The Best Mei Tai Carriers
Baby-wearing is an ancient tradition still practiced by many cultures and is catching on among American parents as well. According to the Ask Dr. Sears website, baby-wearing reduces crying, promotes breastfeeding and helps babies feel safe, secure and confident. Mei tai carriers provide the benefits of baby-wearing and allow caregivers to wear babies and toddlers with comfort and style.
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Ready-to-Wear
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A number of websites and natural-living stores offer ready-to-wear mei tai carriers. People who would like to test out the carrier along with their baby might prefer this option so they can determine if a mei tai is right for their lifestyle. Ready-to-wear mei tai carriers often cost less than made-to-order carriers. Some retailers might offer mei tais in organic fabrics, with or without a pocket and in a limited selection of fabric colors and styles.
Customized Carriers
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Some websites as well as brick and mortar stores and individuals such as work-at-home-moms offer parents an opportunity to customize their own mei tai carrier. Customization options include the color and type of fabric for the carrier body and straps, snaps to adjust the size of the carrier body, pocket attached to the body of the carrier, strap length and width, padding in the straps and removable fabric panels in the carrier body.
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Homemade
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For those on a budget, a homemade mei tai carrier can save a considerable amount of money over buying retail. Purchase sturdy fabric such as upholstery or denim fabric. The Blissfully Domestic website advises that the person who will wear the carrier measure herself around the thickest part of the waist and add 2" for the total length of the straps. Because two straps will wrap around the waist, divide the length by two. Straps should be a minimum of 2" wide for comfort. A total of four straps are needed. Cut a 20" x 45" rectangle to form the mei tai body and finish edges with blanket tape or a serger. Sew bottom two straps parallel to the bottom of the carrier and top two straps at a slight angle almost parallel with the long side of the carrier. Fold body of carrier in half lengthwise and sew around edges.
Considerations
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Outward facing positions are not recommended when wearing your baby in a mei tai carrier. Individuals who are extremely petite or obese might not fit a standard-size mei tai and might need to order a specialty size of this carrier. Wearing babies in a mei tai involves a learning curve with getting used to putting on the carrier and positioning the baby, especially if the baby wearer tries to do this himself without assistance. Mei tai carriers often cost more than a basic sling or wrap carrier due to a more complex construction and the need for sturdier fabrics.
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References
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