Mei Tai?

[boysmom2]

I would like to get a soft carrier that I can use to carry my 15mo old on my back, and that I can use for a long time as he gets bigger/older. I have a woven wrap and I love to wear him on my back in that, but I just cannot get the hang of getting him up there by myself. If my dh can help me, it's great, but if not I can't get him secure enough. I need something that I can do myself, or with minimal help (like from my 5yo).

So, I was thinking of a mei tai, but I've never used one before. What do you think?

[mama2soren]

Mei Tais are easy to use! It took a few tries with DH spotting me (or me standing right by the bed in case I thought DS wasn't in just right), but now it's simple. Easier than doing a wrap. It's definitely comfy for carrying an older baby on your back.

Have you looked at other SSC like the Ergo, Beco, etc? Personally, I like the more padded waistbands on my Ergo for long-term back carries (like, at the zoo all morning!), but I know others find the Mei Tais equally comfy. And they're certainly prettier than the Ergos

[boysmom2]

Thanks! I was kind of thinking I'd rather have the mei tai to have less material. DS3 seems to like a combination of options, walking, stroller, carried, so I'd like something I can wad up in my bag when he's not in it. But, will it totally kill my shoulders? He's 25lbs already.

[da-tamsta]

I've got a toddlerhawk mei tai. I love it! I have used it on my DS since he was tiny and he is 45 lbs and still goes up...just not as often. I got the hang of scooting him around after a few trys. Plus if I have the car I just sit him on the seat and turn myself around. They are making buckles for the 'hawks now, and after owning a traditional MT, I'd buy the buckle one in a heartbeat. I'd also get the longer tails because of the "S" tie over the bottom of the baby that is more supportive that the traditional tie. Good luck!

[tankgirl73]

Mei tais won't kill your shoulders, any more than any other 2-shoulder carriers. There are even some mei tais out there with "wrap style" straps that drape over your shoulders.

DD is 3.5yo and about 35lbs, the mei tai is my favourite way to carry her. Single-shouldered slings are quick and easy for short trips but way too heavy for longer jaunts. The wrap is super-comfy but of course takes time to put on, and since she's not in it very much, it's become less of a habit for us. The mei tai is fast, easy, and perfectly comfortable!

[boysmom2]

Thanks everybody! I'm off to shop!

[haurelia]

Looks like you already decided, but I was just popping in to let you know that I use my Baby Hawk for my 27lb 19month old comfortably...for a while. Not for hours, mind you, but at least an hour or so, before I get shoulder discomfort. I prefer my woven wrap but keep my mei tai in the car for quick stops at the store or something.

I'm interested in what tankgirl was talking about...mei tai with wrap style straps? What? Where?

[galincognito]

my 30 lb 3 year old still likes to go in the babyhawk too. i do have neck/shoulder/back issues but i can still carry her on my back for at least hour. dd2 is only 20 lbs (17 months) so i can carry her for longer.

[tankgirl73]

Just to further confirm the usefulness of the mei tai with older kids... I went for a looong walk yesterday and today, along the river path in our city and across the bridge and back again. Total walking was about an hour. DD -- 35lbs, 39" and 3.5yo -- was in the mei tai about 3/4 of the time. The rest of the time she was walking with me, and the mei tai (mine is an Ellaroo) was snugly rolled up into my bag.

She's old enough now that getting her up there is a piece of case, because she can hold on by herself.

haurelia -- wrap-strap mei tais -- some ready-made, some patterns for DIY:

http://www.mayawrap.com/viewItem.asp...Desc=&Search=N

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/FrankenKozy.htm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/13740535...r=&%3Bincludes[0]=tags&%3Bincludes[1]=title

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51325229...n-beige-acorn-
baby?ref=sr_gallery_20&%3Bga_search_query=mei+tai+ wrap&%3Bga_search_type=handmade&%3Bga_page=&%3Bord er=&%3Bincludes[0]=tags&%3Bincludes[1]=title

https://www.hoppediz.de/shop/catalog..._store=default

http://www.wrapmeitai.blogspot.com/

[redvlagrl]

If getting your LO up on your back is an issue, practice without a carrier - just getting him up and down. YouTube superman toss - that's what I use. Some others prefer the hip scoot.

[boysmom2]

Thanks everybody! I'll check out all the links and I hadn't thought to check youtube - thanks!

[AislinCarys]

I'd recommend a meitai with spreadable wide straps. I made myself one of those, and it is way better on my shoulders than the Ergo.