Do you want to be a hands-on dad? You know, one that doesn’t just change the occasional diaper but actively participates in every aspect of childcare? If so, then it’s important to learn about baby carriers for dads. Dads have different needs and challenges than moms, and there are some special considerations when choosing a carrier.
We’ll cover all the basics of baby carriers for dads: types, pros, and cons, how they work with breastfeeding moms or dads while on childcare duty, weight limits for kids, comfort, ease of use, durability, versatility, supportive ergonomics, and safety.
Features To Look For In The Best Baby Carriers for Men’s
- Comfort: Look for baby carriers with thick padding and adjustable straps that provide support and comfort.
- Easy to Put On and Off: When selecting a baby carrier, make sure it’s easy to put on and off so you don’t have any delays when your baby has a sudden need to be carried.
- Durability: Good quality materials are a must, so invest in something that will last through all of the adventures you take with your little one.
- Versatility: Look for a baby carrier that can switch between multiple positions so you can adjust as needed, depending on your activities or your baby’s age level.
- Supportive Ergonomics: An ergonomic design is vital for providing the best and most comfortable fit possible, especially since it helps keep your back healthy during long-wearing sessions.
- Safety: Look for carriers that have been certified by a reputable organization such as ASTM International or European Safety Standard and Non-Toxic certification from Oeko-Tex. Consider features like adjustable straps, breathable mesh panels, padded shoulder straps and waist belts, and adjustable buckles for a secure fit. If the carrier is adjustable, it should also be easy to adjust without having to readjust straps and buckles all the time.
Top list of baby carriers for dads
✔ Acknowledged by International Hip Dysplasia Institute as Hip-Healthy;
✔ Meets safety requirements for baby carriers (ASTM and CPSIA);
✔ Features wide bottom to support baby’s hips;
✔ ASTM safety certifications ;
✔ Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant & Toddler Carriers;
✔ The Omni 360 Baby Carrier Cool Air Mesh has been acknowledged as a "hip healthy" product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute;
✔ Baby Carrier Mini complies with both the European EN 13209-2:2015;
✔ American ASTM F223 safety standards for baby carriers;
✔ Acknowledged by International Hip Dysplasia Institute as Hip-Healthy;
✔ Meets safety requirements for baby carriers (ASTM and CPSIA);
✔ Features wide bottom to support baby’s hips;
✔ ASTM safety certifications ;
✔ Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant & Toddler Carriers;
✔ The Omni 360 Baby Carrier Cool Air Mesh has been acknowledged as a "hip healthy" product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute;
✔ Baby Carrier Mini complies with both the European EN 13209-2:2015;
✔ American ASTM F223 safety standards for baby carriers;
The baby carrier for Dad in 2023
Advantage
- Higher quality than expected
- The liner is comfortable and soft
- It’s breathable as well so neither you nor your baby gets too hot.
- Frees up your hands.. baby loves it
- Lightweight, Minimalist Design
Disadvantage
- I really wish it had a more infant-friendly lining, like the cushioning wrapped the seams and edges
Looking for a highly-functional, military-tough baby carrier?
Look no further than the TBG Men's Tactical Baby Carrier! This MOLLE-compatible carrier is perfect for carrying all your baby gear, with ample storage space and easy access to all your essentials.
- The minimalist design is perfect for modern parents on the go, with a comfortable open back that keeps you cool and dry during long walks or hikes.
- The TBG Men's Tactical Baby Carrier is also lightweight and easy to operate with just one hand, making it a must-have for any busy parent.
- This carrier is easy to adjust with UTX buckles, so it's perfect for babies and toddlers 8 to 33 pounds.
- Plus, your baby can face in or out depending on their developmental stage.
- And for safety and comfort, the TBG Men's Tactical Baby Carrier is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as Hip-Healthy.
- Additionally, it meets safety requirements for baby carriers (ASTM and CPSIA) and features a wide bottom to support your baby's hips.
Tactical Baby Gear FAQ
Is this ergonomically safe for the baby's growth and movement?
The wider base of the carrier provides extra support for your child’s hips and thighs, which helps prevent hip dysplasia. This is because it keeps their legs spread out to maintain stability as they sleep – preventing any unnecessary strain on those precious joints.
