The first mei tai carriers were just left over scraps of material that Chinese women used to strap their babies to their bodies so they could do their chores in the house and field and have their babies with them. The pronunciation is may tie.

The traditional carriers were cloth cut in a square shape that had four ties that were not padded. These were tied together to make a pouch for the baby and the ends were tucked. During the 1960's a copy of this kind of carriers that varied some from the original became popular in Australia. In 2003 a design with padding was introduced into the United States and it caught on. It had had a lengthier body and top straps and the way it was tied differed from the original, and more resembled the wraps which are common today.

These days the mei tai carriers are done in various designs, though all of them use the innovations introduced in 2003. This carrier can be used to position the baby in the front or on the parent's back. Mei tai carriers are now popular around the world. The baby is seated in the square of material and infants to toddlers can be carried on the front or back in this way. The carriers are made in various colors, but a lot of them have black straps and outlines that match with what you are wearing that day.

It only takes minimal practice to get the hang of tying the straps and securing your baby in a position that is comfortable and safe with the child secure against your body. If you want to wear it front style tie it on as if it were an apron. Pick up your baby and holding him in front pull the mei tai carrier up and place it over each shoulder. After the straps are over your shoulders make an X of them in the back and bring their ends back to the front by way of your underarms and tie.

Mei tai carriers can be worn on the back. This configuration is a little harder to do, but not bad once you learn how. First, lay the carrier on your couch. The straps should be spread out. Put your baby on the carrier and fold it around him placing it over his legs until the bottom strap is lying on his stomach. Next sit on the couch in front of the baby and wrap his legs making them go around your waist. Then tie the bottom straps securely around your waist. The two large or top straps are then pulled up and over your shoulders - while you do this the carrier and the baby are lifted up to your back. As you pull them stand up lifting the baby and pull the straps across your chest. Cross your back with them another time and bring them to the front again, crossing them, and tie them in a tight knot.

Mei tai carriers are historical and new and you can use one to carry your baby with ease. It just takes a little practice, but soon you will be enjoying your mei tai carrier.