Asian-Inspired Carriers

This post will cover the basics about mei-tai, wrap conversions, pods and soft-structured carriers (SSC). These carriers are appropriate from age of good head control (usually 4-5 months) and up unless paired with an infant insert that will provide proper head, neck and spinal support.

Mei Tai
Mei tai are Asian-style carriers that tire around the waist and shoulder straps. They should have wide seats that hold the baby's bottom from knee to knee. Some have seat darts to provide and even deeper seat. A mei tai may or may not have a padded waist and shoulder straps. Mei tai should be constructed using only high-quality and sturdy fabrics and implement x-boxes. Beware of etsy/work-at-home brands unless they have been around for a while and have earned a reputation of safety and comfort.

Wrap Conversions
Wrap conversions combine the style of a mei tai with the comfort and snuggliness of a woven wrap.

Pods
Pods are a piece of fabric/wrap that has straps attached. Unlike a mei tai, there is no waist strap.

Soft-Structured Carriers (SSC)
SSCs are backpack-style carriers. Similar weight distribution to a mei tai, but with buckles instead of straps that tie. These are fairly popular and mainstream. A good SSC should provide a wide seat that extends from knee to knee for proper positioning and does not accomodate for forward-facing out carries.

This picture shows Daddy wearing a 2 month old in an Ergo with the Heart2Heart insert.

SSC Brands:
Ergo
Beco
Boba
Oh Snap
Kinderpack