Mei Tai overwhelm

[Rose-Roget]

Newbie here - sorry for the dumb questions.

Because of some neck and shoulder weakness, people had recommended that I look into a Mei Tai. I understand that this is a style and not a brand, so my questions are: Which kind/brand is most recommended? Are there differences between the different Mei Tais on the net - or is it just a matter of patterns and materials? If materials - which kind are better? Anything specific I should look for/avoid? Also, what ages are they best for?

TIA!

[chase_mommy]

I can't recommend a brand because I make all my carriers. I guess a manufactured MT may be considered a higher quality if you didn't have an industrial sewing machine, which I don't and never had a problem. If you choose to make a MT there are plenty of free patterns on the net. MT are simple enough to make but a little time consuming depending on the detail you want on it. If you choose to make a MT just make sure to use bottom weight fabrics, I prefer to use canvas (like upholstery fabric) and a high quality thread. I normally use two layers of canvas and make my straps out of it and then add one layer of whatever pretty fabric I like. I have never had any issues with this method. No fraying, tearing of fabric or anything like that. You can make MT that goes form infant to toddler. I made a large body MT. DD froggied up nicely in a front carry when she was little and sits great in it on my back as a toddler. There are tons of variation. Some are cut narrower at the bottom so there is less fabric in between the legs (I think these are more suited for an older baby/toddler). I am currently making a MT like this but never used one to offer any input. Good luck and I think you will like a MT with any style you choose.

[MamaKickyPants]

Whew! I understand feeling overwhelmed! There are so many different Mei Tais to choose from Have you been over to www.thebabywearer.com? They have a reviews section that is great.

There is no ONE MT that is the best, it depends on your needs and preferences. It would help to know how big/old your baby is, and what your babywearing needs are (how long/often you want to wear, what you'll mostly be doing when you're wearing, etc).

There are some significant differences between different brands of MTs, mainly amount of waist padding (a must for bigger babies/toddlers) strap width and padding, width/height of MT body, and then there are the fabrics! If you can give a bit more info, I can help you narrow down the options.

[Rose-Roget]

Thanks for the input! I'm not much of a seamstress, so I will need to buy.

Baby is not born yet, so unfortunately I cannot speak to size. Ds was almost 9 pounds when he was born, so it could be another big baby...then again, I am not gaining as much this time, so maybe she'll be smaller. ??

I would like to wear as much as Baby and my shoulders will allow. I found myself carrying ds constantly in arms, but now I'll want my hands freer for doing things with ds (in the house and out-and-about) and around the house (laundry, dishes - fun stuff).

I would like to get a Moby and a MT to start out, for sure, so let's talk about the young stages (up to 3 or 6 months). As baby grows, I'll adjust accordingly. I really appreciate the support! I will also stop by thebabywearer.com and see what I can find there.

[MamaKickyPants]

So if we're talking little baby, the things like waist padding and shoulder strap width don't matter so much. You can check out Babyhawk - that's what I used, the headrest made me feel better about giving him some head support, although he never actually needed it, he just laid his head on my chest. People really like Kozy's and I have had good experiences with the Freehand with little ones. The body seems to be a good size for them to be 'froggy-legged' in it. I'd say, just pick one from a reputable maker (bigger company or WAHM, doesn't matter, as long as they have a bunch of positive reviews on theBabyWearer) in a colour and fabric that you love, and you'll be all set. Let us know what you pick!

[Starfish11]

I like my FreeHand one

[AnnR33]

Both of these mentioned above are well reviewed:
www.kozycarrier.com
www.babyhawk.com

I like this one www.my-blessed-baby.com

www.attachedtobaby.com has a couple different ones to compare-all have good reviews.

[alfabetsoup]

I love my napsack baby mei tai: http://www.napsackbaby.com/

It has wide shoulder straps so the weight is distributed well across your shoulders. My 8-lb newborn was super comfortable in it, it has a contoured body so doesn't feel like you've got too much fabric for a new baby. Now that she's almost a year and 17 lbs (small I know) she's really comfy on my back.