How to Use a Mai Tei Carrier

Baby wearing is a great way to free up your hands and bond with your baby. A Mai Tei carrier is a lightweight carrier that can be used for both babies and toddlers and it doesn't have any complicated buckles or straps. Take just a few minutes to learn how to use one properly, and you can take your baby just about anywhere safely and easily.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get acclimated to your Mai Tei carrier. Before using it for the first time, it is important to get familiar with how it works. A basic Mai Tei consists of a square panel of fabric with four straps attached to it at the four corners. The top straps are rather long and are designed to be crossed across your chest or used like backpack straps. The bottom straps are shorter and are for tying around your waist.
2. Decide which type of hold to use. There are many different holds that you can do with a Mai Tei. You can hold your baby in front of you, on your back, on your hip or even facing forward. Pick a hold that's comfortable for both you and your baby.
3. Tie the carrier around your waist. This is the easiest and quickest way to get your baby into the carrier. Place the panel in front of you or behind you and wrap the straps around your waist, tying them into a secure square knot. If there's any excess fabric, you can wrap it around your waist a second or third time.
4. Hold your baby close to your body, while bringing the panel of fabric up behind her back.
5. Tie the long shoulder straps in either a criss-cross or backpack fashion, depending on your personal preference. Wrap the straps under your baby's bottom for the most secure fit.
6. Do the bounce trick. Once you have your baby strapped in, do a few bounces to make sure that he is in tight. You'll probably have to tighten up your straps after a few bounces.

Tips & Warnings

• The first few times you use your Mai Tei carrier, enlist the help of a friend or family member to help get your baby positioned properly in the carrier.
• Since the Mai Tei is one size fits all, it can be shared between parents or caregivers.
• If your baby can't sit up on her own, tie the straps behind your baby's back for the most support.