Shoulder Strap Styles

Flared Straps (padded to wrap)

This variation is the result of combining both the regular padded strap and the wrap strap.  These start with a padded section at the top of the strap and then transition to a flat wrap strap half the width of the wrap (or to about 33cm if the strap is made from fabric other than a wrap).  The wrap part of the strap can be worn bunched or spread out.  This strap style is my  most popular style.

Pro: You don't have to worry about pressure points if you don't get them spread just right.  Straps don't spread over your shoulders as far compared to wrap straps in a back carry which some people prefer.  You can spread the straps up over the body of the carrier for more support but just tying them unspread like regular meh dai  straps works great too.  You can use the spread out strap to widen the base of the carrier.

​Con: Petite wearers (under size 10 (Australian sizing) may need petite padding especially if you like to wear your baby in a high back carry as this will give more space for the wrap part of the strap to spread out. 

Unpadded wrap straps

Two styles of wrap strap are available - pleated and gathered.  The gathered style spreads a little more widely but they feel similar to wear.

Pro:  Some people love the wrap like feel of unpadded wrap straps.  The straps distribute the weight of baby well and you can spread the shoulder straps as much or as little as you like.  You can tailor the perfect fit by tightening the straps in just the right places so it feels comfortable for you.  Works wonderfully for front carries.

Con:  May not be as comfortable as padded straps for back carriers (although this is personal preference). as these straps work best by cupping the shoulder.  Wrap straps sometimes need careful spreading so the strap is spread out comfortably over your shoulder so may take longer a little longer to put on.  May sometimes feel restrictive if you need a lot of arm movement.

Unpadded wrap straps sewn in with a box pleat

Unpadded wrap straps sewn in with gathering.

Padded Straps

​These straps are IIcm wide the entire width the strap with padding over your shoulder.  Easy to use, nothing to spread so quick to put on and less bulky so easy to carry around in your bag.  Padded straps are slightly less versatile as there is no wrap part of the strap to spread out for extra support if you need it but you can  tie a lexie twist over baby's bum or a tie chestbelt  (i.e tibetan style) for some extra support if you need it and that works well.  Without wrap straps you can't widen the base once the width has started to be outgrown (but you can still use the straps to pull your toddler knees up to a more ergonomic position).  If you don't often spread your straps this a comfortable and compact option.

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Combination Straps

A combination strap is a hybrid between a wrap strap and a padded strap at your shoulder (best of both worlds!)  It gives extra width to spread over your shoulder but you can leave it unspread (useful for back carries). 

​The flap which pulls out over your shoulder can be over or underneath the straps.  The fold over is the default but  but it can be useful to have the strap sewn the opposite way (to pull out from underneath the strap) for a reversible carrier as you will see more of the reverse colour on the reverse side of the strap.  (If you would like the straps to be sewn the opposite way to usual please let me know).  

Strap flap folds over the strap (default).

Reversible carrier (wrap strap pulls out from underneath)

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Flap folding out from underneath the strap.

Strap Lengths: Standard strap length is 2m which is long enough to lexi twist and tibetan tie for most people but may be too long for a petite wearer who may prefer the shorter length(187cm). Plus-sized wearers may need up to 230-250cm of strap to have the most tying options.