What To look for in a baby carrier

What To look for in a baby carrier

Mei Tais

Strap fabrics need to be a strong heavy weight( twill, denim,canvas)
Mei Tais Panels, should have 3 layers an inner layer of canvas, with an additional layer of the above fabric, 1 addtional layer is good 2 is best.
Where straps join the body, there should be x-boxs/reinforcment type stitching. If you don't see this type of stitching on the front look at the under side. Some manufacturers make these stitches on the bottom 2 layers.

Pouch slings

Slings should be constructed with a layer of home decorator weight fabric twill, denim, canvas. There are carriers of this type that have fancy fabrics, brocade silk etc. Just check that they are double layered pouch slings.
Seams on pouch slings should be french/felled combination seam, There should be more than 1 line of stitching on the outside of the carrier. Ask the maker if there are 3 lines of stitching. 3 is good, 4 is best. Also be sure a premium quality, or heavy duty thread is being used. You do NOT want a cheap thread all weight bears on this stitching alone.

Ring Slings

Ask the maker which rings are used? are they weight tested? Any decent ring has been weight tested.
SHoulder stitching, Your shoulder should have at least 5 lines of strait stitching.
3 lines of stitching can be sufficient if a premiem quality thread is used.
Fabrics should be a woven med weight material.
Quilters cotton should NOT be used for slings.This fabric is intented for quilting, some of these fabrics are 2-5 oz. weight fabric. Sling fabric should be a fabric around 7 Oz weight. Some online fabric retailers have this information posted.

Brocades and silks should NOT be used in a sling as a single layer. These fabrics can be used with an additional layer of suitable sling fabric.
With the exception of
Dupioni and Shantung (silk) is sometimes used in a single layer with light weight babies (under 20#)