I wanted to like babywearing. I wanted to like it soooo badly. But no carrier has ever really suited both myself and my baby. We have the Beco Butterfly II, which is a very nice and expensive carrier. My husband likes that one, but baby is ambivalent about it, and it just doesn't fit me comfortably, for whatever reason. I like the Moby well enough, and can get relatively comfortable in it, but it is a huge pain to get on. I got a ring sling recently that I was super excited about and currently, baby HATES it (hoping he will like it once we can hip carry--he's only 2.5 months now so not there yet). I wanted to try a mei tai carrier but given my lack of success with carriers thus far, couldn't justify spending upwards of $80 on one. Well, this fit the bill in terms of price, and I figured it was worth a try.
I'm so glad I bought it! It is SO comfortable. I love the adjustability of the mei tai style and do not find it as cumbersome to tie as the moby, at all. I think crossing the straps in back is key for me--the Beco has more of a backpack style and it just always feels awkward on my shoulders. This is the most comfortable carrier I have tried by far. Baby is still ambivalent about it, but didn't immediately scream like he did in the ring sling so I'm going to stick with it. I did take a walk with him outside and he is big enough that he can peak out but still has head support. I look forward to back carrying later on when he is bigger because I think he will like that better.
I honestly see this being my go to carrier. I think it will grow on baby if I use it consistently; I'm just gonna start with ten minutes a day and work up. We are taking a trip in a couple months and I really need something that is comfortable--this carrier is. I have never tried any of the other popular mei tais but at this point I see no need to. I think this one will work just fine. And it's cute, too.
Oh, and because I had worried about these things from other reviews:
1. I don't think it's too heavy/hot at all. The Beco seems much hotter to me.
2. It feels very sturdy and safe. I cannot imagine this thing coming apart.
3. Yes, there are stupid labels/instructions all over it. I cannot understand it from a design perspective, but it doesn't seem to be uncomfortable for me or baby.
4. Yes, it seems like baby is doing the splits in this thing. That's how it is supposed to be and it's fine. My baby is too big to 'froggy' anymore, it's uncomfortable for me and for him. So he does the splits and its no problem. The Beco is like that too.
So overall, I know some babywearers will nay say this item because of the brand. But if you want to try a mei tai and can't afford like a babyhawk or something, give this a try.
Addendum 1/30/13: I still really like this carrier. It remains the most comfortable carrier I have and the easiest on my back. Baby will tolerate it for about 20 minutes at a time, ie a trip to the grocery store, some light housework, etc. My husband thinks it is very comfortable as well. The only thing I don't like about it is the long strap that easily drags on the ground when tying it in a parking lot or something. Same problem as with the Moby, although still easier to put on than the moby. I think in general I am searching for the *perfect* carrier and it just doesn't exist. This is the best I've tried, though, in terms of comfort for myself and the babe. I have heard that other more expensive mei tai wraps are more comfortable and soft but this suits our purposes.
Addendum 11/12/14: I am now using this carrier with baby #2. This baby is much more amenable to baby wearing than my first, and my husband and I agree that this carrier is simply the best for the money. We both prefer it to the Beco and to the other carriers I own (which are many and all were more expensive....moby, k tan, ring sling, etc). It is so comfortable. As I type this I am wearing LO and he has been sleeping for an hour. He loves this thing. One thing I didn't realize the first time around is you can fold the waist band over to make this a better fit for really little babies. I don't know if you are supposed to do it, but I have been doing it with this guy since birth and it works very well. What a great product. I would recommend this to any new mom. I absolutely love it, even more the second time around.
| Product Dimensions | 3.2 x 11.5 x 10 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 200-122 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Minimum weight recommendation | 3.6 Kilograms |
| Maximum weight recommendation | 3.6 Kilograms |
| Care instructions | Machine Wash |
| Batteries required | No |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Orientation | Front |
| Is portable | Yes |
| Item Weight | 1.45 pounds |
