Since the very beginning of Mama & Roo’s, we have been asked to carry onbuhimos. And, over the years, we’ve had dozens of requests for larger onbuhimos—onbuhimos that can carry preschool age kids (and maybe even older!).
One year old child A testing our Preschool Onbuhimo
If you’ve been one of those waiting with us, the wait is almost over...
Finally, the day has arrived! The latest addition to our preschool carrier lineup, the Preschool sized Onbuhimo, is here for testing. And we want to know exactly what you think of it!
Mama & Roo's Founder Alexandra carries 4yr old child in the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
First, I want to let you know that this carrier is big. Like, really, really big.
I’ll show you some example photos, but, it truly dwarfs the Toddler size onbuhimo that we currently have. And as you probably already know, our Toddler onbuhimo isn’t small! =)
Let’s take a look at some of the new features and design changes, and then we’ll look at measurements. I’ll also update with photos of real caregivers trying the carrier out.
Take a look, and then please leave us a comment and let us know—what do you think? Is this the carrier of your dreams? What would make it better?
All feedback will be submitted to the manufacturer on Tuesday, May 3rd, so if you want your voice heard while there is still time to make design changes, you’ll want to comment asap!
Ratings - Who is this carrier designed for?
- This carrier is a prototype, which means it hasn’t gone through full safety certification yet. But, it looks like the manufacturer (LennyLamb) is seeking approval for a rated weight of 15lbs to 66lbs and an age range of 1-6 years old.
Tag labeled "Tester" on the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
- For those that don’t know, safety ratings are more of a formality in some ways. Carriers must pass weight-bearing tests of at least 3x the maximum stated weight to leave an adequate margin of safety. Minimum rated weights are just what the company asks to be tested as a minimum. Safety weight ratings can tell you if your child is in a safe weight range in terms of fabric integrity, but it cannot tell you if a carrier will fit your child safely and comfortably
- To understand how a carrier will fit your child, you want to consider not just the weight range, but also the recommended age and height of the child. You need to consider how long your child is from knee to knee for proper width fit. Consider how tall they are from bottom of their bottom to bottom of their earlobe (maximum arms in-height) or to their armpits (minimum arms-out height) when looking at panel height.
Features & notes:
- Redesigned hood: The hood is removable, is compatible with reach straps, and has elastic for “bounce” and to stretch as needed. LennyLamb has specifically asked for feedback on the hood, so let us know! Do you think an onbuhimo needs a hood? Do you like this hood style? What would you change? If you’ve used a Lenny Upgrade or one of the other Lenny Preschool carriers, this hood is very similar to those.
Test Preschool Onbuhimo carrier next to the detachable hood
Close up of hood attachment snap on the inside panel of the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
Both snaps closed on the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier removable hood
- What we think so far: We’ve gotten a lot of feedback over the years on the current onbuhimo hood not being long enough or supportive enough. So far, I think the hood is an improvement, but I wonder if it needs to be a little longer to accommodate arms-out children
- 1-way under-arm adjustment: Almost all of LennyLamb’s carriers have 2-way under-arm adjustment, including the current onbuhimo sizes. Do you like having 2-way adjustment in the current onbuhimo styles? Or do you typically only use one direction?
Underarm webbing measuring approximately 18" long on the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
Underarm webbing showing 1-way direction to adjust
- What we think so far: In theory, 2-way adjustments make a lot of sense. But, in the onbuhimo style, because so much weight is put on the under-arm webbing, it tends to be more difficult to use the other direction. In front carries, it’s nice to be able to pull forwards to adjust, which is what 2-way adjustment allows—adjustments can be made in the direction you are facing whether you are wearing on the front or back. But, since onbuhimos are primarily back carriers, and an onbuhimo this size would be challenging to use regularly on the front, so far it seems like one-way adjustment direction is more smooth to adjust and tighten
- Perfect Fit adjusters (PFAs): Included on all our carriers to move the padding for caregiver comfort, PFAs are also included here
Shoulder strap padding on the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier with PFA closed, measuring 12" long
Shoulder strap padding on the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier with PFA open, measuring 15.5" long
- Leg padding: Padded support on each side in the panel provides extra protection for the child's legs
Leg padding on the panel of the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier, measuring about 8" long
- Width pull string: This is the same adjustment style as the current LennyLamb onbuhimos. Pull the string to adjust the width and tie to hold it in place
Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier shown with cinched down height and width pulled narrow
- Panel height adjuster pull tab: Pull tabs with webbing on either side of the panel adjust the panel height. This is a similar but more narrow webbing design compared to the Preschool SSC carrier
Panel height adjuster in the narrow position, showing 7.5" of webbing
Panel height adjuster with panel at maximum height
Measurements:
- Panel width adjusts from approximately 12" to 24" wide at the pull tab
Panel width of Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier in its most narrow position, measuring about 12"
Panel width of Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier in its most wide position, measuring about 24"
- Panel height adjusts from approximately 11" to 20" high at the center
Panel height, measured at the center, in the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier's shortest setting, measuring approximately 11" from the top of the panel to the top stitch of the width adjustment
Panel height, measured at the center, in the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier's largest setting, measuring approximately 20" from the top of the panel to the top stitch of the width adjustment
Tester Steph poses with baby A in the Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
1 year old test—Steph & A
- A is 13months old and wears 12-18month clothing, depending on brand
- A fit best in the Lenny Lamb standard size onbuhimo
- It was difficult to get the panel size short enough or narrow enough in the Preschool Onbuhimo
- The carrier was gorgeous and comfortable enough, but when the caregiver tried on the standard size, she was much more comfortable
- The one-way adjustment is easier to adjust than the 2-way
- The panel height adjuster was very stiff and difficult to adjust—probably because the carrier is new, but good to keep in mind for trying to wear with smaller children
Toddler Demo Doll in Preschool Onbuhimo test carrier
2 year old test - demo doll
- Hans the demo doll is the approximate height and weight of a 1.5 - 2yr old child
- Our petite mannequin was able to hold Hans--the chest clip did move to an appropriate position
- Hans fits knee to knee in this carrier at the smallest width setting and arms-in in the shortest height setting
More tester reviews coming soon!
What do you want to see? What do you want to know???
If you're excited for this carrier's release, be sure to sign up for our email list here: mama-roo.com/pages/sign-up
We'll let you know as soon as this carrier clears its safety certificates and is ready for sale!
Remember, we need your feedback by Tuesday, May 4th, so be sure to comment here and let us know what you think!