I started babywearing late in my parenting career. My second daughter was already one, but was more interested in being held than my oldest was. I found myself constantly trying to juggle holding her with getting things done around the house and with my oldest daughter. I hated lugging a double stroller with me places, especially when I knew that my oldest would often prefer to walk for most of the trip. I knew that there must be a better way.
There was. At the recommendation of a close friend, I started to look into the possibility of purchasing some sort of a sling or baby carrier to wear my youngest daughter in. I thought Snugli baby carriers were all there were on the market and had no idea that there was so much selection out there. It was difficult to narrow the field down to the perfect choice for my older baby, but I did, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Why a Mei Tai?
I purchased the Ellaroo Mei Tai because I felt that its design was ideal for an older baby or toddler. Her weight would be distributed across both of my shoulders, instead of just one like with a more traditional pocket sling. I did research and found that the learning curve on a Mei Tai baby carrier was faster and easier. In addition, the Ellaroo Mei Tai could be worn by both my husband and I, instead of a sized sling which would only fit me. Finally, it came in great patterns and designs. Sold.
How It Works
The Ellaroo Mei Tai is an ideal way to carry your older baby or toddler. They can be worn on the front facing in towards you or on the back. I quickly learned how to wear my daughter on my front, and it felt very comfortable. It did take me a bit of time to figure out how to get my daughter into the carrier on my back by myself, but it can be done. I’ve also worn my older daughter, now three, this way. In both positions the girls feel securely fastened and seem incredibly comfortable.
Benefits
The Mei Tai works well, is easier than carrying the kids on my hip, and frees up my hands. The weight distribution is perfect across my shoulders and back. I was able to carry my youngest for hours while we explored England, Scotland and Wales this summer, while my older daughter walked next to me and held my hand. It was much easier than a stroller! In addition, I was able to wear my older daughter if she got tired, and let my youngest walk around and explore a bit.
As an unexpected benefit, both of my daughters loved being close to me when I wore them, and I loved having them close. I was thinking of the convenience when I purchased this baby carrier, but these were unexpected positives associated with babywearing.
Drawbacks
My two complaints about the Ellaroo Mei Tai are minor. For one, there is a lot of fabric, making it difficult to fold it up compactly for travel. However, it is necessary for there to be so much fabric so that it can be worn in a variety of ways by a variety of wearers. Secondly, the carrier does take a few minutes to get on and off, meaning that I prefer it for going on walks or out and about for the day, instead of a quick on and off around the house.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier at my choice to start babywearing. I’m incredibly pleased with the Ellaroo Mei Tai and highly recommend it as an excellent choice for parents of older babies and toddlers.