Is there a mesh ventilation system that can help keep your baby cool in hot weather?
The carrier is made of 600D Polyester, which features an open design for maximum airflow and breathability. It’s also lined with padded air-mesh material on the straps to ensure ultimate comfort in all conditions.
How many positions can the carrier do?
Please do not wear the tactical baby carrier on your back. The child can sit either front or rear-facing, but we recommend that they are always seated upright in order to protect them from any harmful effects of being upside down.
Is the carrier ergonomically safe for the baby’s hip development?
Thank you for your question and the short answer is Yes! Our carrier is designed with a wider base to provide more support to your child’s hips and thighs. Providing more support and having the legs spread, keeps the hip in a more stable position which helps prevent the development of hip dysplasia.
Additionally, all of our products are made with 7P-compliant materials, meaning free of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and four different phthalates (DEHP, BBP, BBP, DIBP). They are also CA Prop 65-compliant materials.
Thanks again for your interest in Tactical Baby Gear and please don’t hesitate to message us via email if you have any other questions or concerns.
The best review of baby carriers for dads (Tactical Baby Gear)
This is the Tactical Baby Gear, a tactical baby carrier. I’m gonna walk you guys through some of the design features and elements and why we’ve engineered it the way we have.
The baby carrier was designed with a minimalistic approach, meaning it’s going to be practical, lightweight, and easy to use on your own. The baby carrier is registered and meets all safety requirements for ASTM and CPSIA.
The outer portion of the carrier is constructed of a 600D tactical polyester, nylon webbing, and UTX buckles, while the interior has a removable soft cotton liner that can be machine washed if needed. And while I’ve got it on, let’s talk about the front of the carrier and then I’ll show you guys how to put it on in the ease of use. At the top, the first thing you’re gonna notice is the Velcro panel.
This is a must for any of your favorite patches. Moving down from there, you’ll notice the MOLLE webbing, this is gonna allow you to customize the carrier with any of our modular pouches and accessories. You can also use this webbing to hook a carabiner to it, so you can keep track of those smaller items like your car keys or pacifiers or anything else that can be clipped on.
The system is also compatible with any other MOLLE pouches and accessories on the market. At the bottom, you’ll notice this nice, wide base. This is gonna give your baby really good hip support, particularly to the thighs for a healthier hip position, preventing the hip dysplasia problems that a lot of other baby carriers have. In the back, you’ll see these two crisscross shoulder pads rather than a full panel.
This is great for several reasons. Again, it’s a more practical design, so it’s much lighter, it’s cooler, and it naturally brings the straps in closer to your neck, rather than further out on your shoulders. This means there’s less leverage on your shoulders and back, which is a less felt weight on your body, keeping you and the baby more comfortable for longer.
This also means that you can wear the day pack with the baby carrier.
So when you need to access something from your bag, you can just take it off or swing it around to get what you need and get back to enjoying your day, versus having to get someone to unclip something from your back, or you’re disrupting the baby and taking the whole thing off to get something out.
You can be a one-person operation and be very effective.
Now, let me take this off and show you guys some more. Now, if you guys don’t know already, you’ll find out that not every baby wants to be in a baby carrier all the time. So being small like this allows you to fold it up and put it into a bag or throw it in the bottom of a stroller, versus some of the bigger, clunkier carriers where you’re stuck carrying it around or walking it back to the car.
As I mentioned before, there’s a removable liner. This soft padded cotton liner is easily removable with Velcro and has a soft comfort-forming elastic, and it’s completely machine washable. ‘Cause things to happen. Before you put the carrier on, you’ll notice the shoulder straps, where they cross they’re sewn together so they can’t get tangled up and come undone. That’s one less thing you have to worry about.
These shoulder straps are also padded and backed with an air mesh, making them that much more comfortable.
Now, before you put the carrier on, you’re gonna want to make sure it’s opened up completely all the way. And then you’re gonna put the straps over your head and they’re gonna be crisscrossed in the back and you’ll take these straps and you’ll buckle them into the first set of buckles that are gonna be hiding kind of just right here behind the liner.
