Do you have a Meh Dai that you’d like to learn to use? A Meh dai does a very comfortable front, hip, or back carry and is pretty quick to put on. This post will cover how to use your meh dai in a front carry, newborn front carry, hip carry, and back carry.
Front Carry
A meh dai can be used with a newborn that is over about 8 pounds (depending on the manufacturer – always read the directions and resources that come with your meh dai).
To use a meh dai with a newborn, the carrier often needs to be adjusted. Different brands have different methods of adjusting. Some have places where the carrier can be cinched. If the carrier does not have a place where it cinches, you can roll the waist and cinch the panel by hand to get a good fit for your newborn.
This video shows how to adapt a meh dai to fit a newborn:
You can also do a front carry with an older baby quite comfortably. This video by ModGranolaMom shows how to do a front carry in a meh dai:
In the above video, she shows the carry tied non-apron style. A meh dai can be tied Apron style or non-apron style. The manual that comes with your meh dai should say which style of tying works best with your carrier. For an explanation of apron and non-apron tying, visit this blog post.
Breastfeeding in a Meh Dai
It is possible to nurse a baby in a meh dai. It is best to get comfortable nursing your baby and using your carrier before combining the two skills. When nursing in your meh dai, always keep your baby visible to you and monitor your baby while feeding. When you are finished feeding the baby, adjust the carrier back to the snug, high position that you started with. This video shows how to nurse a baby in a meh dai and how to adjust the carrier when you are done:
Hip Carry
A meh dai does a wonderful hip carry. It can be quite comfortable, especially if you fully spread the strap out on your shoulder. This photo-tutorial shows how to do a hip carry in a meh dai.
If you prefer video instructions, this video shows how to do a hip carry:
Please note that in this video I incorrectly call the carrier a mei tai. The correct name for this carrier is meh dai or beh dai.
Back Carry
A meh dai can also do a wonderfully comfortable and quick back carry. Before attempting a back carry in your meh dai, your baby should fit in the panel without any adjustments and have consistent and strong head control. If you aren’t certain if your baby is ready to try a back carry, visit your local babywearing group for some help.
This video shows a great method for a beginner back carry. Ask a friend to spot you or try this over a soft surface such as a bed the first few times you try the carry.
Please note that in this video, I incorrectly call the carrier a mei tai. The correct name for this carrier is meh dai or beh dai.
Troubleshooting
A common complaint with meh dai front carries is neck and shoulder discomfort. If you are feeling any discomfort, you can adjust your strap placement. This video shows a trip for getting comfortable strap placement:
Please note that in this video, I incorrectly call the carrier a mei tai. The correct name for this carrier is meh dai or beh dai.
If you feel that your back carry is saggy or you are worried that the panel isn’t coming up high enough on the baby’s back, visit this post for tips on getting a good seat and getting the panel nice and high on baby’s back.
Positioning the Baby
This image from Babywearing International shows how to position the babies of different ages in a meh dai.
Further Reading:
Babywearing Safety
Positioning your Newborn
Positioning your Older Baby
Do I Tie Apron or Non-Apron?