Babywearing 101: Mei Tai Baby Carriers (a.k.a. Asian Baby Carriers)

If you love the versatility of a wrap-style baby carrier but find the actual art of “wrapping” to be too confusing, or more complex than you are ready for, you may find the perfect solution in a mei tai baby carrier (pronounced “may tie”). A simple, sleek baby carrier that is easy to use and beautiful to wear, it’s no wonder that the mei tai is quickly gaining in popularity among parents nationwide.

A mei tai baby carrier, also know as an Asian baby carrier (or ABC), is traditional to the Chinese culture and has only gained notice in North America since the early 2000′s. The design is simple – a rectangular piece of fabric (called the body) with four straps extending from each of it’s four corners. The design has been updated over the years and you will now find a large variety of mei tais with many features such as padded shoulders, straps of varying length and widths, and the addition of a headrest to support the head and neck of an infant or sleeping toddler.

The long straps, basic rectangular body and sash-style tying method remains the constant feature of all mei tai baby carriers.

The Perfect Combination of Ease & Versatility

We’re often asked if using a mei tai baby carrier is difficult. Securing the carrier involves only two “ties”, and so using a mei tai is as easy as (1) tying a sash around your waist, (2) holding baby in place with the body of the carrier, and (3) securing the two shoulder straps by tossing them over your shoulders and tying them around you and baby. It really can be as easy as 1, 2, 3! For many parents they will accomplish this with their first try, while others may need a bit more practice to feel confident when starting out with a mei tai. Before long, putting on and taking off a mei tai can be done in seconds.

A mei tai baby carrier offers the flexibility of unlimited carrying options, similar to that of wrap-style baby carriers with the added advantage of a baby carrier that can be tied on and taken off quickly and with ease. Your comfort & baby’s positioning can vary considerably, based on how your mei tai is tied. Suitable for front carrying (facing in and facing out), hip carrying and back carrying, a mei tai can truly be used from birth to toddler.

A mei tai is also one of the only baby carriers that offers complete head and neck support when carrying a very young baby on a caregiver’s back. This may be a very important feature for parents expecting baby #2. Successfully securing a young baby to your back makes life much easier while you are also chasing a toddler around all day. Tending to your older child’s needs when a new baby is on the scene is a breeze with a mei tai baby carrier.

You’ll find mei tai’s today in a wide variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, most of which are also reversible to solid colours. This is yet another reason why the mei tai appeals to both moms and dads alike!

Advantages of a Mei Tai Baby Carrier:
• Easy to use baby carrier with shallow learning curve.
• A favorite for back carrying, can also be used with a young baby on the back (especially helpful when there is a second child to attend to!).
• Unlimited number of carrying positions including front, hip and back carrying.
• Discreet and hands-free nursing.
• Suitable from infant to toddler (up to 40+ lbs).
• Baby’s weight is distributed across both shoulders & upper back so there is less neck & back strain.
• Less structured than a backpack carrier.
• No snaps, buckles, rings or clips to bother with or get in the way of you or baby.
• One-size fits most! Great for mom, dad & caregivers to share.
• A very lightweight, compact carrier, perfect for traveling or stashing in a diaper bag.

Disadvantages of a Mei Tai Baby Carrier:
• Hands-free nursing is in upright position only (can be tricky with a newborn).
• Not as heavily padded as most structured carrierS (but this can be an advantage for a parent that wants less “bulk!”).
• Straps are long and may drag on ground while learning to tie (can be messy in the rain or snow).

With the more mainstream appeal of a mei tai baby carrier and no limit in it’s flexibility, it is with a mei tai that many parents find babywearing bliss. As well, a mei tai baby carrier is enduringly practical and considering it’s longevity of use, a great value. With their ease of use, unlimited carrying positions, ability to use one carrier from birth to toddler and fabulous prints, with a mei tai baby carrier you really can have it all.

