Getting to Know The Mei Tai or Asian Baby Carrier

by tedgar | More from this Blogger

27 Aug 2009 11:06 PM

I love mei tais. And at this my dad giggles madly, thinking that I'm talking about some sort of beverage. No, I'm talking about the Asian Baby Carrier, which is fabulous for back and front carries. It's also very small and easy to pack around. Mei Tai carriers are similar to soft structured carriers like the Ergo or the Patapum. They just don't have as many formal, clickable straps.

In Asia, mothers have worn children from newborn to preschooler in mei tai carriers for hundreds of years. These carriers are so flexible that you can use them while you vacuum the floor, work in the garden, or go for a hike. For parents who want to stay attached (literally!) to their babies, carriers are an essential parenting tool.

What does a mei tai look like? It's a rectangle of fabric with straps on the corners. There is a thicker, shorter bottom strap that goes around your waist, and two longer, thinner straps that can cross over your front or back. These are the shoulder straps.

Smaller babies need head support, so you will need to have them in the front carry position. This is similar to a Baby Bjorn or a Snuggli, but the baby is in a sitting position rather than dangling her legs to the sides. To place your baby in a front carry in the Mei Tai, it's easiest to start while you're sitting. I generally tie the bottom straps around my waist. I place the rectangle of fabric in front of me flat on my legs. I place the baby in a sitting position with her head leaning on my chest, and I hitch up the fabric. Then I throw the shoulder straps over my shoulders, cross them over my back, and catch them the bottom ends. I tie the bottom ends under the baby's bottom at the front of the mei tai. For a back carry, your baby needs to have good head control. Start with the straps around your waist. I would sit on a couch with my daughter beside me, then transfer her sideways onto the rectangle of cloth. Again, catch the longer straps and cross them across your chest, then tie them up under your baby's bottom.

Always try your first babywearing on a couch, a bed, or another padded surface, since you and your baby are still getting used to getting into the carrier!

For those of you who may have a mei tai or want to see how it is worn, The Baby Wearer has a wonderful video resource that will show you how to do front, back, and even hip carries! It's actually quite simple when you get the hang of it. Mei Tais are known for their easy come, easy go style. Taking baby in and out is quick and easy, as is packing away the Mei Tai. With four straps, there are fewer pieces to confuse the process!

There are many Mei Tais made by moms who work at home. Look at sites like www.etsy.com and search for home craftspeople who do stunning work with great skill.

Do you think that a mei tai would work for you? Why or why not?

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Tricia Edgar is a mom of one lovely daughter. Before her daughter was born, she decided to be guided by the needs of her child, and this led her to attachment parenting philosophies.

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