Freehand Mei Tai Baby Carrier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a mother of 3 and have gone tried many different types of baby carriers, and this is by far my favorite one.To be fair, I did not buy from Amazon, but directly from BabyHawk.Their website is awesome & I was able to design my own.If you don't mind waiting a little longer, its the way to go.

I have used, the ring sling, the Baby Bjorn, the pouch sling, to name a few, but the Mei Tai is by far my favorite.My first child LOVED to be in a carrier, but the ring sling started to really hurt my back once she was a few months old.I couldn't carrier her in it for more than half an hour or so.My second child HATED all carriers - but I hadn't tried the Mei Tai - I bought a pouch sling (Hotsling) which he screamed whenever I put him in.So we tried a Baby Bjorn, which he liked for a week, then screamed.With my third, I decided to wait & try out all those above.The Ring Sling was too bulky to take anywhere (its a padded style).The Baby Bjorn was just plain hard to put on.The pouch sling he outgrew in a few weeks (or maybe we outgrew together - I am 5'10 and the Hotslings are NOT adjustable).

I researched carriers & read many reviews before deciding on BabyHawk Mei Tais.IMO the pros & cons are as follows:

PROS
ADJUSTABLE: Unlike the pouch sling the design of the sling allows for growth of the child & variance in size of the wearer - one size really does fit all
MULTIPOSITIONAL: Unlike the Baby Bjorn - and the pouch sling to an extent - the Mei Tai can be worn many different ways - front, back, different ways to tie.There is a way that will feel best for you.
STYLE:If you decide to design your own - you have hundreds of options to suit your style - This can be a fashion statement as well as a baby carrier
SIZE:This can be folded down to a small carrying pouch (included) that can be tucked into a diaper bag or stroller.Not much larger than a folded Hotsling.
EASE OF USE: The first couple times are tricky - but after 3 times, I can put in a cranky screaming baby & put down a quiet sleeping baby no problem - much easier than the Baby Bjorn IMO.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION:I have big babies - my six week old is 14 pounds - this carrier distributes weight better than the other 3 types IMO.
HANDS FREE:Unlike the pouch sling or ring sling, you can free up both hands with this carrier.So you can puch a shopping cart & hold onto a toddler at the same time.Or maybe hold your baby & eat?

CONS:
EXPENSIVE: The Mei Tai is more expensive (relatively) than a ring sling or pouch sling.You can spend extra if you design your own & add pockets & toy rings.I find the expense worth it.
EASE OF USE:I put this in the CON category as well because the first few times are difficult - practice at home in front of a mirror.Also because the ties are so long, I would not want to put this on standing in dirt, or someplace with dirty floors.The straps will drag - there is no way around this.
REPOSITIONING:You will need to check your baby & positioning of the straps every so often.As our weight shifts, I usually adjust mine about 30 minutes afterputting it on.Its like your favorite pair of jeans - they loosen up some minutes after putting them on right out of the wash.

SUMMARY:I found this Mei Tai to be very versatile, simple to use, & stylish.It distributes weight nicely & is small enough to pack around.I would highly reccommend this to anyone with a baby that likes to be held a lot.

UPDATE:I have owned this carrier for over a month and I use it EVERYDAY.My infant HATES his infant carrier unless its in the car and we are moving - so I put him in the Mei Tai for all trips out of the house - the mall, the grocery store, my older child's school.I have mastered the art of putting it on in the parking lot - I just stand in front of the van door, and carefully drape the long ties in the van before securing my baby.This leaves my hands free for my toddler/shoppin cart/latte.I also wear this at home at least once a day.My son is 2 months old and 15 pounds - I can handle about 2 hours at a time - even my husband is starting to wear this now after seeing how much our baby enjoys being in it.I get compliments on this all the time, and all my expecting friends want to borrow it.We love it!

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Product Description:
The FreeHandTM borrows it's design from an asian style carrier that has been used for centuries. Versatility is the key. One size will work for both mom and dad (gramma, uncle, aunt, etc), and the FreeHandTM will carry a child up to 35 pounds comfortably. In addition, it can be worn safely on your front, back or hip. The Mei Tai design consists of a main panel of designer fabric, two long padded shoulder straps and two waist straps. What will you do with your Freehands?

