Read about natural parenting tools every family can use
Natural Family and Parenting Community Message boards
Shop for natural family items
Write to us or get writers guidelines
Contact or read about us

 
 
 
Read about natural parenting tools every family can use
 
 
Join Our Newsletter
 
Natural Family and Parenting Community Message boards
Discussion Boards
Looking to connect with other couples who know their basal body temperature? Visit with others who practice natural family planning.
 
Shop for natural items every family can use

Product Reviews

NFO Bookshelf

NFO Shopping

 
See the monthly adventures of Hathor the Cowgoddess.
Hathor the Cow Goddess - Watch Hathor make fun of those who oppose breastfeeding
 
Write to us or get writers guidelines

Reprint Permissions
Send Us Feedback

 

We're looking for writers! Visit our Writer’s Guidelines for more details.

 
Contact us or read about us

About NFO
Advertise with NFO
Contact NFO

Media Page
: See who's talking about NFO.

 
NFO is going to print!
Interested in getting NFO by mail? Send us a YES here. We'll contact you with more information in the future.
 
Visit other BFN sites:
Busy Parents Online
Busy Homeschool
Busy Parents University
Busy Family Network
 
NFO Special Report: THE DEADLY INFLUENCE OF FORMULA IN AMERICA
The report's key finding: Formula DOUBLES THE DEATH RATE for American infants.

 

Getting Back to Basics with Babywearing
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Slings


© www.tootsweetbaby.com Used by permission

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.

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



Lisa Poisso is the NFO editor. Read more about Lisa.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Let's Play Yoga - A yoga program for children between the ages of 2 and 6. Teacher training and home-study courses available.
 
Operation Special Delivery offers doula services to military spouses
 
In Association with Amazon.com
 
 

Join our newsletter

This site is best viewed while wearing your baby.

Advertisement


"The media have become the mainstream culture in children's lives. Parents have become the alternative. Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. Today they are expected to raise their children in opposition to it."
-- Ellen Goodman, Boston Globe columnist

[Home] [Read] [Discuss] [Shop] [Write] [About Us] [Contact Us] [Advertise] [Natural Family Living] [Attachment Parenting]
[Natural Health] [Natural Q&A] [Pregnancy & Birth] [Breastfeeding] [Books]
[Bottom Line] [Gentle Discipline]
[Education] [Links Guide] [Product Reviews] [Book Reviews]


© 2000-2004 Busy Family Network™ (BFN). All Rights Reserved. 
Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site.
Graphics by . Web design by Busy Family Network. Hosting by BFN Hosting.
The information appearing at Natural Family Online is intended for educational purposes only. While we believe the information published on our site to be accurate, we do not intend it to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns regarding your physical or mental health or the health of your child, please seek assistance from a qualified health care provider. Neither the BFN nor Natural Family Online is liable in any case. Consult your health care provider before using any health information we publish. Please review the rest of our disclaimer and user agreement.