Mei Tai - Soft Structured Carrier - Stretchy Wrap - Woven Wrap - Ring Sling - Pouch
A Mei Tai (MT, pronounced May Tie) is a square or rectangular panel of fabric with long straps that you tie onto your body on the front or the back. Since it ties on a mei tai does not need to be sized, making it a good choice if you are sharing the carrier between different sized people. Extra long straps are available on many brands, and panel shapes vary. Additional options include headrests, hoods, or toy straps. A wrap conversion is a mei tai made from a woven wrap.
Pros: Mei tais are supportive carriers that many people find just as easy and comfortable with a newborn as they do with a toddler. If you only want to buy one carrier to last for your entire time babywearing, consider a mei tai.
Cons: Long straps may drag on the ground during tying. (Try stuffing long straps in pockets while you are getting the carrier/child positioned!)
Brands in our library: Ball Baby Overall, Maya Tie, BabyHawk, Kozy, Cat Bird Baby, Mei Tai Baby, Babies Beyond Borders 1/2 buckle (Mei tai straps on top, but padded buckle waist) and Ellaroo podaegi (narrow)
How to use a mei tai: Instructions from Kozy and BabyHawk, forums on TBW (membership required), and YouTube videos.