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Boba Organic Baby Carrier 2G Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Boba is a soft-structured carrier (think Ergo) designed to be used for children ages 1 to 4 (15 - 45 lbs.) for front and back carries, and my two youngest are now 16 months and 3.5.As an Ergo owner my first thoughts were - how does the Boba differ from an Ergo?Well, to be honest there are quite a few points of differentiation, most good, some not-so-good.There are also some similarities and challenges that seem to present themselves with any structured carrier.

So, first off, the Boba is an organic cotton carrier, made in Boulder, Colarado by mountaineering professionals - very neat!The first things I noticed were the nicely contoured padded shoulder straps, the handy `hide-em' elastics to roll up the excess webbing from the shoulder straps and waist strap (very nice touch!), and the heavy duty safety-buckle.

Loading both of my children in the front facing position was very simple, but I did need some help fastening the chest-strap across my back (I have limited mobility in my right arm), so I need some help there.I played with the foot-straps some before realizing that my baby's legs are just too short for them to work at the moment, but they are very adjustable with a neat sliding feature that let's you move them around the bottom of the carrier.Adjusting for circumference is tricker, as they velcro up inside of the padded waist area, which is securely fastened when you have a child in the carrier and are trying to adjust the straps.The front carry with Sarah is blissful, it's the snuggliest, worry-free front carry ever!She's in the perfect position to kiss, and the extra fabric on the sides and top really gives it a cocoon-like feel.She slept for hours in the Boba the first time she rode in it.

Now, the shoulder straps were hard for me to get snug enough, so I called in my husband, but this isn't unique to the Boba, I always have a hard time with this design of tightening fixture on soft-structure carriers.Once adjusted though, between the shoulder and chest straps you can get a good custom-fit for your child.It does take a few minutes to adjust the carrier back and forth for different children.

Now, my 3.5 year old IS tall enough to get use out of the foot-straps!Designed to be used with shoes, the straps function almost as a stirrup, and are designed to lift the leg to a healthy, 90 degree angle from hip to thigh and thigh to calf.I think it's a pretty neat idea, and you can tell that the posture is definitely better with the strap as opposed to without.If she gets excited and tries to 'stand' in the stirrups, the velcro lets loose and needs to be done up again, and she did say they were a bit `itchy' - some of the velcro must have brushed her leg (something to note if your youngster has sensory-integration issues).Again the front carry is very supportive and incredibly comfy, I could carry her for hours like this!She likes it too.

Now, for the back carry, I actually got Sarah in without help on my first try by following the instructions!The extra fabric on the panel really makes a difference here.With other soft-structured carriers I often felt like my baby was leaning away from me because I couldn't feel her upper body against my back.With the Boba that problem is no longer there!With some careful adjustments I can get my little girl hugged up nice and comfy. I REALLY like this...sure helps when I'm doing dishes!

Rose also gets nice and tight up against me as you can see. Now, with her being heavier I did notice that the unpadded webbing that makes up the front portion of the Boba (where you fasten the safety buckle) carries more weight and did dig into my abdomen some.That's likely due to my squishy mommy belly, but it wasn't entirely comfortable.Some other carriers feature a flat band of fabric that goes underneath this section of webbing to distribute the weight without so much digging, but the Boba doesn't. Thankfully, I don't use a carrier with her often, as I'm the only carrier wearer in the family, so I usually take Sarah.If Rosie tuckers out her Dad uses his arms.

The Boba also doesn't have a sleeping baby head flap, but in truth, I've rarely been able to fasten those by myself with a baby in the carrier, and often it woke mine up.With the extra fabric providing upper-back support, Sarah just tucked herself in closer when she fell asleep in the front carry, so I haven't missed it yet.

With both the back and front carries high, snug, and secure, the Boba is a great carrier for moms who want to wear their babies through the winter with a baby-wearing coat.Once you get your adjustments made you're ready to go, there won't be any budging.

Parents shopping for a first soft-structured baby carrier should STRONGLY consider the Boba due to the extra fabric in the panel ALONE.The added feeling of security is so sweet, snuggly, and above all reassuring!

