by Beth Beaney, Executive Babywearing Consultant at LTBN
Have you ever been curious about meh dai carriers, but didn't want to spend the money on one before you knew if you would like it? Or maybe you've been using a meh dai for a while and are looking for a new one. Either way, we've got you covered with this Didymos Meh Dai review. I'll share my thoughts on the Didymos Meh Dai (also known as the Didytai), as well as why it's even great for babywearing with toddlers. Keep reading to see if the meh dai is right for you!
What is a Meh Dai?
The meh dai is a traditional Asian baby carrier that has become popular around the world. This versatile carrier can be worn on the front or back, making it easy to carry little ones while still being able to engage with them or complete everyday tasks. The meh dai's design is often considered highly functional, as it allows for maximum support of the baby's head and neck while also providing optimal comfort for both parents and children. Whether you're an experienced parent or simply exploring options for safely carrying your infant or toddler, the meh dai is sure to be a great choice for all your babywearing needs.
The meh dai is very simple in design, yet very supportive in style.
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 and 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 an awesome option if you'd like a little more structure for ease of use, but want something mouldable, soft and wrap-like.
Up To What Age Can You Use The Didymos Meh Dai?
The Didymos Meh Dai is a super-star.
Is it super-soft and snuggly for baby? Yes.
Is it made from organic cotton? Oh yes.
Is it suitable from newborn? Indeed it is.
But can it be used with my toddler?
OK, let's tap the imaginary pause button here. This is where you'll hear different answers from different sources. Some people will say 9 months, some will say 1 year, some will say 18 months... you see where I'm going with this.
Well, there is no magic age that you need to stop using your Didymos Meh Dai. We say use it, use it, use it!! Until you can't possibly squeeze anymore baby in!
Well, not quite. But the honest and best answer is 'you can use it until you stop carrying'. Although I definitely don't recommend squeezing baby in, when I say you can use it until you stop carrying, I really mean it. I know it sounds vague, but it's exactly what I mean.
How can this be? Well, honestly, it's not complicated - happy days! You will need to adjust your tying technique to the size of the baby you're carrying. In the same way you adjust the carrier for a newborn (cinching the seat width, folding the waist etc), you adjust the carrier for your very big baby.
The photos above show what a difference tying the carrier with a little bit of extra care can make. The photo on the left is a quick wrap job without maximising the diagonal stretch of the fabric. The photo on the right has only taken a few seconds more to tie, but shows the result of wrapping with a little more care and maximising the diagonal stretch of the fabric.
When you're carrying a bigger baby, a toddler or even a preschooler, there are a few things you can do to ensure you both are comfortable. The Didymos wrap fabric is a dream to work with, so let it do its thing!
How To Use The Didymos Meh Dai
Using the Didymos Meh Dai with a bigger baby or toddler is easy! It requires a different technique, but it’s no more complicated.
Ensure that that the carrier is no longer cinched in the middle. This is where the wrap fabric really makes a difference. It has a light stretch, so it ‘fits’ your baby as they grow.
We’ve been using the Didymos Meh Dai for over a decade. We know it works and we know how to get the most, and best out of it.
Here’s how:
- When tying the waistband onto your body, don't tie the waist tie as tight as you normally would for a younger baby. Leave a little space - it will allow that wonderful diagonal stretch to mould to your toddler and give you maximum wrap fabric for fit.
- As you lift the body panel up baby's back, remember to gently lift the fabric out and away from your body then slowly and deliberately, lift the fabric upwards (as much as you can with a toddler!). This will help you get a good fit around your little one and allow the wrap fabric to reach right up your baby’s back.
- Once you have the fabric all the way up baby's back and a strap resting on each shoulder, with one hand supporting the top of baby's back, use the other hand to lift baby's knee off the fabric; then do the same on the other side. This will help give a smooth deep seat for baby and even more fabric to work with.
- ‘But I’m carrying a preschooler and it's not knee to knee’ I hear you say?! Well, perhaps it can be. Those wide, super-comfy wrap shoulder straps aren't just a comfy hooks-over-the-shoulder-and-spreads-comfy-over-the-back kind of shoulder strap. You can also use them to extend the knee to knee positioning - essentially widening the seat. So as you pass the strap over baby's thigh, make sure to spread it out, right to the knee pit, and nice and smooth across their bottom. And there you have it - an instant seat extension.
So if you want to use your Didymos Meh Dai with a bigger baby, then you most definitely can! It's just a matter of taking a little more care with the fabric and paying attention to how it moves and stretches.
We love this photo! Our eldest was 5 years old when this photo was taken. At that point, he was no longer carried, but when asked, he was happy to help. You can see from the photo that I couldn't quite make the straps fit to his knee pits exactly. However, what you can see is the awesome deep seat and M position that can be achieved with the Didmos Meh Dai, even when wrapping a rather tall and bold 5 year old.
The Didymos Meh Dai is a great carrier for babywearing with toddlers. It's sturdy and well-made, and it can be used from newborn to toddlerhood (or even beyond!). There is a wonderful range of designs all made from Didymos woven wrap fabrics, so if you're looking for a meh dai that will last, the Didymos Meh Dai is definitely worth checking out. You can buy one here.
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 or just a chat about meh dais, babywearing in general, or advice on any other products at all.
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 carry their babies safely and comfortably. Find her on Twitter @lovetobenatural_LTBN