ABBW Custom CarriersABBW Diaper BagsDoll Pouches & Mei TaisMama & Baby BlingMei Tai LinersSling Basics Class
| SAFETY FIRST: Keeping your baby safe is your responsibility, by reading and using these instructions you are agreeing to this. We are not responsible for any accidents or injuries caused when using our product. I will provide you with some pictures and suggestions for ways you can wear your Mei Tai. I have tried all of these out with my own children, and am comfortable in saying they can be done safely. However, it is your responsibility to use them with caution and to take extra precautions to ensure that your children are safe when putting them in and wearing them in any baby carrier. ALWAYS check the seams of your carriers before use. (Mei Tais, pay special attention to the upper straps.) If any rips or tears are visible, or the fabric seems compromised in any way, DO NOT USE. DO NOT wear your baby while cooking. DO NOT wear your baby and drink a hot liquid. DO NOT wear your baby in a moving car. These carriers are not car seats! Use caution going through crowds, doorways, etc. A baby in a carrier is like an extension of your body, just as he was when you were pregnant. Remember to account for their little extremities as you move about the house. Don’t forget, babies like to grab anything within reach, and they often will. Generally speaking, just use your common sense. These instruction photos were taken using weighted demonstration dolls, used in my Babywearing 101 class. These babies are weighted just like the real thing, so they are not simple dolls being used to show the carriers. These babies are more cooperative over 2 hours of manhandling, so they make for perfect models. |
|
We have recently made video instructions as well! They are 10 minutes long each, and cover just about everything you need to know! If these videos are not working for you, see our page on youtube.com
Part 1 covers basics if you are new to the Mei Tai, Newborn Carrying, and Breastfeeding tips. Part 2 covers Tummy to Tummy with an older child, Tummy to Tummy with legs out for a smaller baby, Forward Facing, and Hip carrying. Part 3 covers Back Carrying, both using the Couch Method (A MUST for beginners), and the Hip Scoot method. |
| Back Carry While you are learning how to get baby up and down from a back carry, it is best to have another adult present, or have a couch or bed for support. We will show 2 different methods here. The couch method is best used when first starting.   
First lay the carrier out on your couch or bed, just like you want it, curve at the top, and straps spread out. Lay baby on the prepared carrier, smaller babies with legs crossed, older babies with legs wide. Flip carrier up under baby, then sit down and sandwich this flipped up portion between you and baby.   
Tie your square knot at your midline, then lean back and grab each upper strap. Still leaning back, sandwich baby between you and the carrier. When you have both straps snugly, you may now lean forward. Hold both straps with one hand, then reach around and lift baby's bottom with your free hand. Snug the upper straps as you lift baby.   
Once baby is snug and high on your back, pull straps down backpack style (straight under arms), cross, twist, etc, as you are comfortable. You may tie under baby's bottom, or cross under baby's bottom and tie in front. Be sure to finish with a square knot. To get baby DOWN, while using the couch method, simply untie your upper straps (still holding snugly), then sit on couch or bed and slowly lower baby down. Untie lower straps, and remove the carrier. NEVER leave sleeping baby on the carrier, as straps can become a strangulation concern. The hip-scoot method can be used with babies that can sit up well, and parents who are comfortable with the couch method.   
Tie Carrier on with the knot at your midline, upper straps toward the floor. Hold baby on your hip, with both hands until opposite arm has baby securely. Reach arm that was behind baby over the top, and out in front, grasping baby's back with your elbow, and baby's leg with your hand. When baby is secure with this hand alone, reach around back with your opposite hand and grasp baby's other thigh. Scoot baby around, bending slightly to hold baby's weight on your back, and use both hands until baby is secure in the center of your back with a single hand.   
Now, holding baby's bottom with a single hand, use the other hand to flip up the carrier around baby's back. When carrier is up around baby's back, hold baby with one hand, and snug one strap under your arm, then the other with the hand that was holding baby. Now both straps should be under armpits, held out front.   
Keep both straps snug, moving from armpit to shoulder, one at a time. Once both shoulder straps are over shoulders, hold both straps with one hand, and use the other under baby's bottom to bounce nice and high. Pull straps under armpits or cross, etc, as you prefer. Finish as usual, crossing under baby's bottom and tying out front, or tying under baby's bottom. Be sure to finish with a square knot. back to top |
Down from Back Carry 
To get baby off your back, untie the shoulder straps and lean forward, supporting baby's weight on your back. Flip the "apron" down. Ease baby off to the side, holding securely with AT LEAST one hand, and bring around to the front. back to top |
Hip Carry    Start off with the square knot on one hip, and the "apron" on the hip you wish to carry baby on. Hold baby on your hip, and flip the body up around baby's back. Take the shoulder strap that is in front of you, and toss it over your opposite shoulder.    Reach behind you and pull it around to the opposite side, and hold in place with the same hand that is holding baby. Take the second strap, and bring it straight across your back, and around your side, and back behind baby's back.   Secure with a square knot behind baby's back or under baby's bottom. You're ready to go! For solid color showing, start with printed side out. back to top |
Tummy to Tummy
   Start off with baby down, and tie the waist straps on with a square knot, body of the carrier down, like an apron. Hold baby facing you, tummy to tummy, and flip the body of the carrier up, around baby's back.   One at a time, criss-cross straps across your back, holding baby up with your free hand.    When both straps are in front, secure with a square knot, behind baby's back, or under baby's bottom. The straps may go over the legs or under the legs, whichever is most comfortable for you and baby.   If you would like the solid side showing, just start the carrier off backwards, print facing up. back to top |
