the sling connection
super comfortable
easy, secure front or back carries
great for the older baby or toddler
An Asian inspired carrier is basically a square or rectangle of fabric that is tied on with 2 or 4 straps. One very popular variety is a mei tai (pronounced “may tie”). It is a square or rectangle of fabric with two straps that tie around the waist and two long straps that go over the shoulders then can be tied in a number of ways depending of personal preference.
A small bodies carrier works better for some body types. A larger bodied carrier may be more versatile. A headrest is helpful for newborns or sleeping babies.
The best positions for a mei tai are tummy to tummy, back, and high back, and they can be used for hip carries and front facing out positions.
Because it is a two shoulder carrier, a mei tai is wonderfully comfortable for long wearing of any baby and for heavy babies. A mei tai carrier distributes the child’s weight over both shoulders, your back, and your hips! Also, because baby’s legs are wrapped around you, his or her weight is close to your center of gravity; it is as if you simply have gained 10 or 20 pounds. If I carry my big baby in a mei tai for a really long time, the only place I feel it is my feet! You have to wear one to believe it.
A mei tai can also be a lifesaver for a baby with reflux. However, until your child is 4 or 5 months old when she can comfortably wrap her legs around your waist, the mei tai may not be her favorite carrier. A mei tai is safe for birth to 35 pounds, but it really shines for 4 or 5 months old on up.
If you intend to wear baby (6 months or older) exclusively on your hip (not snuggle or back) and are looking for the most comfortable carrier for just this position, you may find a Mei Hip to be perfect for you.
Another variation of the mei tai carrier is a soft structured carrier (such as the Action Baby Carrier). This carrier fastens with buckles instead of tying and does not have the long straps that can drag on the floor while putting it on. It is not as versatile as a mei tai carrier (and may actually be a little harder to learn), but is often a favorite with dads and those who like the look of buckles instead of long straps. Also, some body types may find it to be a better fit and therefore more comfortable than the other two shoulder carriers.
a mei tai on the floor
mei tai with no head rest
snuggle (front facing in or tummy to tummy) position
back position
mei tai
back
newborn tummy to tummy
tummy to tummy
tummy to tummy
tummy to tummy
nursing
nursing
High Back
mei tai
hip
hip position
mei tai
Kangaroo (front facing out legs in) mei tai
face out, legs out
Mei Tais are great for Dads (fully reversible to solid canvas)
back
back
newborn back carry
a hip carrier
a hip carrier
Soft Structured Carrier
Back carry
Soft Structured Carrier
Asian Inspired Carriers
Mei Tai Basics
(“may tie”)
