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No Customs Fees for Ireland or EU :)
Free Fit-Check With Every Sling Order
Free UK Delivery on Orders £50+
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No Customs Fees for Ireland or EU :)
Free Fit-Check With Every Sling Order
Free UK Delivery on Orders £50+
Sign Up to our newsletter to save 10%
No Customs Fees for Ireland or EU :)
Free Fit-Check With Every Sling Order
Free UK Delivery on Orders £50+
Sign Up to our newsletter to save 10%
No Customs Fees for Ireland or EU :)
Free Fit-Check With Every Sling Order
Free UK Delivery on Orders £50+
Sign Up to our newsletter to save 10%
No Customs Fees for Ireland or EU

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Meh Dai Baby Carriers - A Complete Buying Guide for New Parents

Beth Beaney - the Executive Babywearing Consultant at Love To Be Natural

 

by , Executive Babywearing Consultant

 
 Meh Dai Baby Carriers - A Complete Buying Guide for New Parents

Meh dai carriers are great option for babies and toddlers alike, but which should you buy for your little one? Make choosing your meh dai easier with this handy buying guide.

 

What Is A Meh Dai?

The basic design of a meh dai is a main panel with two pairs of straps. One pair ties ties around the waist, securing with a knot, and the other pair, sits on the shoulders and crosses on the wearers back then around baby, distributing the weight evenly across the shoulders, back and hips.

It is very simple in design, yet very supportive in style. There are no buckles, or rings, just fabric, and sometimes padding in the shoulder and waist straps for extra support. They can be used for front, hip and back carries, and most can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood and beyond.

They are a wonderful option if you'd like a little more structure for ease of use, but want something mouldable, soft and wrap-like.

There are lots of variations between the brands. Some have wrap-strap shoulders, some have padded shoulder straps and waist straps, some even have a combination of both.

 

Didymos Didy Meh Dai Leo
Meh dai carriers are super versatile & give a truly custom fit to every body.

 

What Are the Different Types of Meh Dai?

 

There are lots of variations between the brands. Some have wrap-strap shoulders, some have padded shoulder straps and waist straps, some even have a combination of both.

 

1. Meh Dais With Wrap-Strap Shoulder Straps

 

1.1 Didymos Meh Dai

Didymos Meh Dai
The Didymos Meh Dai (Didytai) is excceptionally soft & easy to use.

The Didymos Meh Dai is a beautiful option for younger babies. It's completely soft - there's no padding at all. It has wide shoulder straps, which you can use in different ways - fan it out across your shoulders, sandwich it to give a neater look and feel, or flip it (this really cups the shoulder).

As it's completely soft, it will also adapt to baby's growing form for years. A really smart option for carrying babies of different ages too. Available in lots of designs and colours, all in GOTS certified organic cotton.

Shop the Didymos Meh Dai

 

1.2 Lenny Lamb Wraptai

Lenny Lamb Wraptai
The Lenny Lamb Wraptai is available in a huge selection of designs.

The Lenny Lamb Wraptai is a fab option. It's suitable from 3/4 months, it is completely soft, and has wide shoulder straps which you can use in different ways - fan it out across your shoulders, sandwich it to give a neater look and feel, or flip it (this really cups the shoulder).

Being completely soft, it will also adapt to baby's growing form for years. A really smart option for carrying babies of different ages too, plus it's available in a toddler-sized option.

Shop the Lenny Lamb Wraptai

 

1.3 Girasol WrapMysol

Girasol WrapMysol
The Girasol Wrapmysol is made from handwoven wrap fabric.

The Girasol WrapMysol is a meh-dai style carrier, made using Girasol woven wrap fabrics. It differs from the MySol in that it has woven wrap shoulder straps, rather than padded straps.

The WrapMysol Carrier is completely soft - 100% pure cotton with no buckles, poppers or fasteners, so it's super-soft against babies body and super-comfortable for you. With the addition the Mysol Buckle Belt, the WrapMysol becomes a Half Buckle Carrier. The WrapMySol is made from two layers of woven wrap fabric, which nestles like a second skin around your baby, providing optimal support. The WrapMysol is suitable for your newborn and as they grow and grow; the body of the carrier is easily adjustable - it narrows in the width for younger babies. This is very important to promote a soft, supported position, respectful of a young baby’s physiology.

Shop the Girasol WrapMysol

 

2. Meh Dais With Padded Shoulder Straps

 

2.1 Girasol Mysol

Girasol Mysol
The Girasol Mysol is ultra-versatile & can be used on your front, back or hip.

The Girasol Mysol is a lightly padded meh dai option. On it's own, it's a meh dai-style carrier, and with the addition of the buckle belt, it becomes a half buckle. The Mysol waist-belt is removable and can be threaded through the upper section of the body, for younger babies, and in the lower for older babies (around 9 months+). Remove the meh dai belt completely and replace it with the buckle belt to create a half buckle carrier.

The MySol is made from two layers of woven wrap fabric, which nestles like a second skin around your baby, providing optimal support. The Mysol is suitable for your newborn and as they grow and grow; the body of the carrier is easily adjustable - it narrows in the width for younger babies. This is very important to promote a soft, supported position, respectful of a young baby’s physiology. Oh, and it's completely reversible, so it's like having 2 carriers in 1.