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Product Description:
Boba is a Soft Structured baby carrier (SSC) that is intended for toddlers 1-4 years old (15-45 lbs/7-20 kgs). Boba has a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one's back. The innovative thing about Boba carrier is that there are foot straps attached to the waist belt for the child's feet to sit in- enabling a healthy sitting position for the child. The foot straps not only give little tired legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets, and aligns the spine. The Boba is comfortable, attractively designed baby carrier that comes in earth-inspired colors. The Boba is supremely easy to adjust and it is designed for use during everyday activities, both indoors and outdoors. Boba is MADE in USA with 100% certified organic cotton. Features: * accommodates child 1-4 years (15-45 lbs / 7-20 kg) * one size fits most adults * front and back carry * made with GOTS and OE100 certified 100% organic cotton * lined with 100% organic Texas cotton * machine washable * Instructions included * safety buckle to prevent unintended release * high density waist and shoulder strap foam * foot straps for extra leg/hip support * high back for better overall support * made in Boulder, CO USA And measures: * body 15 inches wide and 16 inches tall * 19 inch shoulder straps that extend an additional 19 inches * 28 inch waist belt that extends to 50 inches * 5 inch high waist belt * weight of the carrier: 1.8 lbs

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Infantino Ecosash Baby Carrier, Bloomin Vines, 8-35 Pounds Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, I should say that I have a very, very low opinion of Infantino because of their "bag sling" the slingrider, which they left on the market for years after moms in the babywearing community warned them repeatedly that it (as well as all bag slings) was dangerous.In fact, they never recalled it voluntarily, the CPSC had to issue a recall.

That said, I actually liked some things about this carrier, although I don't recommend it overall.It's a mei tai ("may tie"), which is a very common and popular kind of baby carrier.I've owned a few of them, as well as ring slings, pouch slings, structured soft carriers (like the Ergo), and wraps of all kinds.Mei tais are my favorite for extended wearing, when the baby is not in and out of the carrier often, because they are difficult to get into.

This carrier in particular has some pros and cons:

Pros:
- very supportive of a heavier, larger baby.My baby is almost at the max weight limit (35 lbs.) and we enjoyed it.
- nice, neutral color
- detachable hood - very helpful!
- the PRICE!it's super cheap
- booklet that comes with it is somewhat informative

Cons:
- the method of tying is uncomfortable.See below.
- the detachable/reversible panel is annoying.So much bulk and fuss for such an unimportant thing (to me) just got in the way.
- there are "instruction" panels in a stiff satin fabric ALL OVER this thing.There are panels identifying which is the top, which is the waist, how to wear your baby, the weight limits, etc.It makes the carrier uncomfortable if the panels touch your skin or your baby's, and it's totally unnecessary, in my opinion.
- very large and bulky for a small baby
- no pocket!I really appreciate the pocket in all my baby carriers that have them.

The shoulder straps are only long enough to tie around the body of the carrier, as seen in the picture.I am pretty petite in the ribcage and waist, so even with a big baby, I was able to tie it properly (see below) but not in a bow, only in a very unsafe double knot.A petite woman with a small baby MIGHT be able to tie it properly, but that's clearly not how it's meant to be tied.

The instructions have you cross the straps over your shoulders and then bring them around under your arms and tie them there on the baby's back (if you are carrying baby on the front, facing in).I find this method of tying uncomfortable for me and the baby.

I've almost always seen mei tais tied around the back, with the straps going under baby's legs for extra support.That is, if you're wearing your baby on the front, you cross the straps over your back, bring them around under your arms and cross them over the front panel of the mei tai (where the picture above would have you tie them, instead you cross them or twist them), then tuck the straps under baby's legs and tie them on the small of your back where the waist straps are tied.

All in all, I would invest more money in a better mei tai, or find one used for a comparable price with better features.The annoying labels and the length of the straps really make it unusable for me.Maybe it be a good starter mei tai to learn, but I think YouTube videos and thebabywearer.com, combined with a quality WAHM-made carrier would be a much better and safer way to learn.Infantino is behind the curve on making baby carriers, and I would avoid buying from them in the future.

note: I received this carrier for free with the Amazon Vine program.

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Infantino Wrap and Tie Baby Carrier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this carrier when my daughter was about 4 weeks old; she's now 10 weeks old.I had a Moby that I borrowed from a friend but could never quite get to work, and my daughter hated being in it.I also have a Bjorn Active, but she seemed pretty precarious in that when she was so little.

