Since the ultrasound, I have reorganized Kate’s room and closet, reorganized the storage closet in the hall and reorganized our closet. I finished sewing a Mei Tai baby carrier to easily carry Kate on my back. I have been stain busting Kate’s clothes. J.T. is coming to visit tomorrow and we’re driving to Raleigh to pick him up and having dinner with the ‘rents. Then Wednesday Kate and I leave for our big roadtrip adventure.
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Sounds like you are in the nesting phase….:-)
Nah. It’s just stuff that had to be done and JT visiting and leaving for the big trip was an inspiration. I had been putting off reorganizing Kate’s closet until I knew the sex of the baby (it makes a difference in where some of the clothes go, etc.) but definitely not nesting yet.
What a neat carrier and very cool fabric. Has Kate completely out grown the sling now?
Thanks! It’s Amy Butler fabric, which is really cool. The reverse side is navy for when I don’t feel so paisley. Kate still fits in the sling and it’s fine for short term stuff, but a mei tai is easier to use and more secure for back carries and two shouldered carriers distribute the weight better for heavier kids. I didn’t find that true for the bjorn, I actually thought slings and pouches were far more comfortable, but a bjorn can only be used to 20 lbs. anyway.
Is there an easily available pattern for the sling? I was not happy with front carriers for my first, and plan to try slings for baby # 2 (due in 4 weeks). I bought one second hand, but like the look of two shouldered one here.
I adapted this pattern but I’ve also borrowed a Cuddle ‘N Carry from the owner of that company and so I knew what I wanted to adjust in the pattern. I love the Cuddle ‘N Carry. Making a Mei Tai is a pretty time consuming project. Five times longer than making a ring sling or pouch for me. I also used fairly expensive fabric and so now, looking back, the price of the Cuddle ‘N Carry seems more than fair! Actually, when I was finished Mike asked me how much I would charge to make a Mei Tai for someone and I said “no less than $60, probably more!”
Love the mei tai. Which pattern did you use? I like the wide straps. I made mine out of on-sale denim and decorator fabric from JoAnn’s with old fleece for padding. It turned out alright, but I think I’m ready for making the next one.
In related news, I got my used SlingSet in the mail today! It’s sooooooo much cooler than the KKAFP I’ve been wearing (yes, I’ve been wearing fleece in 95 degree weather, because I have no other choice right now).
My straps are 5.25″ and the shoulder straps are padded with two layers of fleece, FYI. And I made the whole thing fully reversible with Amy Butler paisley fabric on one side and a navy twill on the reverse.
The sling set is tempting, but I already have one red stretch sateen pouch and fabric laying around for a black stretch sateen/black and white toile pouch so alas, I think it is not going to happen for me anytime. I think I will be getting a Moby Wrap before the new babe and then I will have two pouches, a ring sling, a Mei Tai and a wrap and if I can’t figure out how to comfortably wear either girl for whatever we’re doing, it’s probably because I’m a moron and not because I lack any babywearing gear!
MobyWraps are great for newborns! I even took the girls out for walks (in March, in Michigan) right after Ellery was born, with her tucked up in the MobyWrap and zipped up in my fleece jacket.
I am glad to get your vote of confidence for the Moby :o) I keep hearing they are more comfy than cheap homemade wraps, and they aren’t that expensive (in comparison to the Ergo I lust after.)
I do recommend you save for an Ergo. You can start using it when the baby is 5-6 months old, so set aside $10-20/mo for that many months and you’re good to go! The Ergo is our favorite back carrier. It does a much, much better job of distributing the weight to your waist (I think mei tais are terrible in that respect) and is compact, dad-friendly, and so versatile. I’m so sad that ours is in storage–I thought for sure we’d have it back by now, and Ellery’s getting old enough to use it!