thread: My Mei Tai hurts....

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    Unhappy My Mei Tai hurts....

    My mum made me a Mei Tai and it hurts. Maybe it's because I'm used to the HAB we made being stretchy and so comfy that it is so noticeable. We used a canvassy type material and James sits in it beautifully and sleeps but I just can't seem to get it comfy. Any tricks or ideas?? It's mainly my shoulders and I have tried tying it really tight because he is so heavy and I want him snug on me so the weight isn't pulling forwards but it still seems to pull. He is over 5kgs, I'd hate to use it when he is getting close to double that.
    It's a PITA too because it is getting warmer ( Melbourne - it's meant to be summer) and I want to use it instead of the HAB when it's hot.
    Any ideas???

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    i dont have any suggestons the mei teis have always look a bit uncomfy for me, what about a bubzilla style sling?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    Mmmm Im not sure hun - do they hurt just one shoulder?? I kinda prefer to distribute the weight and also with Izzy she hated lying down - even at 8 weeks, and James is looking like he is just as aware and wants to be upright to see everything as well! I might see if I can find a simple pattern JIC though!

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    because the sling is so wide across your back on most of those style slings, its pretty comfy.
    I used a HAB with DS through summer though and he was OK.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jun 2008
    Tassie
    2,567

    Try a high back tie?
    Or hip carry?
    Look on youtube, there are so many ties, it might just be a case of finding the right one for you

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    ACT
    681

    Hi Tanstar,

    Did you put the straps on an angle or strait, are they padded or not? How wide are the straps?

    I have a mai tai i made though has streachy straps, about to make another with normal straps,
    I have tried on a Kozy brand mai tai and a elaroo mai tai and they were realy comfy.

    If you have a look at baby carriers down under they have helpful people there that might be able to help you out.

    Can you post a pic of him in it, might be able to suggest something then.

    How do you tie the straps?

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    Thanks for the suggestions girls - Im such a virgin I had no idea there were different ties! Will post a pic tomorrow!

    id you put the straps on an angle or strait, are they padded or not? How wide are the straps? Straps are on an angle and not padded, they are about 7 cms wide roughly - would have to check the pattern for sure.

    How do you tie the straps?
    I tie the waist straps directly around my waist then the shoulder straps up over my shoulders, cross at the back and brought forward to tie under his bum. Hope that makes sense. Im off to youtube! Thanks girls.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    ACT
    681

    when you tie it on do you apron tie so that when bub is in it it is up on the side closest to you or does he sit above the waist. (hope you understand)

    What type of fabric is did you use, maybe need to wash it to soften the straps.

    If you live in brisbane their is a sling meet this weekend.
    Last edited by sweetpea678; December 11th, 2008 at 07:40 PM. : more info

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    575

    hun, get a ring sling...i hated mei tai's too.

  10. #10
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    South Eastern Suburbs, Vic
    6,054

    Hon, if you're near me, I'd love to help you troubleshoot.

    The only other thing I can think of - is bub nice and close into your chest? If he's not close enough, then the weight will be pulling forward on your shoulders, you want him close so he's kinda not throwing out your centre of gravity too much. That make sense?

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    Ok I think I need to try apron tie - I haven't been doing that - although the waistband section is quite wide so that has been sitting flat against me and then his bum and legs are sort of "froggied" into the bum section. Nelle I definitely think I need to get him closer to me and get the whole thing tighter, its a bit hard to do on my own but I think with a bit of practise that might help. He likes having his head up and out which makes it difficult to bring the whole thing close too. Thanks for all the help ladies -will more than likely need to use it today so will let you know how we go.

  12. #12
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2004
    Cairns QLD
    5,471

    Tan try the apron tie but also when you do the shoulder straps make sure they cross over as low as possible on your back. I see so many women with carriers with the part that crosses over up in the middle of the shoulder blades & that is what would make it uncomfy I think. Also you need to make sure bub is high enough that you can kiss the top of his head when he is in it.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jan 2007
    7,197

    Thanks FJ - will try all that today!