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You are here: Home / Baby / Mei Tai

Mei Tai

March 7, 2010 by Jodi 8 Comments

My littlest munchkin is 9 months old now… and he is every bit as clingy and stranger shy as he should.  He is also a chunky 21 pounder.  For a while, I used my awesome Moby Wrap to tie him on my back, but he has figured out how to wriggle out of it.

I did some searching and found this excellent and thorough tutorial for making a PADDED Mei Tai (an asian-style baby carrier). The padding really does amazing things for this carrier comfort-wise.  Although I prefer un-padded ring slings, I wouldn’t recommend making an MT/ABC type carrier without it.

I decided to skip the Hood/headrest and add a button-on version in the future if needed.  Also, I extended the pattern 2 inches. So it would reach above my son’s shoulders.

For materials, I used a brown twill for the sturdy fabric (3 yards was the perfect amount for straps + seat), and some fun quilting fabric for outside and lining, all from Joann’s. I used scrap (Blizzard?) fleece for the padding instead of the batting.

It took me an intense late night of sewing to finish it (4 un-interripted hours), but the construction was uncomplicated, and she does a great job explaining each step in the tutorial.

Mom is happy and baby is happy.

Filed Under: Baby

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie Fifelski (MI) says

    March 7, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    So Sweet! I am considering a Mei Tai this time around..
    however, I am NOT considering going back to sewing..
    just. can’t. do. it.

    Yours looks awesome! Bravo!

    Reply
    • nerdymommy says

      March 8, 2010 at 7:45 am

      I love them for the back carrying, but for newborns you could make yourself a no sew “Faux-by Wrap”. Buy 2 1/2 to 3 yards of knit fabric and cut it down to a ~ 30″ width. Tie on like the moby wrap. Knit fabric won’t unravel so you do not need to sew it. http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions.aspx I love mine for little babies doing front carries.

      If you want a MT, search on etsy. There are lots of SAHM making carriers for sale.

      Reply
  2. Leigh says

    March 7, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    I love it! (and jon wanted me to tell you he does too, he said it looked like a little indian sac, haha) Love the choice of fabric too!

    Reply
    • nerdymommy says

      March 8, 2010 at 7:47 am

      Thanks. I am really happy with it, and it was one of those situations that paying a little more for the more eye-catching prints really was worth it.

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    March 8, 2010 at 10:52 am

    So beautiful AND comfy looking!! Nice work!

    Reply
  4. Karen says

    March 25, 2010 at 11:58 am

    Awesome. Double awesome, actually 🙂 I remember the bed sheet mei tai version… that one was great too but this is fantastic! Great job! I’m totally inspired, if currently babyless 🙂 Great domain name too…

    Reply
    • nerdymommy says

      March 25, 2010 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks Karen! 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Beau Baby Doll Carrier (and my new blog-crush) - Sew Fearless says:
    January 9, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    […] There are different carriers for different seasons – a ring sling for when they are tiny, a Mei Tai when money is too tight for a fancy backpack, and my current love… the […]

    Reply

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Jodi - Sewing Advocate - Mother of 7 - Lover of Swings and Deadlifts - Catholic

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