The
Chinese Mei Tai Sling from Toot Sweet Baby
By Lisa Poisso
Looking to make a grand entrance
(well, if you were backing up, that is)? The red silk Mei
Tai Chinese back carrier from Toot Sweet Baby is hands
down the most stunning baby 
carrier
out there today. Embroidered with a phoenix, dragons, flowers
and other Chinese symbols, this carrier is not only drop-dead
gorgeous but lightweight, sturdy and comfortable to boot.
© www.tootsweetbaby.com
Used by permission
Description
This simple one-size carrier consists of a square of fabric with four long
tails that are used to tie the carrier – and the baby -- onto the
body. The “silk” version is in fact an embroidered silk panel
sewn onto sturdy cotton twill. The cotton version features hand embroidery.
This sling is made for carrying your baby on your back, although it is
possible to wear the carrier in front as well.
Advantages
Portable The Mei Tai is lightweight
and easy to fold up inside a diaper bag or purse.
Easy to clean The 100 percent cotton Mei
Tai is machine washable in cold water.
Fits many sizes The Mei Tai is one-size-fits-all. The ties may not
be long enough for exceptionally large or tall users.
Beauty The
silk Mei Tai is hands down the most stunning baby carrier
out there. The cotton version is lovely as well, and custom
versions in your choice of fabric are also available.
© www.tootsweetbaby.com Used
by permission
Comfort Baby’s
weight is distributed across your shoulders and waist with
the Mei Tai’s wide cotton straps. This carrier is
exceptionally comfortable for active use such as cooking,
vacuuming and walking. Little fabric in contact with the
body makes this carrier cool in warm climates.
Pricing All fabric styles of the Mei Tai carrier are reasonably priced.
Disadvantages
Complex to put on Putting on a Mei Tai
takes practice, balance and confidence. It helps to be
able to sit down, and moving it from back to front or
removing it when you’re done is not quick. See
complete instructions here.
Not versatile The Mei Tai is designed for carrying babies on your
back. While it’s possible to use it for front-carrying or even nursing,
you’ll need to begin with the back carry and then shift it around. You
cannot carry a newborn in a Mei Tai.
Availability You won’t find a Mei Tai at the local baby store
or department store. The Mei Tai is available online from Toot Sweet Baby,
a small work-at-home company. Selection and availability may be limited.
Learning curve The Mei Tai can be intimidating to learn to use, especially
with a tiny baby. The online instructions and photos on Toot Sweet’s
site go a long way toward helping. Practice makes perfect.
Resources
Toot
Sweet Baby
Read Babywearing by
Maria Blois
Buy on Amazon.com
The book is a comprehensive resource about babywearing. Dr. Blois covers
the history and benefits of attachment parenting and where baby wearing fits
in. She describes in words and pictures ways to carry your baby. She includes
reviews of various baby carriers - packs, pouches and slings - to allow you to
make your own best choice.
Lisa Poisso has performed
in ballet and musical theatre, edited magazines, slogged
through the world of corporate communications and run a
home-based writing and editing business while raising a
family. A passionate advocate for attachment parenting
and natural family living, she is the founder and publisher
of APConnect!,
Dallas/Fort Worth’s online resource for AP and natural
parenting. She writes for publications and edits for authors
specializing in the natural family, attachment parenting,
vegetarian and parenting fields.
