Cheap vs. Expensive Mei Tai

stoneycakes · September 2012

I was thinking about trying a Mei Tai carrier and Infantino has one for $35. Is this a piece of junk? All of the other ones I see are around $80. I'll probably get the cheap one just to try the style, but if I like it, is there a good reason to upgrade?

aglenn · September 2012

I have the Infantino one and also an Ellaroo one (which usually sells for around $80 but I got it off Craigslist for $20). I do prefer the Ellaroo. It is just more comfortable and the fabric is better quality. However, it is not a huge difference and I still use the Infantino one, too.

ncbelle · September 2012

Infantino is doing a much better job with carriers these days. Their mei tai is a good deal for $35 and is actually a carrier I'd recommend as a good budget buy. Is a more expensive MT nicer? Yes (although depends on the brand as to how much nicer). The materials of a more expensive MT are usually nicer quality - think the difference in a more expensive car seat and an expensive one.

The Infantino is a nice size for the infant stage. If you find that it starts to feel uncomfortable, then you might upgrade to something with a bit more body to it. Then again, you may find it suits your needs perfectly

tokenhoser · September 2012

I used and liked the Infantino wrap and tie. It worked really well for us. I lent it to a friend, so I haven't used it in a few months, but it was great especially for the newborn - 6 months phase.

It held up fine and I washed it a couple times.

pixieprincss · September 2012

A more expensive one will have a larger body, wider straps for comfort, may have shoulder padding or a nursing/sleeping hood, toy loops, more durable fabric and stitching, etc. $80 actually would just be a mid-range MT. A really awesome MT, like a Kindercarry, will be double (or more) than that. The Infantino one probably won't hold much in terms of reselling value, so see if you can buy it used it you want to go that route. In contrast, something like a Freehand may resell nicely if you end up not liking it. Do you have a babywearing group in your area? That is a nice way to try carriers without buying. Also, you could look for used nicer MTs online.

twocents6708 · September 2012

I have a freehand that I like. I got mine on diapers.com and paid 65 plus free shipping. I love it so far

tlew12778 · September 2012

I would not buy the infantino. It was tested on thebabywearer and deconstructed and found to not be seen securely it is not triple stitched. The testers were able to rip it apart with bare hands. So no way would I trust it to support my child.

skibunny59 · September 2012

I got the Infantino Mei Tai from a friend when I was pregnant. I use it quite a bit and I do like it. I'm sure the $80 ones are nicer but I just can't afford to buy a better quality one right now.

barnwife · September 2012

I have a cheap mei tai from ebay. I use it all the time for the NB stage. (I don't like the Moby.) Then, once LO is big enough, I use our Boba carrier. My cheap mei tai is great for the NB stage. It gets a lot of use then. I don't need fancy padded straps or anything then, because LO is still little.

Once I need slightly more support, LO fits in the Boba.

lady_tytah · September 2012

i got the infantino fro my bff and she used it for almost the whole first yr and its held up well. i really like it. i'm tall plus size and big chested (5'11" sz 18 38h) versus she very short and petite ( 4'11" sz 3 35c).

BriDaily · September 2012

Like everyone has said, it depends on the quality of material and craftsmanship you are looking for. Do you want something that will work past six months or a year old? Do you want it hold up through several children? Are you okay with having a mass produced product or would you pay extra for a WAHM to make a oneofakind MT? There are some people on etsy and such that make them and they are so cute! Or consider testing your sewing skills and make one yourself!

There are a lot of questions to ponder when purchasing any object for your child... don't rush your decision, do your research, read reviews on Amazon.com and other websites on here is always helpful!, then make an informed and educated purchase.

As a side note... I've seen people mention some website where you can rent carriers of different styles to try them out... can't remember the name at present

ncbelle · September 2012

tlew12778:
I would not buy the infantino. It was tested on thebabywearer and deconstructed and found to not be seen securely it is not triple stitched. The testers were able to rip it apart with bare hands. So no way would I trust it to support my child.

Infantino has since changed their design though. The current version is x-boxed and much better made.

Want a personalized experience?

Cheap vs. Expensive Mei Tai

Re: Cheap vs. Expensive Mei Tai

Choose Another Board

Search Boards