Does anyone use a mei tai carrier? pic included

[jules_is_cute]

I've been using the Bjorn but now that Jules weighs almost 15 lbs, my low back is killing me if I wear her for more that 30 minutes.  A freind uses the Ergo pack baby carrier, but it is too costly.  I looked online and found this carrier which seems to distribute the weight of the baby differently.  I'm wondering if anyone has used one.  My lo is 4 months but is big for her age and I face her out in the bjorn...I think she might be big enough for it, but any reviews from anyone who uses one of these would be great before I shell out the dough.  Thanks.

~Patty

[maggieruth]

i have seen one put on and it looked good but haven't seen one worn for any length of time.  i CAN tell you that one of the possitive features is the fact that it supports a baby's hips better than many carriers do and THAT is awesome.
just to throw the cat in amongst the pigeons- you may also want to consider one of the back carriers that look like rucksacks.  more expensive than the mei tai its true, but kids can ride in them for longer and they have storage pockets for stuff and the hip strap to reposition weight etc.   i was fortunate enough to get one for free from a friend who was finished with it and they are great for more serious walks or anywhere you might take a stroller (and therefore for travelling too!)
hope you get some serious consumer advice from someone more in the know! (i was tempted to get a mei tai as well but had already bought a different sling! i think that the mei tai was better than the one i got!)

[Messa]

This is what I use and I love it.  I used to use the sugli pack and it killed my shoulders.  With this (hip hammock) her weight is distrubuted so well that nothing gets sore.  I use it when we go grocery shopping.

http://www.playtexbaby.com/hiphammock/products/carrier.html

[jules_is_cute]

Thanks Messa, how much was it, and is Jules old enough to ride on my hip at 4 months??  I ordered the mei tai carrier this morning from someone on e-bay for 28 bucks, so it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work out. 

Also Maggieruth, I have a bigger backpack hiker type carrier for her but the manual says she's still too little for it.  6 months old is the limit I think.  So I have 2 more months to wait for real hikes.  But that's okay I'm not really ready for it physically anyway.  I just want a better carrier for around the house and walks that are 5 miles or less (around 1-1.5 hours)  Thanks for the help.

~Patty

[Messa]

Patty
Yeah Jules should be fine it is good from 15 to 35lbs.  I had Thaleia in it around that age and if Jules can sit (supported) then she should do great.  I actually got mine at a consignment baby store here for $22.

It looks like you can get them at e-bay as well though.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&shortcut=0&from=R41&query=playtex+hip+hammock&category0=

And here is a site for getting them new.
http://www.mommysthinkin.com/hip_hammock.htm

HTH

[Ami ~ 3 girls' mom]

I ordered the mei tai carrier this morning from someone on e-bay for 28 bucks, so it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work out. 

that's where I got my MT, and we love it.    Takes a bit of work to put it on by yourself.  If I put her facing in with a hat on I can even get in the third nap of the day.  Sshh.....

[jules_is_cute]

Hey there AMoore96,

That's why I was so bummed about the bjorn hurting my back...we use it to get the last nap of the day...I know it's a no-no.  But she's developmentally not there yet, so I'd rather her have a junk nap than no nap at all. 

But now that she's up to 14-15 lbs, the bjorn is torture.  She won't sleep in the stroller, which I don't like using anyway, I like her to be closer to me than that.  We had a bad expirience this month. 

So how does the carrier feel to you?  What's the longest time period you've worn it.  How old was your babe when you started using it?  Is it a lot cooler for you both that these other carriers.  I'm so excited I can't wait to get it.  I feel like its christmas!!!  Anyway, please tell me more.  I can't wait to hear.
Why do you think it's hard to get in on alone?  Even with the baby in front?  I was hoping it was going to be easy.  Is it very comfy for your lo to face out?  Jules really seems to like that in the bjorn and I was worried that she wouldn't be able to in this thing.
Wow I think I've picked your brain enough.  Thanks for the feedback. 

~Patty

[maggieruth]

i post WAY to much on this thread for someone who doesn't even HAVE a mei tai!!! BUT about putting it on-  there is a knack to it i think in much the same way that their is a knack to the carrier i bought (which is essentially a blanket with a d ring on it!).  not much of it is specialised for a specific function but because of that you have many more possibilities in how to functionally use your mt.  once you know what you are doing, its easy.  you sound like you are going to like making those little tweaks so that your baby can do the things that you would like!  enjoy your early(late?) christmas in june! 

[Ami ~ 3 girls' mom]

It's definitely not a no-no.  You're helping your baby make it to bedtime.  She's going to drop the third nap in a few months and as long as she takes the two big ones in the crib you do whatever it takes to get her to bedtime.  And if I were a baby, I think I could only handle being put in my crib for two naps a day anyway. 

I think I've gone an hour at a time.  She's a very restless sleeper in it anyway.  I have to put her in it when she's happy; putting a tired baby in just doesn't work.  The straps seemed overwhelming at first -- getting them over your shoulders, crisscrossed in the back, and then tying in front while keeping it tight.

I think I started about three months.  I like it too b/c she can go on my back, though I haven't been brave enough to do it yet.  It is cool; you don't even know you have it on.