My understanding is that there is no real scientific evidence that carriers like the Belle, Bjorn, or Snugli cause any problems at all. Belle has a good article about it on their website. It seems like these accusations are really just rumors and marketing. I think the Belle carriers are really beautiful and super comfortable. And I can face my baby out, which is her favorite. Can’t do that with a mei tai. Huge fan of the Belle.

Not my style at all. I am a total Babyhawk girl, though I am enjoying my new Beco Butterfly.

can totally picture Gwen with one of these for Zuma!

Meh. Like all bjorn and snugli-type carriers, it puts all of the baby’s weight on the crotch. Baby is basically being dangled by their groin. Not the best for their hip development, or their comfort either.

If you like this type of structured carrier, mei tais offer the same convenience and comfort but give the baby a ‘seat’ for their bums and thighs, not just leaving them dangling. It’s both more supportive and comfortable for baby (would you want to dangle by your crotch for more than 20 minutes?) plus it keeps their hips in the ‘ideal’ position for healthy development (sometimes called ‘froggie’ heh)

I have 2 mei tais along with my wraps and slings. I used a snugli with my first baby — never will again!