Slingin' Saturday-- Down the Garden Path Mei Tai

This week for Slingin' Saturday, I am going to move away from slings and review another popular variety of baby carrier, the mei tai. A big thank you to Jodi at Down the Garden Path for the donation!

Having grown used to wearing Benjamin in a pocket sling, I didn't know what to expect from this type of carrier. I didn't know if I would like it...or if Ben would like it! I used a Snugli when Gavin was a baby and couldn't wear him for long without an aching back. I was afraid that since this looked similar, it would cause the same discomforts. I also thought it might be inconvenient to tie the straps while a crying baby was waiting to be carried.

My mei tai arrived in my mail the day I brought Ben home from the hospital! I had my first opportunity to try it the following week when I needed to give the three older kids a bath. I quickly scanned the directions included with the mei tai and discovered it was quite easy to tie. Benjamin only had to be put down for the first step but the rest of the tying was done with him in arms! Ben was so tiny that there was a lot of extra tie hanging down and I was bothered by the look. (I guess I'm even vain when it comes to by baby carrying look!) I got the idea to tie the straps in a pretty bow instead from another blog!

Jodi hand sews each mei tais she sells, and she does it quickly! After choosing from the available fabrics, she makes the mei tai in 10-14 days! I chose Mary fabric with navy lining and straps. If I get tired of the patterned fabric or it doesn't match what I'm wearing (vanity again!), I can reverse the mei tai and wear it with the navy fabric showing instead.

When Benjamin was several months old, we had a birthday party at our house. Ben was tired and I needed both arms to clean and prepare the food. (Unlike pocket slings which allow you the use of both hands but slightly restricts one shoulder, the mei tai allows you to reach up or our while baby is still securely against your body.) When the guest arrived, he was still content in the carrier and my back was not sore at all. I really liked how I could tuck his legs in comfortably (for him and me) and not having them dangle like they would in a Snugli.

This carrier should really grow with us. It can even be worn on the back as Ben grows and has more body support. I was impressed with the price. This hand-made mei tai with a carrying bag (super convenient!) retails for only $50! For anyone who has priced mei tais, you know this is quite a bargain. If you decide to order, make sure you let Jodi know you heard about her through this review!

The sling giveaway is almost here! Watch for it in February!