Mei Tai Baby

[Ijustneedsomespace]

I'm really confused....is Mei Tai a brand name? Or a style of sling?

I have been on the Mei Tai Baby website www.meitaibaby.com/index.html thought it looked pretty and easy to use, then tried to read mn reviews of it only to find loads of different slings with the words mei tai in their name . For example there is the Kozy carrier mei tai, and the babyhawk mei tai! Any help in understanding this would be appreciated .

The kari me has the best reviews but it looks too complicated, just like a long scarf. I want something structured enough that it doesn't require loads of wrapping but also something that I can use from birth as I have a 6 year old and so will be out and about alot and need my hands free. The close carrier also looks ok, a good mix between structured (i.e. not just a long strip of fabric) but also comfortable looking.

Help!

mei tai is a type, not a brand, its basically a square with four straps coming off at the corners. There are lots of types and modifications. The best mei tai in my experience is the Babyhawk.

Stretchy wraps are actually really easy once you get the hang of them, and by far the most comfortable and versatile for newborns up to 6-9 months.

They are a style of carrier

I love them (make my own) and whipped one out for an emergency carry of my huuuuge 3yo the other day!

i LOVED my moby, which is like the kari me.

i know it looks liek it'll be complicated, but because it's stretchy you just can wrap it once and then pop baby in and out. easy peasy

i have had a few mei tai's too, and loved them as well mind you. have used a cwtshi and babyhawk both from birth, but i would not have been without my moby... a nice stretchy wrap is easier to use and more snug/supportive for a newborn IMO

aah, that explains it! I was so confused! Thanks so much.

I will now read the reviews with a bit more of a clue!

I made one too (as did my mum when I was a baby it turns out!) - worked brilliantly from newborn (froggy style) to toddler (on my back) for both me and DP - I didn't bother with buckles, mine was tie on so it could accomodate either of us. My sister has it now.

If you're a sewing type they're really easy to make - I just googled a load of patterns and made one up based on what they all had in common.

I also just cut a few metres of jersey in 3 to make a stretch wrap - but DS didn't like it very much - he way preferred the non-stretchy mei-tai.

If you can get patterns online perhaps I could make one. I'm actually starting a sewing evening class in September hopefully and the baby isn't due until December. I'd just be concerned about safety though.

With regards to safety, the crucial things to consider are the strength of the fabric and how you attach the pieces together.

For mine I use cotton drill or very lightweight canvas, two layers for the body, and sewn into "tubes" (so two layers again) for the straps. You can always make the body three layers if you want to use a pretty but lightweight patterned fabric for the body.

I then box-stitch the straps to the body.

Don't use jersey for the straps or body. Don't attach with just one line of stitching.

And as with all carriers (both homemade and bought) you want to check it carefully and regularly to make sure it is not wearing through / fraying etc.