FreeHand Mei Tai™ borrows its 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 (and Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, etc). The FreeHand Mei Tai™ can be worn with newborns and will comfortably carry children up to 35 pounds. The tie-on style ensures a perfect fit each time, no matter how big or small you or your baby are! In addition, it can be worn safely on your front, back, or hip.
With more than 10 vibrant FreeHand Mei Tai™ prints to choose from (including 3 embroidered prints), you can be sure to find one that perfectly expresses your style! In addition, all Mei Tai’s are reversible to a solid color.
Babywearing is great for you and for your baby, so go on – bond, explore, and enjoy this precious time!
- Newborn to 35 lbs.
- 3-in-1 Carrier: Front, hip, or back carry
- One size fits most
- Quick and easy to put on and take off
- Padded shoulder straps and baby head support
- Folds up nice and compact
- No buckles or inserts to worry about
- Over 10 vibrant prints to choose from
- Reversible to a solid color
Q: What is a Mei Tai style baby carrier?
A: A Mei Tai is based on a traditional Chinese baby carrier that has been worn in Asia for thousands of years. It consists of a 15″x15″ square of twill fabric, 2 lightly padded 80″ shoulder straps, and a 60″ waist strap. They are versatile and easy to put on/take off quickly. They also fold down to a nice, compact size; perfect for throwing in your diaper bag on the go!
Q: Why should I choose a tie-on carrier over one with buckles?
A: Good question. The less structure a baby carrier has, the more ‘custom’ the carrier will be. With a Mei Tai, you actually build the baby carrier around you and your baby, making sure that it fits you both perfectly. The FreeHand Mei Tai offers just enough structure that it is very easy to put on and take off, yet still provides the perfect fit every time.
Q: I love my wrap, but find it hard to use; how does a Mei Tai compare to a wrap?
A: The Mei Tai has a very similar feel to your wrap, yet it doesn’t leave you fighting with yards and yards of fabric. The FreeHand Mei Tai offers the same adjustability and comfort as a wrap, while still remaining easy to use. You can also use the FreeHand Mei Tai from the day your baby is born up until they’re running and climbing.
Q: How is the FreeHand Mei Tai different from other Mei Tai’s on the market?
A: In the sea of baby carriers, The FreeHand Mei Tai is unique because it has ‘Grow With Me Triangles’. These triangles allow the carrier to fit your baby perfectly from the day they are born until they are 45 pounds (3 years old or more!). The FreeHand Mei Tai is also made of stretch twill, which allows for just a bit of bounce and stretch to add comfort and softness.
Q: Can you give me some tips to make sure I’m using my Mei Tai correctly?
A: YES! Please see our Tips & Tricks videos on the instruction tab.
Q: Can I wear this with my newborn? What about my toddler?
A: YES! You can wear the FreeHand Mei Tai from the day your baby is born until they are 45 pounds. In fact, I have personally carried my 9 year old son in a Mei Tai while hiking. He was heavy, but we were both comfortable!
Q: I weigh 100 lbs and my husband weighs 300; will this carrier fit us both?
A: YES! Because the FreeHand Mei Tai is a tie-on style carrier, the only limitations are that your waist is less than 50-55 inches in diameter.
Q: I love the flowered print, but my husband wants to wear the carrier also. Are they reversible?
A: YES! All FreeHand Mei Tai’s reverse to a solid color. If the strap color of the Mei Tai is brown, it reverses to solid brown; if the straps are black, it reverses to solid black, etc.
Q: Where is the FreeHand Mei Tai made?
A: The FreeHand Mei Tai is made in India, in a fair trade sewing house that was established by an upper caste woman who wanted to create jobs for lower caste women. She has trained and employed hundreds of women over the past 40 years, and has watched the grandchildren of the original seamstresses go on to college (something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support and training that she provided to otherwise poverty stricken women!). We are very happy and proud to be working with our sewing house; not only do they provide AMAZING quality, but they are a social project that is truly helping to improve the living conditions of women and mothers in India.
Q: Can you explain the difference between the prints, solids and embroidered?
A: Sure! The Embroidered FreeHand Mei Tais were all designed by a Denver based artist and mother. She helped create the one of a kind designs that are on the FreeHand Mei Tai. The designs are a combination of embroidery and applique, so as you wash and wear your Mei Tai, they will gain texture. The print Mei Tais are made from designer cotton fabric. They add a fun and unique look to the carrier and come in many styles. The Solid Mei Tai’s are just that, solid black or solid brown, on both sides.
Q: How long are the shoulder and waist straps?
A: The shoulder straps are 80 inches long. The waist strap is 60 inches.
