Meh Dais/Bei Dais(formerly known as Mei Tais) and their variants are marvellous carriers, often overlooked amidst the huge range of other types. They are among the oldest style of carriers in the world, combining the flexibility of a woven wrap with some of the convenience and simplicity of buckled carriers.

Like all carriers, bei dais and their variants need to be used safely and the TICKS guidelines should always be followed. The most important consideration is to protect baby’s airway; a baby’s neck should never be folded in half and two fingers should fit between their chin and their chest.

The most frequently adopted position for carrying young babies is upright and facing the parent, with legs slightly spread apart (the M position) and head well supported, as this will also protect growing hips and spine. The fabric should be adjusted snugly around baby for the perfect fit.

Bei Dais and other long-strapped carriers can be used for hip or back carries, and some variants (such as the onbuhimo) are designed particularly for back carrying older babies, often with their arms out.

What is a mei dai?

A meh dai (also known as a bei dai, formerly known as mei tai) is the common name given to a type of Asian carrier that originated in China many years ago; consisting of a fabric panel with long straps that are wound around the parent’s body, to be tied or twisted or tucked away securely. The Chinese name for this type of carrier (mispronounced as mei tai) has become eponymous for the style, but different cultures have their own variants of these cloth carriers, which all consist of fabric panels with long straps that are wound around the parent and baby for a secure carry.

These styles of carrier have been made from many different fabrics; from reeds and grasses, to woven cloths covered with beads. Some can be cultural heirlooms with great ritual significance, many are beautifully made;  painstaking displays of cultural craftmanship, yet extremely practical for daily life. 

They have been the inspiration for many, many Western carriers today. Most modern meh dai and variants are made from cotton or canvas and some are made from woven wraps. including the modern buckled carriers.

What’s so good about meh dais?

In the Western world of babywearing, meh dais are popular with those who appreciate the mouldability and support of woven wraps but prefer something with more structure and definition than a length of fabric. A meh dai consists of a fabric panel that has two straps at the base that are tied (or buckled, in some variants) securely around the waist, and two straps from the top of the panel that can be wrapped around the parent and baby to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. Baby sits in the pouch with legs on either side of the panel, and the long straps allow a great degree of adjustability to all shapes and sizes.

Some people prefer the flexibility of the meh dai to the more structured and fixed shape of full buckle carriers, and with practice, meh dais become very speedy to use. As the straps are wrapped around and knotted, they can be tightened and adjusted to fit around the body exactly, which can be more of a challenge with some buckle carriers which are limited by the placement of buckles or the length of webbing. 

Wide straps made from wrap fabric are popular as they can add an extra level of support if needed across the upper and mid back. They can be spread across the wearer’s shoulders and wrapped around baby’s bottom for extra lift and support, as well as creating a wider seat for longer legs. Broad, slightly padded straps are more comfortable than the thinner, narrower straps that are often found on cheaper brands, which don’t distribute the weight as well.

Variations on the Meh Dai

Half buckles are meh dais with buckled waistbands, but long shoulder straps for tying like a meh dai. (The buckle at the waist can be useful if you feel uncertain which knot to untie first to get baby out.) These are popular with people who want the sturdiness of a buckled and padded, yet flexible waistband. They are usually made to order by specialists.

Onbuhimos are the traditional Japanese back carrier, which have metal rings or fabric loops at the waistband for the long straps to be threaded through. Western versions of these have webbing and buckles. They are designed to work especially well for back carries. “Onbu” means to carry on the back, and “himo” means a rope or string; the rope is tied securely around the child’s legs to keep him seated safely. There is no waistband as the carrier is meant to be worn high. This can be useful if your child wants to see the world, or if are pregnant and carrying your toddler!. Read more about onbuhimos here

Korean Podaegis have two straps at the top of a long blanket that is wrapped around baby. The straps are tied around the parent’s body and back around the baby to hold him in place. There is no waistband with this carrier either. Traditional podaegis have the straps tied under arm but most Western carrying with the podaegi is done with the straps coming up over the tops of the shoulders.

South Korean Chunei carriers are similar to jackets fastened around the parent’s body that have a pocket for baby to sit in.

Here is a photo tutorial for a upright meh dai carry with a baby. Please click/swipe through each image.

Here is a separate link to the tutorial.

More videos and tutorials can be found on the useful videos page here.

Feeding in Meh Dais and their variants

Feeding is possible in these soft strap carriers, with a little care to ensure baby’s airway is well protected. Typically, for breastfeeding, this involves loosening the panel in stages so baby is lowered gently to the nipple.  No breastfeeding is hands free, and it is usually a good idea to get some help and advice from people who are familiar with how to do it. Please note that when baby has finished feeding, he must be returned to his safe snug upright position, close enough to kiss.

You can read more about how to breast and bottle feed here.

When can I start hip and back carries with a meh dai or similar carrier?

Babies can be carried “off centre” on the front from early on, as long as their natural tucked narrower M shape position is preserved. Lateral hip carries tend to work best when babies begin to sit comfortably the parent’s side, this is typically about 3 months or when baby begins to roll.

It is possible to back carry with a meh dai and a podaegi from a relatively young age, especially with one made with a woven wrap, as the panel and straps are very mouldable to ensure a safe open airway and no slumping.

Onbuhimos are designed primarily for back carrying and many families find this easy to do, they are best with older children. The weight is all taken on the upper body and shoulders which will suit some people better than others.

Back carrying is harder to do than the front and hip carries, seek help if you need it!

Read more here about beginning to back carry.