This carrier is nearly perfect for infants.It's not quite as easy to put on as the Bjorn, but MUCH easier than the Moby, and it gives that nice snug fit that the Moby did.It's much lighter weight than the Bjorn, so it's easier on my back.I have the khaki-colored version, so I haven't had any problems with it showing dirt and dust.I wish the straps weren't so long (one size fits all), but I just wrap them around to my back and tie them again loosely.[I'm 5'4" and 145 lbs.]I think this carrier would fit most people.The fabric is thick, and the construction seems to be of good quality. It might be hot in hot weather, but most carriers are.

This has been a life saver.My daughter won't sleep anywhere except while being held.Now, once she's fed/diapered/etc and getting fussy (i.e., needs to sleep), I pop her in and walk around and sing.After a couple of minutes of fussing, she is sound asleep, sometimes for several hours.I can do a little light work around the house, plus I can sit and type at the computer (she's in the wrap right now).

*******Update 8/1/2010--my daughter is now almost 5 months old, and this carrier still works great with her facing me for her naps.She now weighs about 15 lbs, and it's not bad for a couple hours of use (especially if I can sit for part of the time).She starts to strain my back when I have to walk around with her for a couple of hours, but less so than when she is forward-facing in the Bjorn Active.

I have tried the face-out option, and it works OK, but I probable prefer to face her out in the Bjorn Active (it's quicker to put on).The Wrap and Tie is a little tall for her facing out, so I have to try to scrunch down the front, and I worry about her falling asleep and having her nose down in it.This carrier is definitely better than the Bjorn Active for facing-in naps (more support on the back of her neck so that her head doesn't flop around while she's sleeping).A friend is sending me her Ergo, so I will compare all three once I've tried it.

********Update 8/25/2010--Once I got the Ergo, I stopped using the Wrap and Tie.Both hold the baby snug and close to me, facing in, for sleeping.The Ergo is super easy to put on and great for my back.I am now an Ergo convert.

In summary---
1) Infantino Wrap and Tie:Pros = Great for little ones, facing in, for sleeping.Easier to put on than the Moby and yet keeps baby nice and snug.Can face baby out.Sturdy.Cheap (cheaper than other mei tai style carriers).Not bad on my back.Can ball it up and shove it in the diaper bag.Cons = harder to put on than Bjorn/Ergo, not as good as the Bjorn for facing out, not as good on the back as the Ergo.

2) Baby Bjorn (I have the Bjorn Active): Pros = My baby LOVES facing out when awake, and this is hands-down the best carrier for that.I put up with back pain to keep my baby happy.Cons: Not as good as the Wrap and Tie or Ergo for facing in/sleeping.Hurts my back to wear it for long (baby now ~15 lbs).Expensive.

3) Ergo: Pros = Quick and easy to put on, perfect for baby facing in/sleeping, cute little hood to put over her head to block out light while sleeping, AWESOME!!!! for my back.Cons = Expensive, baby can't face out.(My baby doesn't much like facing in while awake but she's getting used to it.)

When I go out, I usually take both the Ergo and the Bjorn with me in the car, and then pick whichever one is appropriate for my baby at the moment.If you have enough cash to drop on both (or better yet, can get them used or hand-me-down), get both and skip the Wrap and Tie.If you only have enough $ for one carrier, the Wrap and Tie might work.

*****final update--others have commented on the baby's face being smushed into their chest in the facing-in position.I haven't had a problem with this, but I frequently check my baby's neck position to make sure that her chin is tilted up a bit and her nose is pointing up a bit.It's easy to look down at her and reposition her head when appropriate.Also, I usually have her in with the binky in her mouth, which keeps her face off my chest as well.

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Product Description:
Infantino Wrap and Tie CarrierThe unique tie design of this baby carrier allows for maximum adjustability and comfort by eliminating buckles and simplifying fastening! The Wrap and Tie Carrier features a 3-in-1 design that allows the carrier to be used face-in, face-out, and as a back carrier. It is suitable for babies 8-35 lbs. It is super soft and breathable and features wide & comfortable padded straps for the carrier's comfort.

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