Sam's Back
Sam's Back "tai" Instructions
My dear husband is always looking for ways to tie his mei tai differently. Don't ask me why, I just married the big oaf.
But...
This time I think he is on to something.
We BOTH found the mei tai supported our son's weight so much better on our back with the "bum wrap" across the back and while I'm itty bitty and so I had plenty of straps afterward, my husband is bigger than me (think size 18 in a womans dress and don't ask me how I know that)and the way he tied the bottom and top straps together not only was rather clever, but it actually felt really supportive too!
Enough blah blah, on to the pictures!
Get that baby on yer back! Sam prefers to tie on the waist of the mei tai first and then hoist Buddy over his back like a sack of potatos. Now, Buddy is a real vet at this so notice how he is molding himself pretty good to Sam's back. Sam is bent forward and trying to keep his back as flat as possible.
While Sam is still leaning over he pulls the body of the mei tai over Buddy's back and brings the top straps across his shoulders. Remember safety first. Please have someone spot you until you and your baby are good at this.
Now, Sam is crossing the straps OVER Buddy's bum and spread out (the bum wrap) and then UNDER Buddy's opposite leg. this step is important for the support for your back.
Sam his holding the already tied waist strap in his left hand and the shoulder strap in his right. He is going to tie the to tightly together INSTEAD of tying the two shoulder straps together.
Same thing with the other side.
The finished look when both shoulder straps have been tied to the waist straps. See how snug that is around his waist?
Another view of that bumwrap.
I know, Sam totally looks mad, but that's just because he had just been called into work and wanted me to hurry and take the picture so he could go get a bad guy (cops are the hardest models...) But Buddy is having a Ball!
This is a great way to tie any mei tai that has maybe shortish straps or if you have a baby who likes to sag or lean back like mine does. Please remember safety first and do not attempt this without someone spotting you until you are totally confident in this back carry.