The expression "sitting in the catbird seat" means to be in an advantageous position, a fitting description for a baby who is lucky enough to be carried in a sling and experience the world snuggled in close to Mom or Dad. In nature, the catbird (a real American bird that is known for its ability to mimic a cat's meow) is said to find the highest spot in a tree from which to sing and keep an eye on things. James Thurber used the expression in his short story The Catbird Seat, which was published in The New Yorkerin 1942. "Red Barber announces the Dodger games over the radio and he uses those expressions...'sitting in the catbird seat' means sitting pretty, like a batter with three balls and no strikes on him."

With all the fancy strollers available, why should you wear your baby in a sling? There are many great reasons. Various studies have shown that wearing babies in carriers reduces crying and colic and promotes a "quiet alert" state that is optimal for learning. Studies also indicate that wearing babies promotes bonding and closeness with the wearer (usually Mom or Dad). Many adoptive parents especially find baby carriers an excellent tool for establishing a secure and loving attachment. Beyond these benefits, baby carriers are practical for navigating narrow store aisles, using subways and buses, and breastfeeding discreetly in public. And besides, it’s great exercise for the wearer!

Both our original mei tai and the pikkolo soft structured carrier were carefully designed to provide optimal comfort for both baby and parent. Both designs bring baby's legs up into a seated position (rather than hanging straight down) and the wearer's waist and hips help bear the brunt of baby's weight. The padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly across the back and shoulders. We also strive to bring you fabric choices that are fashionable, making your carrier something beautiful that you enjoy wearing!

Definitely! Strap joints are heavily reinforced and great care is taken in constructing each item, from the selection of the materials to the workmanship in each carrier. However, the wearer must take care to learn how to properly wear the carriers. Please read all instructions thoroughly and practice using the carrier when your first get it. Please also inspect your carrier regularly to make sure there is no damage. And, of course, use common sense: do not cook while wearing the carrier, engage in strenuous exercise, or wear in a moving car. The recommended maximum weight is 40 lbs. For more information on safe wear, please refer to the instructional brochure that comes with each carrier.

The mei tai was our original product and one we still love! A mei tai is a traditional Chinese cloth carrier. The long straps offer great flexibility in tying the carrier on the body in different positions and in obtaining a highly customizable fit. We developed the pikkolo a few years after starting our company in order to offer a carrier that took the basic idea of a mei tai but adds the convenience of shorter straps with buckle closures instead of ties. Both the mei tai and pikkolo can be used in a front facing in, front facing out, hip, or back carrying position. Both are one size fits most, with the mei tai possibly fitting very petite or very large wearers slightly better.

Yes, our Winter Carrier Covers should work with any two-shouldered, wider-base carrier, including mei tais and soft structured carriers, or SSCs. We've even been told that people use them with wraps and that they work well snapped onto strollers or in the car as cozy foot blanket.

We recommend you machine wash your mei tai or pikkolo carrier on the delicate cycle in cold water. For mei tais, place in a lingerie bag to avoid the straps becoming tangled in the washer. For the mei tai, dry on low. For the pikkolo, we recommend line drying. Iron with care. Wash infrequently to extend life of carrier; machine washing is hard on cloth items! Spot clean spills or stains first.

At checkout you will be able to compare rates for shipping via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, and choose the service option you prefer.

If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us right away and we will work with you to resolve any problems. You may return your unwashed, new condition item for a refund of product price or exchange within 30 days of receipt. Return shipping is the expense of the customer. All items come with a one-year nontransferable warranty on materials and labor subject to normal wear and tear. If any free offer was received with purchase, the free item must be returned new-in-package or else it's retail price will be deducted from your refund. Returns or exchanges must be sent in appropriately-sized outer packaging (envelope or box). PLEASE CONTACT US TO RECEIVE A RETURN AUTHORIZATION PRIOR TO SENDING YOUR ITEM. Returns or exchanges not arranged in advance of sending the product will be denied.

The expression "sitting in the catbird seat" means to be in an advantageous position, a fitting description for a baby who is lucky enough to be carried in a sling and experience the world snuggled in close to Mom or Dad. In nature, the catbird (a real American bird that is known for its ability to mimic a cat's meow) is said to find the highest spot in a tree from which to sing and keep an eye on things. James Thurber used the expression in his short story The Catbird Seat, which was published in The New Yorker in 1942. "Red Barber announces the Dodger games over the radio and he uses those expressions...'sitting in the catbird seat' means sitting pretty, like a batter with three balls and no strikes on him."