Baby Carrier Review: Soul Linen Onbuhimo

Soul is a family-run baby carrier company from Bangalore, India. Their carriers include ring slings, meh dais, onbuhimos, full buckle carriers, and woven wraps. I have fallen in love with the onbuhimos in their #SoulLinenSeries.

[Image of four square photos of me, a light tan skin bespectacled Asian woman with dark brown hair, wearing a toddler on my back in a green onbuhimo baby carrier with gray shoulder straps. The four photos show the front, sides, and back of us using this perfect-cooler-wearing-for-summer carrier. We are happily standing outside in the evening summer shade in front of an old white worn shed.]

[Image of a dusty peach linen onbuhimo with black chambray hood straps and a blue SOUL logo on the carrier's hood visible on green grass in sunlight.]

Below is my honest review:

• Carrier: Onbuhimo (Matcha Linen and Dusk Linen)
• Material: 100% linen
• One size (onbuhimos are generally recommended for children who have sufficient torso control to support their heads and sit up independently; these carriers are well-suited for toddlers)
• Wearees: 
• 4 year old (approximately 31 pounds/14 kilograms, 39 inches/99 centimeters) 
• 1 year old (approximately 21 pounds/9.5 kilograms, 29.5 inches/75 centimeters)

[Image of me, a light tan skin Asian woman with sunglasses and a smile, giving the viewer a thumbs up while wearing a preschooler on my back in a green linen onbuhimo. We're standing in front of a large iconic food truck that says The Original Minneapple Pie. The preschooler is enjoying a lollipop from the parade.]

One of my favorite things about the onbuhimo is that is it is waist-less. Being open in the front makes it so much cooler to wear. Though I tend to reach for woven wraps to wear my children (over buckle carriers), for really hot days and children who want up and down and up and down I choose the onbuhimo. The super high back carry you get from the onbuhimo where the child's eye level is literally aligned with yours is AMAZING. 

[Image of me, a light tan skin Asian woman with sunglasses, wearing a hat-donned toddler on my back in a dusty peach linen onbuhimo. I'm in a sleeveless minty colored sundress getting lightly splashed by the falling water wall we're standing in front of.]

Linen. This line of carriers Soul has made from their signature linen is so so beautiful, breathable, and requires virtually no breaking in. It's ready to use and is not a bit scratchy or stiff. Moisture is naturally wicked away in the heat and humidity keeping everyone cooler and happier. 

[Image of me, a light tan skin Asian woman with sunglasses, wearing a hat-donned sleeping toddler on my back with arms out in a dusty peach linen onbuhimo. I'm in a sleeveless minty colored sundress. We're standing on a brick-lined road full of people at outdoor art fair.]

To note, because there is no waist band, all the weight is on your shoulders and upper back. When I use woven wraps, I tend prefer back carries that don't include a waist belt and do variations of rucksack carries. This may not be the carrier for you if you have really picky shoulders and don't like carrying all the weight there. Though, maybe give it a try and if you find that sweet spot, you might change your mind! The PFAs (perfect fit adjusters) lengthen or shorten the straps for comfort. I generally prefer them cinched when using the onbuhimo in a back carry; and loosened when I'm using the onbuhimo in a front carry (so the child can sit lower and not be right up in my face). The black chambray straps are well-padded so the cush level is pretty great! Would I choose this carrier for a 2+ hour hike? Maybe not if I think I'll be wearing it straight for 2+ hours - I'd probably choose a carrier with weight more distributed like one of those Soul linen full buckle carriers I've been eyeing.... But for in and out of the grocery store, trip to the farmers' market, short walks, etc., it's perfect!

[Image of me, a light tan skin bespectacled Asian woman, wearing a disgruntled toddler comfortably on my front in a dusty peachy onbuhimo. We are outside on a cloudy day getting fresh air while checking out our green-leaf orange-blossom nasturtiums.]

In summary, if you have a toddler and would like to try a light-weight, easy-on easy-off carrier that ca be used on the front or the back, give this linen onbuhimo a go. We love it so much and highly recommend it! 

[Image focused on a dusty peach linen onbuhimo snuggling a toddler who is worn on the front of a light tan skin Asian woman who has one hand on the toddler's bum. Bare toddler toes are visible. The disgruntled teething face of the toddler is not visible. The blue SOUL logo on the hood is so cute.]

Did I mention it packs up small?? Here's my video on how to pack up an onbuhimo, inspired by Jars of Fluff.

How To Fold an Onbuhimo Video Tutorial

[45 second video clip to happy background music. Initial text overlay has two lines. Top line says How to Fold an Onbuhimo. Bottom line says Soul Linen Dusk Onbuhimo. The carrier featured is a Japanese-style waistless carrier that is a dusty peach linen and and black chambray. The carrier is spread open with outer layer facing the floor. Bring the two shoulder straps in at an angle. Fold the bottom curved edge up before meeting the edges to the top edge of the carrier. Fold the sides in, in thirds. Bring the hood down over the folded carrier. Flip it over and use the hood ties to secure the folded carrier with a bow or double knot. The last image shows the carrier next to a wooden spatula for size reference.]

For more pics and commentary, check out my Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wearingpluotandkumquat/.

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Images have descriptions provided in the alternative text accessible to screen readers.
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Disclaimer: These carriers I purchased with a discount as a Brand Ambassador of Soul. The opinions are mine and may or may not concur with others. Photographs are taken to be most accurate of the color in real life but know that it may vary depending on the light and the viewer's device.