Tie One On - Mei Tai Baby Carrier That Is!

Now that I've entered the third trimester, I'm starting to get organized for baby's arrival, so I can relax in the final weeks. We're repainting the nursery (Yay Benjamin Moore Natura paint!), my new organic crib mattress has arrived and I'm noting what other mainstays I still need to acquire. Owning an eco-friendly baby store is a huge advantage as an eco-conscious mom, but there are a few things outside my store's current offerings that I wanted to add in. One was a Mei Tai baby carrier. We sell some great, affordable, organic slings, which I love & plan to use, but I've also wanted to try out this style. I decided to take a stab at making one as opposed to spending upwards of $90 for one. After checking out several brands and reading a few how-tos for some basic tips, I came up with this:


I went with a combo of khaki twill & funky print cotton fabrics, so it is completely reversible with 1 print & 1 solid side. I also decided to pad the shoulder straps and pouch area with bamboo batting so it would have a bit more comfort for me & baby and contour the top area shape to help support a wobbly newborn neck and still only use natural fabrics.


My demo baby is riding a bit high since my in-utero baby makes tying around my waist impossible, but since he's weighted I got a good idea of how it will feel and it's very comfy. Just what I need for holding onto baby while chasing two other kids around.


Always one for safety first, I made sure every piece had tons of reinforced stitching everywhere, but to keep it being to overpowering looking near the straps, I made some shapes that complimented the print, so they would be effective for adding strength, but still subtle.


Now that I've given it a go and still have enough twill left for making another, I'm eyeing some of my other print fabrics to make another. Looking forward to when baby can hitch a ride on the outer side of me!