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Traditional Twist & Tuck Back Carry - The Chinese Mei Tai
This item above is the traditional Chinese baby carrier the Mei Tai.
Mothers all over the world know that close contact is a vital part of their baby's physical and emotional development in the first few months and years. In China the mei tai is the one tool that allows mothers to stay with their babies whatever they need to do or wherever they need to go.
To the Chinese baby carriers are not just practical things, but special, decorative objects of celebration. Wearing a baby carrier that is beautiful and handmade reflects not only the pride and joy we have in our baby, but also pride in ourselves as mothers.
Traditionally, the mei tai (pronounced "meh dai" in Cantonese) is given by the maternal grandmother to her daughter when she is expecting. Embroidered with many symbols of luck, long life, and prosperity and happiness, baby carriers are specially made to celebrate each new child.
The embroidered decoration on our Mei Tai above includes the characters for "Forever Health and Happy" around the four corners surrounding the Dragon and the Phoenix. This celestial couple is the symbol of everlasting love and they being together is the ultimate symbol of marital happiness. At each corner there is a long red strap used to tie the Mei Tai to the mother and secure the baby safely on her back.