Only the second Vatanai wrap I have ever tried, what struck me most about Opportunity Heartbeat is that it is completely and utterly different to Gaia Labrinth.
Heartbeat is a proper heavy weight wool blend, – 47% Egyptian Cotton, 46% Merino Superwash Wool and 7% tencel – with what Vatanai call a “tri-weave”. Which means rather than the standard 1 warp and 1 weft that most woven wraps have, this has 1 warp and 2 wefts. This tri-weave is what makes this wrap a heavy weight wrap; coming in at 366 gsm. It also enables absolute exquisite detailing on the intricate looping pattern that changes down the width of the wrap and apparently represents how both parent and babies heartbeat changes as you wrap your baby. This wrap actually reminds me of Liora Rae’s Bloom prototype which I tried a couple of years ago – which had a similar weave structure and exquisite detailing. Just like Bloom, Heartbeat’s tri-weave lends this wrap a distinct “waffley” feel, that gives this wrap a feeling of lightness and cushioning combined with the robustness and support of such a thick wrap.
As you might expect the thickness of this wrap means it is really well suited to carrying toddlers and older children. It absolutely shines in a single layer back carry – even with my 22kg 6 year old! Likewise it’s plenty strong enough on the front or the back with my growing toddler, and supports her weight effortlessly. It probably would not be my pick with a young baby, I think I would find both the thickness and the 70cm width a bit all encompassing with a young baby… but if you’re looking for a so called “toddler worthy” wrap… Heartbeat would certainly fit the bill.
Particularly, if you’re looking for something that’s strong but not overly rigid. What’s really quite special about Opportunity is that it has loads of diagonal stretch. This diagonal stretch means despite the thickness this wrap has the ability to flex as you move, comfortably fitting and molding you and your little ones body.
Colours wise this wrap is a lovely deep red against a very soft grey. It makes for a beautiful colour combination, although not really my colours. This, the overall weight and thickness of this wrap (it weighs over 1.2kg in a size 6!!) combined with my general fear of washing wool are probably all reasons why this wrap isn’t really something I personally would go for. And certainly hasn’t stolen my heart the way the beautiful green of Gaia Labrinth has.
However, if you are looking for a toddler worthy, thick wrap that still has beautiful stretch and moldability this wrap would make an really fab choice.
-Madeleine
This wrap is unlike anything I’ve ever tried before!
We used this wrap in front wrap cross carry, kangaroo and double hammock. It was a delight in the front carries. I tend to avoid carrying Rachel on my front if I can as she is getting so heavy now – but the silk in this wrap lends loads of strength and so I was really comfortably carrying her on the front during our sleepy walks. It was great on the back too – although the grippyness did mean I had to work a little harder on getting my double hammock chest pass nice and snug… but then the pro was once in place it stayed exactly where I put it for a lovely supportive wrap job.