Talk to me about MT variations (half buckle, wrap straps)

tokenhoser

I'm still shopping. Last time, my MT was just the Infantino wrap and tie, and it worked, but this time I'm considering getting something prettier / nicer. Plus, I lent my Infantino to my refugee friend, and honestly, I'd rather she gave it to one of her friends that gave it back to me. She used the heck out of it, which makes me really happy as I think it was more normal for her to babywear and I gave her permission to do it here in Canada.

So does anyone have a half-buckle mei tai, or one with the wrap straps? What makes it better than a regular tie one? I'm liking the look of the half-buckle just for ease of putting it on. 

ncbelle

I kinda hate half buckles...but I think that's a minority opinion.  I prefer tying over buckles - better fit and more comfy.  If I'm going to use something with buckles it's because I want quick and nothing to drag (like for bad weather) so I use an SSC or a reverse half buckle (buckle straps; tie waist).  In general half buckles have more structured waists...and I don't like structured waists.  Light padding is ok but with a newborn I like no padding for easy scrunching for legs out.

Wrap style straps are nice if you like being able to spread for extra support under the bum.  To be honest though even though I'm mostly a wrapper I rarely spread wrap style straps when I have them.  Not sure why though  I do like wrap conversions that are made of just wrap (no internal canvas layer) as they are more "wrap like".  To confuse things further there are straight up wrap straps (no padding - I like in a front carry but not a back carry) and padded to wrap straps (padded on the shoulders fanning out wide like wrap straps - I like these).  My blog has more info on types.

Even within these categories there's HUGE variation.  

A local friend is about to go into business making wrap conversions pending her CPSIA testing:  https://www.facebook.com/ChrysalisBabyDesigns?ref=ts&fref=ts...in case you decide to be in the market.  The HopTye is a ready made wrap conversion with wrap straps that is great for newborns and up.  Since you are in Canada you might also check out Chimparoo - I think they have a wrap conversion MT although I may be wrong...they do have wraps and buckles for sure.