Babywearing 101: Start Here!

what is Mei Tai?

Mei tai is a traditional baby carrier which can be worn on your front, side and back. It has 4 straps, 2 which are shoulder straps (normally longer and angled at the mei tai body) plus 2 more which are the waist strap.

These straps are sometimes padded, and some not. Some are heavily padded, some are lightly padded. Its really up to the wearer & and the maker

The four straps are attached (sewn) onto the mei tai body, which comes in various designs. Some are just plain square, some has curves for a better fit, some even has body/leg padding for extra comfort.

click here to learn how to wear the mei tai.

What is Half Buckle Mei Tai?

It’s a mei tai that has been improvised by adding a buckle to the waist strap. Which with a Buckle Tai, you just buckle the waist strap and tie the shoulder straps as u normally do.

What is Ring Sling?

A piece of cloth (with minimum width of 25″ and length varies according to the wearer) with a set of rings (either nylon or aluminium) at one end, can be use to carry your baby comfortably! (if you wear it the right way).

The other end of the cloth (with no rings) are thread into the set of rings one over another, to hold the cloth so that it wont slip.  The sling can be adjusted according the person wearing it (ie, adjustable).

Worn over one shoulder, baby is placed close to the wearer., in many types of carrying method. Tummy to tummy, hip carry, cradle carry, back carry & kangaroo carry (to name a few) depending on the babies age & weight.

What is a Pouch Sling?

Pouch sling is similar to Ring Sling. Only that it is sized (non adjustable).  It looks like a tube, which is worn over one shoulder.  It has a curved seam, which when worn, the baby’s spine should align with the seam.. and seated in the pocket form by the sling when worn.

Click here to learn how to measure for Pouch Sling

There are a lot more type of carriers. Do visit Malaysian Babywearers forum to learn about each type of carriers available.