WIN IT! Parenting by Nature is giving one T.O.P. reader their choice of in stock Mei Tai Baby Carrier from their site. Canada and US addresses only please. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing the mei tai & fabric you’ll be choosing if you’re selected as the winner before noon mst on April 13, 2009.

This is part five in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires! Be sure to come back next week for another of Tamara’s educational features and another chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

April 7th, 2009 in Babywearing, Canadian Businesses, Giveaway! |

103 Responses to “ Babywearing 101: Mei Tai Baby Carriers (a.k.a. Asian Baby Carriers) ”

1. # 1 susan Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 12:21 am

   I’d love to have a BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tweet.

2. # 2 glittersmama Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 12:31 am

   Ellaroo in Pismo

3. # 3 chelle Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 4:36 am

   Oooo the EllaRoo Organic Cotton Mei Tai is so cute! I loved a Mei Tei with my newborns but not my older babies not sure why!

4. # 4 Randy Bailey Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 5:54 am

   Deep Water Striped Print-Mai Tai carrier
   pkbailey@charter.net

5. # 5 Stefanie Hartman Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 5:54 am

   Hi, These are wonderful. Would love to win.

   I would choose the Kozy Mei Tai Baby Carrier in the Appomattix Natural fabric pattern.

   Thanks and blessings,

   Stefanie

6. # 6 Tiffany Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 6:58 am

   I am giving serious thought to a Mei tai. I have a Bjorn that I used with my son…I know, I know. Now that I know better I’m searching for something for my newborn (to be here in 8 weeks!!). I prefer structured carriers, but I think a Mei tai would be better suited for those early weeks/months. I’ve had my eye on the Freehand Mei tai in Diana. I appreciate this article. I’ve been intimidated by mei tais because they don’t have buckles, which is all I’m used to.

7. # 7 sandra Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 7:15 am

   i’d choose the Tidewater, Natural Kozy Mei Tai Baby Carrier

8. # 8 SANDY Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 7:42 am

   theresea is sweet

9. # 9 Jennifer Hall Says:
   April 7th, 2009 at 7:49 am

   I would choose the Free Hand Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Theresa. It looks like it would be very helpful and it’s really pretty:)

10. # 10 Angie O Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:31 am

    Love the Kozy Mei Tai. For fabric, I’d choose the Countryside,
    Natural.

11. # 11 Carol Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I like the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Black Sophia.

12. # 12 Kristie Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:15 am

    I like the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier!

13. # 13 THEDOGLADY Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:17 am

    MY DAUGHTERS WOULD LOVE THIS PRIZE. GOOD LUCK LADIES

14. # 14 Ammie Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:21 am

    I love “Tweet”!

15. # 15 Jaime Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    BabyHawk camo

16. # 16 Tanya Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:37 am

    I’d love to be entered to win a Freehand mei tai!! I’ve always wanted to try a Freehand! I’d like the Harriet print.

    This is so great to promote babywearing!

17. # 17 julie fry Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Thank you for the articles on baby wearing, very helpful. I would love a Baby Hawk in Groovy. But all the mei tai’s are beautiful.

18. # 18 Veronica Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    I would choose the BabyHawk in the Blue Echino print!

19. # 19 Dianna Schultz Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    this is a cool prize and with a new grandbaby coming I would love to win so count me in

20. # 20 Jen Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    we would choose the camo

21. # 21 Michelle Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    The BabyHawk Mei Tai in Blue Echino please. I like that it can also be worn for my 33 lbs three year old.

    Thank you for the chance to win this cool baby carrier.

    Michelle S.

22. # 22 c. clemens Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Theresa is the best, i love that one.

23. # 23 Meredith Rogen Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    Theresa is the cutest!

24. # 24 Sheila H Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    I love the Spotsylvania, Natural the most! Thanks for the chance!!

25. # 25 susan varney Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    tidewater would be good. mverno@roadrunner.com

26. # 26 Kimberly Welch Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    BabyHawk in Calaveras, definately!

27. # 27 Krista Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    I love the Freehand design in either Theresa or Marie

28. # 28 Anne Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    I would choose the EllaRoo Mei Hip Oskara !

