Mei tais?

UberBiz · August 2012

Hi! When I had my daughter, I was really intrigued by mei tai carriers, I really loved the look of them and how easy they seemed to use. But they were SO expensive. I went with a cheap-o BRU carrier and it worked out fine for a while but when she started to walk (10 months) I resorted to the stroller or just letting her walk as it was just easier to put her in and out of.

I'd really like to look into getting a mei tai for this new bundle, but I'm still stuck on the price. I have a jo-ann fabric one block away, and a new sewing machine that I have yet to figure out how to use. Does anyone have any tips and/or instructions on how to make your own? I'm dying to learn to sew, and I'll have time to practice before baby is born, and that way I can really customize with the fabric pattern. Any help would be appreciated!

ncbelle · August 2012

It's not too difficult to DIY a mei tai - I've been dabbling in it lately and I'm definitely a novice sewer. The biggest thing is to choose the correct materials and to make sure you are properly reinforcing the straps. It good practice on sewing straight lines for sure!

I'm actually in the middle of making a tutorial for my blog but in the meantime I have some info and links that might get you started here: https://www.becomingmamas.com/adventures-in-carrier-making-a-brief-guide-to-diy-babywearing/

Not sure what your price range is but it is possible to get a good mei tai for $50 or so, particularly if you are opened to used. The materials will run you about $20-30 depending on what sort of decorative fabric you want to use and if you catch a 50% off coupon for the fabric.

I'd also strongly encourage you to try out at least one MT before you make one so you get a sense of what sort of features you'd like and how they are constructed. You might see if there's a baby wearing group in your area so you can see some in person. I think what allowed me to be successful in DIYing despite not being a sewer was that I know a lot about how they are made from having...a few

ncbelle · August 2012

Actually forgot that the MT I'm wearing Eleanor in in my siggy is one that I made

UberBiz · August 2012

It's beautiful! Thanks for all the info. I'd probably be hard pressed to find any baby-wearing groups in my area that weren't at least an hour away, and I've never seen one in any stores here, but maybe I'll swing over to TBW and peruse the DIY boards. It definitely doesn't look that hard.

tokenhoser · August 2012

The Infantino Wrap and Tie or Ecosash is a low cost mei tai. How you feel about Infantino as a brand (they have sold unsafe carriers and resisted recalls even after deaths) is another story.

I'd just look at getting one used. If you don't like it, sell it for what you paid.

DeniseRN · August 2012

I got a nice used Baby Hawk off eBay for 50. I have NO crafty skills or time lol and would be scared to attempt DIY. But, I love it. Just "advanced" to the MT from a RS and DS loves it