my mei tai is ripping :(

[mama~bear]

I've used it 3 times with my 12 mo. old who is 20 lbs. I bought it off the TP from a mama who traded from another mama who bought it from a mama who made it ... got that?? so is it just not made well?? It's ripping at the top right strap ... the material is pretty light, so maybe that's why!

I only paid $28 for it, so I'm assuming it was just made poorly. Has this ever happened with anyone else. Should I just go for a higher quality one? I really love it, especially being pregnant and being able to wear ds

[Tupelo Honey]

Yeah, it sounds like just poor quality. Most professionally sewn MTs have canvas or twill body and straps, and the straps are sewn inside the body with a box and an X through it. Then there's a panel of prettier, lighter fabric sewn over the heavier body panel.

[AnnR33]

Yes to what tupelo honey said! Unfortunately many who sew thinks these are easy to do and why you see alot for cheap on e-bay etc. (not saying all on e-bay are cheaply made-but some are!) And not that they are hard to sew but the materials make a big difference and the reinforcement seams are critical. That's why it's important to ask what materials are used, how they are sewn and overall wear experiences. Calico and lightweight materials for the straps just aren't going to last.
Sorry it didn't work out for you
Ann

[mama~bear]

ugh .... frustrating .... should've saved my $28 to put towards a good one ... oh well, lesson learned

[bethwl]

Do you sew at all? Is it possible you could fix it?

[Cloth4Colin]

I totally agree with a pp, MTs really need to be made of the right kinds of materials. The best quality ones have canvas or duck cloth for the straps and body backing with reinforced seems. It's really too tough on lighter materials to hold up to the stresses and weight of a baby/child.

So sorry you had a bad experience, mama! There are some great MTs out there - do a search for carrier reviews and that should help steer you in the right direction.

[bethwl]

Just wanted to note that canvas and/or duck cloth is great, but others work well, too (like twill, which is a strong because the weft goes both over and under the warp thread, which is what creates the diagonal line; plain woven has only one of each). The key factor is the weight. Light cottons (think muslin/quilting cotton) is about 4-5 oz./yd. Most ducks/twills that are suitable for mei tais are 7.5-11 oz./yd.