    Thanks

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

29. # 29 Erica G Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    I’d pick the Freehand in Amelia. Thanks!

30. # 30 Erica G Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    I subscribe.

31. # 31 Heather Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    I love the Amelia Freehand! Thanks!

32. # 32 Monique Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    I would LOVE the babyHawk in Aqua Damask/ Chocolate

33. # 33 madeline Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    I’d love to have the babyhawk in Black Sophia!

34. # 34 madeline Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    I’m a subscriber.

35. # 35 madeline Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    Your button is on my blog.

36. # 36 lace Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    I’d pick the deep water (babyhawk) or the tidewater natural (kozy)

37. # 37 Mary Dunigan Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    Love the Free Hand Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Theresa

38. # 38 Michelle Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    I would love to win this, I saw someone at the grocery store today with one and they look great! I love the babyhawk mei tai carrier in carnival. Thanks!
    yzgirl4[at]verizon[dot]net

39. # 39 Andrea Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    I love the Kozy in the Stoney Creek style

40. # 40 Andrea Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    I subscribe

41. # 41 Andrea Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    Got your button

42. # 42 Gwen Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    I like the Kozy Mei Tei in Hillsville, Black. I am looking for a new carrier because while I love my wrap it is very warm. It would be good to have a new one for my husband as well.

43. # 43 Autumn H. Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    i like this one:
    FreeHand Mei Tai Baby Carriers in Theresa

    autumn398 (at) yahoo.com

44. # 44 Cheryl W Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 3:25 am

    I like the BabyHawk mei Tai in Tweet fabric. Thanks!

45. # 45 Brenda Asselstine Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 6:04 am

    love Freehand Theresa!

46. # 46 israel y Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 7:18 am

    my favorite is the BabyHawk Mei Tai – Tweet

47. # 47 Bridget Stevens Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 7:23 am

    BabyHawk Mei Tai groovy! awesome

48. # 48 April Jacques Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 9:07 am

    I like the babyhawk mei tei carrier in Black Damask.

49. # 49 joscelyn Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 11:35 am

    i would adore the babyhawk mei tai in black calaveras! thanks so much for the opportunity!

50. # 50 Xiomara S. Reina Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    I love the FreeHand Mei Tai Baby Carrier

51. # 51 Jennifer W. Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I like the BabyHawk Mei Tai in Black Damask.

52. # 52 Linda Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    I am a subscriber.

53. # 53 Jill W Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    Tidewater Black Kozy Mei Tai looks awesome, thanks!

54. # 54 Jill W Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    tweet tweet. thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/1481407146

55. # 55 Jill W Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    Your button is on my sidebar, thanks!

56. # 56 Jill W Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    I’m a subscriber, thanks!

57. # 57 Jennifer Short Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    I like the babyhack mei tai.

58. # 58 Jinxy Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 8:16 am

    I’d love the Babyhawk in Rust Echino and natural
    thank you

59. # 59 Monique Rizzo Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I love BabyHawk Mei Tai groovy!! Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

60. # 60 Simone Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 10:22 am

    I would choose the Blue Echino in the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

61. # 61 LYT Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am

    FreeHand Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Theresa please!

62. # 62 Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    I’ve never had a Mei Tai, but they look much more friendly than our Ergo’s . The Kozy Mei Tai in Country Side/Natural – I’m in love!

63. # 63 Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    I’m a subscriber.

64. # 64 Bethany Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 9:42 am

    I love the Babyhawk in tweet. so cute!

65. # 65 Lucy Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 9:49 am

    i would love a groovy babyhawk!

66. # 66 Elizabeth Logan Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    Kozy Mei in Countryside, natural…they look awesome.

67. # 67 Tobster Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    I am torn — they all seem great! I’ve got it down to the Kozy Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Windy Day and the BabyHawk Mei Tai in sugar cranes. How to choose?!

68. # 68 Donna K Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 4:10 am

    I would like the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier in aqua damask.

69. # 69 leah cole Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    deep water striped print.

    thanks for the offer!!

70. # 70 AMY Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    BabyHawk Mei Tai – Tweet

71. # 71 Barbara J Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

    I like the BabyHawk in Groovy.

