questions about making a mei tei?

[koalove]

im making a mei tei and im sort of confused about the straps. do i make the bottom straps that go around the waist straight out from the sides or at an angle? does it make a difference? pros and cons of each? and when i put it on, do i tie the bottom straps flat against me, or do i let it hang downand tie it up, and then pull up the top? make sense? i wish i could explain it better... thanks for the advice!

[Kiara.I]

The straps can be either straight out or angled. I've only made them with angled. Some people like one, some the other. Can you sort of baste the straps on VERY loosely and try tying them to see what you prefer? (Obviously don't put your little one in there with basted straps...)

As for tying, again, you can do either way. I tie the bottom straps flat against me. Other people prefer to let it hang, tie it, and then pull it up (which makes more of a pouch in the bottom.) If you are going to tie that way, it might be easier to have straps which come straight out from the sides...

[KristyDi]

I followed these directions and I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

They say straight waist straps.

[pixiepunk]

i've bought (and made) MT's with both straight and angled waist straps. angled straps are a little harder to sew IME, but i think they make a nicer 'seat' for the baby. but ou may want to stick with straight ones on your first attempt and see how you like it, and can always play around with it if you make another one.

as for tying it on, you can tie it either way, but i think it is more comfortable and safer to tie it "apron style" - so you tie it on like an apron, with the front part (the part you want to show when wearing it) facing your legs. then put baby in and pull the MT up over the baby and toss the straps over your shoulders.

there are great pictures and instructions on www.kozycarrier.com that should help with a variety of ways to wear your baby in a MT. enjoy!

[VOBetz]

Usually the only time you would tie the straps against you (and not apron style) is when you are using a mei tai with a padded waist.

I love my padded waists, so my waists are always strait. I actually use one long strap that runs along the bottom of the carrier.