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Tuesday 29 April 2014

Sling it, Mama! #1 Guest Post: Mei tais vs Wraps


I am THRILLED to have a host of lovely guest bloggers lined up for the next few weeks to share some wisdom about baby wearing with you. Lowen is 8 weeks old and I've barely used the pram as I've completely fallen in love with my carrier which is what has inspired this series... But more about us later!

Kicking us off today is Chantelle who blogs over at www.mamamummymum.co.uk with a rather fabulous comparison of mei tais vs wraps - thanks Chantelle! 


I am a huge fan of babywearing but even now I have to admit with so many carriers, wraps etc available, it can be hard to know just which one is right for you and your little one. I started babywearing with my third child, but it wasn't until I had my last child, that I really started to understand all about correct positioning, different carries for different carriers etc. It all sounded rather daunting in the beginning but I soon found out what suited both myself and Layla.

My collection now consists of a mixture of wraps and men tais, so I thought I would share with you just why I like them both and the similarities and differences between both methods of babywearing.

Sizes

Wraps can be bought in a variety of lengths depending on what type of carries you are wanting to use them for. The lengths available are : 2.6m. 3.2m, 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.6m and 5.2m

Mei tais used to come in a standard size however more and more brands are making different sizes available, these include : baby size, toddler size and preschool size.

Both are easily adjustable so will suit the majority of both men and women.

The difference is that with wraps, if you buy a larger size you can have it cut down and made smaller if you change your mind on sizing, you can even have a wrap made into a ring sling if you want, but you can't change a mei tais sizing once made.

What age babies are they suitable for?

Both wraps and mei tais can be used from when your little one is a newborn.

Wraps will last right up until your little one no longer wants or needs carrying.

Mei tais tend to become too small once your child reaches a certain size, you can use the straps to keep them 'knee to knee' for longer but you may find the height of the carrier becomes too short and I would then suggest you buy a larger mei tai.

Carrying Positions

The great thing with both these methods of babywearing is that baby can be carried on the front, back or hip.

I find the mei tai easier to tie but the wrap just pips the mei tai here as there are a bigger variety of carries that you can do with a wrap that you just can't do with a mei tai.

Accessories

A wrap is just that, a wrap, there are no add ons, but I think this is why wraps are so good because they are simple yet effective.

Mei tais come in many different styles, some have hoods to pop over your little ones head, some have pockets for you to pop your keys in. You can also by sucker pads to go round the straps for your baby to chew on.

Pricing

With so many different styles, brands and designs of both wraps and mei tais available, I wouldn't say either one is more expensive than the other, there are ones out there to suit every persons budget.

Conclusion

Overall I don't think one carrier is better than the other. They both have their positives and negatives but babywearing much like anything is personal preference. I prefer using my mei tai when I need to get out of the door quickly as I find it easier to get on but if I know I will be out all day then I opt for a wrap as I find it more comfortable as I can spread out the material.

Do you have a favourite baby carrier??


Chantelle blogs at www.mamamummymum.co.uk and tweets as @MamaMummyMum
Do pop by and show her some love!

2 comments:

  1. Great idea for series. I only really started babywearing when my son was 20 months, having felt a bit overwhelmed by it when he was a baby (I know, I wish I'd known how easy it was, my husband loved wearing him in the Ergo). We love our Tula Toddler. I have always wondered exactly what a Mei Tei was, so thank you for this post!

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  2. So pleased to have helped! #slingitmama

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