Mei taii vs SSC dilemma

[blushingmare]

So I thought Inwas completely sold on an SSC as really prefer the idea of something quick and easy to put on and something DH would be likely to use. In fact, nearly ordered the Beco Gemini the other day. But at my NCT class today the teacher brought along a mei
tai and an SSC (ergo) and I thought the Mei tai was much more secure and felt more supportive, so I'm in a dilemma again! Does anyone have any thoughts on the two? Also, if I went for a Mei tai is any brand better than the other or are they pretty similar?

Am watching with interest - we just started a weeks trial with the ergo and went for a walk with dd in it this morning, she seemed happy in it and it was comfy enough but I'm not sure I'm sold on it enough to part with almost £100. I'd like to try a manduka too - they seem to be the main rival in SSC. As far as I'm aware isn't the mei tai less supportive?

well i had an ergo and really didn't love it

but used my babyhawk and toddlerhawk MASSES

so i would say get one of them!

A mei tai isn't less supportive - it can be more supportive as it is a custom fit every time you tie it, you can even change the way you are tying it if it is not comfortable, whereas the SSCs are more limited and suit some body types/shapes but not others.

The main selling point of an SSC is that it has buckles and straps so is extremely easy to use, and can be pre-adjusted so that it's the right size for you, whereas a Mei Tai needs to be tied on every time and if you do it too loose, it can be uncomfortable (or even potentially dangerous - you'd likely notice if it was this loose, though!)

If you're confident to tie yourself then I'd go for a mei tai every time. However, I don't think the ergo is the best SSC, so I wouldn't base your opinion solely on that.

Do you have a sling meet near you?

A cheap/badly made mei tai BTW will be less supportive than a well made SSC. Also some Mei Tais with narrower straps might be uncomfortable.

Mei Tais are prettier if that sways you at all.

I'm slightly biased as I know the business owner, but our sling meet has a couple of these: pouchlings.com/ and they are very supportive and of a good quality.

Piesmuggler that's exactly what I though that the mei tai would be less supportive, but as soon as I put it on I straight away felt more confident with its fit. As bertiebotts said, it's because you're not restricted by the position of the buckles, so can pull it to exactly the fit you need. The Ergo felt really loose on the shoulders no matter how much I tightened it, but I know it might not be the best example. I'm in West London so I guess there much be a sling meet somewhere, but I feel like I'm running out of time and would really like something I can use as soon as baby appears!

Bertie - the pretty factor is actually a negative for me! I'd prefer something a bit more functional looking and think DH would be more likely to use it then too. But am thinking a mei tai with plain fabric might be ok.

Yes, you can get plain Mei Tais.

If you want something you can use from birth, a Mei Tai is miles better. Newborns (IMO) just don't look right at all in SSCs, even if they claim to be suitable from birth.

Be aware that the holy grail of one sling which can be used from newborn to about age 4 doesn't really exist, unless you want a woven wrap sling. Anything cosy enough for a newborn isn't likely to be as comfy for a toddler carry, and anything designed to be big enough to carry toddlers tends to swamp newborns. You can use one sling all the way through, but you'll end up compromising at one or both ends of the scale.

My dd is 10 months now but is small (9th centile) and I think I'd prefer a SSC but after reading this I might see if I can try a mei tai too before deciding. I'm indecisive at the best of times and came on this thread to narrow down my options not to add to them!

Mei tais do vary considerably by brand - despite a relatively 'simple' design. I would go for an established brand....i have seen them vary from brilliant to borderline unsafe/wrong dimensions to work.

I wouldn't recommend the Ergo that highly if you're due soon. The infant insert bit is very warm for a summer baby (assuming the cold and rain ever goes away....)

Have a look at the Hoppediz Hop Tye. It is made out of the same fabric as a woven wrap but a mei tai construction, but also has drawstrings top and bottom which help to cinch it in nice and small for a tiny baby. I love wraps for small babies but DH isn't great with them so this is what he has as an easy alternative that is still snuggly for a small baby (I don't love buckle carriers from newborn, although they are useable they aren't my favourite choice).

Mei tais are normally reversible - many have a print on one side and plain on the other because of the DH-wants-plain thing.

Personally I prefer to wear Mei tais, esp those with wrap style straps such as the Hoppediz Hop Tye as mentioned above, would ideally use this sort of thing (I made mine, v careful with the construction etc. but beside the point) but my most recent baby is not a fan in the slightest. Likes wrap better but doesn't seem to want to stay in a safe position, keeps burrowing into me despite repeated repositions. I'm not such a fan of wraps either. Just last week ended up getting a Gemini, it's okay, quicker to put on etc. I don't prefer it tbh but the baby does! Soon as she is ready and willing I'm pretty sure I'll revert to a mei tai..