Mei Tai Tutorial--Front Carry

Want to know how to wear a Mei Tai carrier? Read on...

Front Carry

1. Tie the Mei Tai around your natural waist. This is important, because if you tie it on your hips, it will be very uncomfortable and can cause lower back pain. Tie it snugly using a square knot.

2. I like to put the straps over my shoulders, cross them in the back, and bring them around in a loose tie. It is easier to get the baby in and tie it if you already have everything where it is supposed to be.3. While keeping a FIRM grip of your baby, lift him up and put his legs into the carrier. If you feel unsure, have someone there to help you the first few times.4. Once your baby is in the carrier, you need to snug up the straps before tying them. To do this, grab the straps and pull down on them while giving a little jump. This will get your baby snug to your body and take up any excess in the straps.5. You can tie the shoulder straps several different ways...under the legs and bum, over the legs and under the bum, or around the baby's back. This is really a matter preference. I do it whichever way is more comfortable at the time. Usually around the back is most comfortable for me. Once you know which way you want the straps to go, tie it in a square knot.This carry is very versatile. I have used this with newborns, and still use it with my 1.5 year old. It is conducive to nursing, which I have done many times, and sleeping.

If you are using it with a newborn, there are a few simple modifications that you will need to make. The body of the carrier might be too long, so just roll it once (I will add pictures of this in the next couple of days) and then tie it around your waist. A newborns legs are too small to go around an adults waist, so try "frog legging" them. This means to cross the legs and bring them up against you. This might not look comfortable, and wouldn't be for an adult or an older child, but babies just came from a snug and cozy place. They are used to being scrunched up and actually find it quite comfortable. As the baby gets older, you can put their legs out normally.

If you have questions, please email me at pumpkinpatchdesigns@hotmail.com

Mei Tai Carrier--Side Carry

Side Carry

1. Tie the carrier around your natural waist, but off to one side. Tie it snugly just like you would for the front carry.
2. Take the strap in the back and lift it up over your opposing shoulder. The strap int he front goes over the same shoulder. I know this may sound confusing, but the pictures should help. Tie it loosely so it stays put while you put the baby in.
3. Lift the baby in so that she is sitting on your hop. Remember, if the carrier is tied snugly around your waist, it won't actually put any pressure on your hip.
4. Once the baby is in the carrier, give a little jump while pulling firmly on the straps. Then tie the straps around the baby's back. Some babies like the side carry and some on them don't. Try it and see what you think.
This carry is good for babies from about 6 months old until either of you doesn't want to do it anymore. Again if the body of the carrier is too long, just roll it once and the baby should fit just fine.

Mei Tai Carrier--Back Carry from standing

Back Carry

1. Tie the carrier snugly around your natural waist, with the tie in front and the carrier in the back.
2. Lifting your baby onto your back can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it. Have someone there to help you if you don't feel sure of yourself at first. The best way I have found to do it is to lean over and grab my baby firmly. Get the baby onto your back and then adjust him to where you want him to be.
3. While leaning over and while keeping one hand on your baby, reach around behind you and grab one of the straps. Keep leaning over and pull it up over your baby's back. Do the same with the other strap.
4. Once you have a firm grip on the straps, stand up. Give a little jump while pulling up on the straps to get the baby snugly into the carrier.
5. You can tie it a couple of different ways. Which tie you use depends on what is more comfortable. You can cross them over your chest or you can use them like a back pack. I prefer to wear it like a back pack because I think it looks better, but if I'm going to be wearing my baby for a long time, I will cross them over my chest because it feels more comfortable for longer periods of time.

6. After you figure out which way you want the straps to go, bring them around behind you and under the baby's bum.
7. Tie the straps with a snug square knot.
Here is a picture of my daughter also. She just turned 3, but she is as tall as a 4 year old and weighs 39 lbs. She fits in and rides in these carriers as well. And just because I wanted to show you how well these are made, here is a picture of my husband wearing me in the mei tai.
This carry can be used with any size baby, but I prefer to use it with bigger babies and toddlers. I like to have my newborns close to my chest. I feel better about having them right where I can see them when they are little. Once they get bigger and like to look around more, the back carry is perfect. It is also great for sleeping.

Mei Tai Carrier--Back Carry from sitting

Back Carry

I will post pictures of this in the next couple of days.

1. Lay your carrier out of the couch or bed so that you can sit down in front of it and the straps will reach you.

2. Sit your baby down on top of the carrier.

3. Sit down in front of your baby and tie the straps snugly around your waist (the same way you do with the other carry positions),

4. Reach behind you and grab the straps

5. Bring the straps up over your baby and over your shoulders.

6. Pull the straps snugly and then stand up.

7. While holding the straps snugly, give a little jump to get your baby positioned in the carrier.

8. Then just tie the straps across your chest and around under the baby's bum or over your shoulders like a back pack and under the baby's bum.

Swine Flu Anyone?

E has swine flu. She has had a constant fever, aches, chills, no appetite, and an awesome cough. Her fever has been right around 103 for a couple of days. I hope it breaks soon. B and C now have fevers too and each of them is developing a pretty nice little cough. So far J seems fine. All 4 of them are on Tamiflu, so hopefully it doesn't get too bad. We are in quarantine for 7 days.

The saddest part is that because of the quarantine E doesn't get to finish the last few days of school and she is pretty bummed. I guess we are just going to hunker down and try to make this next week as enjoyable as possible. Lots of movies, lots of popcorn, and lots of meds.