72. # 72 jolene Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 6:27 am

    the ella roo carrier looks super cute!

73. # 73 micheel anne Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    I like the Cosy Me in Tia country—–natural.

74. # 74 Lori Harrison Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I like the EllaRoo Mei Hip Pismo

75. # 75 Sherry R Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    I really like the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Deep Water!

76. # 76 Aisling Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    My favorite is the Ella Roo Organic Cotton Mei Tai, but I see that there’s only one left in the Helsinki pattern. If I should win and that one’s not still available, I’d choose the Kozy Mei Tai in Windy Day/Black.

77. # 77 Bryanna P. Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier!

78. # 78 Tara Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    These are beautiful–I especially like the FreeHand in Theresa! Thanks!

79. # 79 shawna Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    EllaRoo Mei Hip
    Helinski is my fav.

80. # 80 Chrysa Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    I like the Theresa

81. # 81 Storm Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    I like the FreeHand in the Amelia print!

82. # 82 Jennifer M Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    I have a baby that only feels secure if she is being held, yet with three other kids to care for – it can be a challenge carrying her in my arms all the time. I would LOVE to win this giveaway and would get so much use out of this amazing product! My item of choice is the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carriers. I enjoyed looking through the Mei Tai site, and I think this carrier allows for incredible flexibility! The Groovy pattern is my favorite!

    Thank you for your incredibly generous giveaway!

83. # 83 Pamela S Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    I like the Free hand Mei Tai in Amelia. Thanks.

84. # 84 Jammie Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    i like the FreeHand Mei Tai Baby Carriers

85. # 85 Sonya Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 12:35 am

    I like the Freehand in Marie!

86. # 86 vivian blevins Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 12:49 am

    would like tidewater

87. # 87 Teresa Prevette Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:00 am

    the EllaRoo Organic Cotton Mei Tai is adorable!

88. # 88 R Hicks Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:35 am

    I like the EllaRoo Mei Hip
    Pismo

89. # 89 Janet Mahurin Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:19 am

    BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carriers IN CAMO

90. # 90 Valerie Furr Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 5:17 am

    Could not find the one that was showing above for the name of the product but they are all so cute and so neat. I love the one showing with brown and a blue design. Our baby boy is due next month and this would be so awesome to have. Thanks for a chance to win.

91. # 91 Mir Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 7:37 am

    My pick would be the BabyHawk carrier in Rust Echino/Espresso. Thank you for a great giveaway!

92. # 92 Lily Kwan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 8:11 am

    I love the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier in the Tweet fabric!

93. # 93 Terra H Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 8:38 am

    I like FreeHand Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Amelia!

94. # 94 Lori J Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I love the Babyhawk in the Rust Echino! A new carrier would be awesome with a 17 month old and one on the way!

95. # 95 Susan P Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 9:34 am

    Babyhawk in camo thanks!

96. # 96 Suanne Giddings Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Thank you for including the cons as well as the pros! My favorite is the Black Sophia BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!

97. # 97 Allison Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 10:22 am

    I love the Freehand in Marie! I think this would be fantastic for us….my husband is very scared by the thought of a sling, but I’d love to get something like this to try! Thanks so much for the offer!

98. # 98 Jennifer Jozwiak Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 11:09 am

    I love the babyhawk mei tai in rust echino. I could so use a carrier with my newborn.

99. # 99 Marjorie Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 11:11 am

    Hillsville Kozy Mei Tai Baby Carrier would be my top choice.

100. # 100 Heather Says:
     April 13th, 2009 at 11:25 am

     I have always wanted to try a BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier and I would choose deep water!

101. # 101 Gianna Says:
     April 13th, 2009 at 11:25 am

     I love the Sage Cranes pattern

102. # 102 KTanjaTK Says:
     April 13th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

     I like BabyHawk Mei Tai in Black Sophia

103. # 103 Mariana Says:
     February 16th, 2010 at 8:10 am

     I would love to win this.. Id love the baby hawk mei tai in black sophia as well so i can have my husband use it too.

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