.

Comfort:

Waist strap helps distribute some of the child's weight lower for more comfortable longer wearing. This can be uncomfortable for those who do not like pressure on their stomachs (such as expecting mothers.)

Ease & Speed:

A little tricky at first to learn how to properly get a high back carry, but once learned, very quick to get baby up and tied off.

Ease & Speed:

A little tricky at first to learn how to properly get a high back carry, but once learned, extremely quick to get a child up. Double locking rings mean straps can be pre-threaded and the child and carrier together can be put on like a backpack. Tie-offs are optional; once the child is up and the straps tightened, the carrier is secure.

Ease & Speed:

A little tricky at first to learn how to properly get a high back carry, but once learned, lightening fast to get a child up. Especially good for toddler with no patience for wrapping and tie-offs. Child and carrier together can be put on from a sitting or standing position like a backpack.

Ease & Speed:

Fairly easy to learn to use, but takes more time to put on each time. Waist strap must be tied first, which means the carrier cannot be put on while holding the baby. Takes a little more time to get all the straps wrapped and knotted.

Instructional Videos:

• High Back Carry with an Onbuhimo
• Wrap Strap Onbuhimo Back Carry

Instructional Videos:

• How to Put On a Reverse Onbuhimo
• Achieving a high back carry with a reverse onbuhimo
• Reinforced tibetan tie off for reverse onbuhimo
• Tie Off Options for a Reverse Onbuhimo with Short Straps

Instructional Video:

• Buckle Onbuhimo Back Carry

Instructional Videos:

• Basic Meh Dai Front Carry
• How to Use a Mei Tai with a Newborn
• Mei Tai High Back Carry
• Mei Tai Hip Carry