A Mei Tai is an Asian inspired carrier that is a square piece of fabric with straps attached at each corner.  Two of the straps tie around the wearer's waist.  The other two straps go over the wearer's shoulders and may cross and then are tied.  Mei Tais can be used for a both a front and back carry.

why choose a mei tai
A Mei Tai is a beautiful carrier that is very easy to use. It can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood and is very versatile from one wearer to the next.  This carrier is also comfortable for extended wearing as the baby's weight is distributed across both shoulders.  Not only are Mei Tai carriers practical, they are also gorgeous!  Everyone will ask you where you got yours!!

Pros

Cons

• Suitable for newborns
• Comfortable for extended babywearing
• Comfortable for heavier babies/toddlers
• Relatively short learning curve
• Adjustable to different sizes.  One mei tai is fine for use by both mom and dad or other caregivers
• Mai Tai straps can be adjusted with baby in the carrier
• Great for back carries

• Some find it difficult for use with a newborn but it is possible by rolling down the body of the carrier to make it shorter
• Not as easy to pop a baby in and out as it requires tying and retying.