Shop the Girasol Mysol

 

What Is The Best Meh Dai?

Which meh dai is best for you? Which should you choose? Ultimately, the best meh dai is one that both you and your little one fnd comfortable. There are a few things to take into account. You can help to narrow your choice down by considering your budget, your lifestyle, the age of your baby, and who will be using the carrier.

A really good meh dai will allow you to carry your little one in such a way as to be respectful of their physiology. Their back should be soft, yet supported - not stiff or rigid. Their legs should be supported all the way along the thigh, to the knee pit, with heir bottom lower than their knees - traditionally, this is called the ‘spread squat position’ or ‘M’ position, but is often defined now as the ‘hip healthy position’. Baby's head should be free, clear and unobstructed.

Meh dais are versatile and relatively easy to learn. The basic design is a main panel with two pairs of straps. One pair ties ties around the waist, securing with a knot, and the other pair, sits on the shoulders and crosses on the wearers back then around baby, distributing the weight evenly across the shoulders, back and hips.

Baby can be carried on your front or back, and sometimes on the hip too. Some meh dais can be used from newborn, and some from around 3-4 months onwards. Many models can be used right up to toddler-hood and beyond. Although comprising a basic design, carriers do vary slightly, mostly in terms of whether they are padded or unpadded. Most carriers are unpadded - in other words, the waist and shoulder areas are padded.

Marsupi Breeze
The Marsupi is a great option for smaller babies & smaller budgets.

Are Meh Dai Carriers Easy To Use?

Of all the different types of baby carriers, meh dai are amongst the most versatile:

• they are relatively easy to use and learn;

• they tend to be gender neutral;

• they are highly adjustable, and

• they can easily be used by wearers of different builds and sizes.

The fact that meh dais are adjustable means that different care givers can use the same carrier - perhaps a petite mum, and a large-build dad, meaning that babywearing can be easily shared and enjoyed by both parents. Perfect for toddler-carrying - when carrying a toddler, don't over-tighten the waist-belt. A little extra 'give' will allow you to adjust the panel all the way up their back, giving better coverage. Give the knees a little lift too to help deepen their seat and release the fabric.

 

Are Meh Dai Carriers Ergonomic?

The meh dai style of baby carrier is a hip-healthy baby carrier. Such carriers promote positioning which is respectful to baby, particularly to their physiology.

But what does this actually mean?

It means that a good meh dai carrier will allow you to carry your little one in such a way as to be respectful of their physiology. The soft, cotton panel and supportive straps allow baby's back to be soft and supported, not stiff or rigid. Their legs are be supported all the way along the thigh to the knee pit, with their bottom lower than their knees. Traditionally, this is called the ‘spread squat position’ or ‘M’ position, but is often defined now as the ‘hip healthy position’.

 

Are Meh Dai Carriers Safe To Use?

Carrying your baby in a sling is a beautiful way to bond and make a profoundly deep connection. There's nothing quite like having baby snuggled up next to you, and many babies find it calming and relaxing, and will fall asleep very quickly.

It also enables you to get on with the everyday - whether it's negotiating with other children, or being able to have something to eat or drink, having your baby in a sling or carrier can make that all so much easier.

Carrying your baby or toddler in a sling is perfectly safe when practiced with common sense and understanding. As with all things in life a cupful of knowledge and a sprinkling of common sense is the best recipe to ensure happy, safe carrying for you and your little one. Always use a quality sling or carrier and ensure you carefully read the instructions on its use. As a highly trained and experienced Carrying Consultants, we can help answer any questions regarding sling safety that you have, and we're always happy to help you on your carrying journey.

Your meh dai should always be used according to the instructions, and the ABC and TICKS safety guides below. Always make sure your carrier is tied nice and snug to you; this should ensure baby is seated high (close enough to kiss) with their back soft, but very much supported. Once baby is in the carrier, look at their profile - it should be capital ‘J’ shaped (see photo below), and NOT ‘C’ shaped. Baby’s face should be visible and clear of the carrier.

 

Meh Dai Safety Guide

 

How To Care For A Meh Dai Carrier

Guidelines vary between manufacturer, so here are our general washing guidelines:

- Spot clean when necessary and wash as seldom as possible - remember you'll be without it whilst it's drying.

- Use a non-bio, preferably eco liquid detergent; wash at 30C.

- Don't use softener, as it will make the fabric of the carrier slippy and may make it more difficult to use.

- Air dry.

 

I hope you found this article helpful. Please get in touch or email me - beth@lovetobenatural.co.uk - if you'd like any further info on our top picks of the best baby carriers or advice on any products at all.

 

Beth Beaney - the Executive Babywearing Consultant at Love To Be Natural

Beth Beaney is the Founder of and Executive Babywearing Consultant at LTBN. She's been a qualified babywearing consultant for 12 years, and has helped hundreds of families of all needs all over the world carry their babies safely and comfortably. Find her on Twitter @lovetobenatural_LTBN