Mei Tai Baby Carriers

Mei Tai Carriers

What is a Mei Tai?

A Mei Tai (pronounced may tie) is an Asian style inspired baby carrier. This style of carrier features a simple, basic design that allows for complete adjustability. A Mei Tai carrier consists of a rectangle (or square) of fabric and four straps (two waist straps and two shoulder straps). This design distributes the child’s weight evenly across your body which allows you to wear your child comfortably for longer periods of time. Mei Tai carriers are suitable for carrying babies and toddlers of all ages.

Since Mei Tai carriers do not feature any buckles, zippers, snaps or rings they are considered to be unstructured soft carriers. When you are ready to wear your little one in a Mei Tai, you’ll tie two straps around your waist, and then place the other two over your shoulders (they may or may not cross depending upon your preference). The two shoulder straps will be tied together to secure the carrier.  

What carry positions can be used with a Mei Tai?

Mei Tai carriers allow you to carry your little one in a variety of comfortable carrying positions. The most common carrying position is the snuggle hold in which the child is sitting up, facing you with his or her legs popped out of the carrier. Some Mei Tais allow for the buddha or froggy hold in which the child is sitting up, facing outward with his or her legs either tucked into or out of the carrier.

A child can also be worn on your back in a Mei Tai if the little one is sitting up facing you with his or her legs popped out of the carrier. While most Mei Tai carriers are designed primarily for front and back carries, some do allow for hip carries as long as the child is facing the wearer.

Why choose a Mei Tai?

Mei Tai carriers offer several advantages to babywearing parents and caregivers. One major advantage is that since the carrier allows for even distribution of child’s weight across both shoulders and hips (or waist) you can wear the child comfortably for longer durations throughout the day. Additionally, since the carrier size is adjusted by tying the straps, wearers of varying heights and sizes can use the same Mei Tai carrier.

This style of carrier is very easy to learn how to use and is just as easy to put on and take off. It can be a wonderful alternative for wearers who find that wraps require more complex babywearing skills than they have yet to acquire. A Mei Tai carrier can also allow for easy and discreet breastfeeding an upright feeding position.

If a Mei Tai doesn’t seem to be the best type of carrier for your babywearing needs, you may find that our article on the different Baby Carrier Types and our Baby Carrier Buying Guide can help to lead you to the right type of carrier for your lifestyle.