So once you buckle those, so then you can kind of pull this guy up and you’ll buckle one buckle. It’s like one of these mid buckles, you’ll buckle that. And then you take your baby. And this is where you wanna kinda just start feeding one leg through the first opening and get him into the carrier, keeping support on the baby the whole time as you buckle it in. And then you buckle the second one upfront.
This is where you can kind of make a few adjustments, making sure you got some support going on.
And then buckle this last set up at the top. Just gonna give that upper body and head support if you need it. Now, I’ll go ahead and start making a few more adjustments. These are gonna be your ride height, the first set of buckles. So if I loosen these guys up a lot, you’ll see how low it gets.
You wanna make sure that these are nice and snug and the ride height of the baby is high enough to where you can kiss the baby’s head. And again, just to make a few more adjustments here, giving the baby enough back support, so it’s not hunched over really bad.
You wanna make sure that it’s got a lot of support and sitting upright in a nice healthy position. And then adjust the top straps accordingly. And these have locking tabs on ’em. So once you make that adjustment, you can lock it down, ensuring that they’re not gonna come slip loose or come out of adjustment. Now, as you just saw, I was able to put the carrier on and make all of the adjustments on my own. And that’s because we put all of the buckles and the adjustments in the front of the carrier where you can easily access them.
To use the carrier in a forward-facing position, just flip the top of the carrier down at the bottom of the Velcro before buckling the top buckles, then adjust the straps as needed. These small tabs at the bottom are simply to close the leg hole a little bit for infants. Just loop these straps over like this, make any required adjustments to the strap, and use it at your discretion.
The last thing I wanna point out is I don’t have anything around my waist. This will allow you to still access anything that you might have around your waist or on your belt. The tactical baby carrier is available in multiple different colors.
The best baby carrier for big dads
Advantage
- The carrier is comfortable and secure
- It is easy to clean and very durable
- It looks cool and can be used for a variety of activitie
- Keep your child safe and sound while looking stylish
Disadvantage
- This product has very inadequate padding in the shoulder straps.
Designed for action-packed dads, the Mission Critical S.01 baby carrier is a must-have for anyone who wants to take their little one along on outdoor adventures.
- With its tough MOLLE webbing and secure design, this carrier will keep your baby safe and comfortable while you're on the go.
- Fully customizable and modular, the S.01 can be outfitted with whatever you need for your next trip, making it the perfect carry-all for busy dads on the go.
- This carrier features multiple carrying options so you can carry your baby facing in or out, and is designed for babies 8-35 lbs.
- Made from super-strong 1000D nylon construction and heavy-duty straps, this carrier is built to last. Plus, it's easy to put on and adjust, so you can get on the go as quickly as possible.
- Give your baby the best of both worlds with the Mission Critical S.01 Action Baby Carrier!
Mission Critical FAQ
How does a baby carrier work for newborns? Does it require an insert?
Keep your baby safe and sound in the Mission Critical Baby Carrier. The carrier has been safety tested for babies between 8-35 lbs, and you can only use it once your child has adequate head control and is tall enough to clear our inner liner. Infant inserts are not yet available but the manufacturer doesn’t recommend using the carrier without them.
Are there bottle holders on either side of the baby carrier?
There are no bottle holders, but it does have a large zippered pocket where you can store the sun shade/ rain protector which will hold several of them at once. Molle fabric on this backpack means that if want adds an assortment of pouches to carry even more drinks with ease – all while staying hydrated everywhere.
I'm not sure if this baby carrier will fit a relatively small guy
The baby carrier is the ultimate in versatility. It can be worn by one person or shared with another, making it perfect for parents who may not always have time to take care of their child on demand. The shoulder straps sit 12 and a half (center to center) and the total circumference measures 35 inches when both waist belts are adjusted tightly – creating just enough space for different statures.
Ergobaby’s best baby carrier
Advantage
- Very high quality
- Fits people of all sizes
- Easy to use
- Bond with your child in a whole new way
- Feel like a supermom/dad
- Enjoy carrying your child close to your heart
Disadvantage
- Price (unless you are willing to sacrifice color)
- Is way to bulky.
- All-in-one baby carrier: Adapts to your growing baby from newborn to toddler (7-45lbs and fits babies from 0-48 months): No separate infant insert required: All carry positions included: Face baby in or out: Wear on the hip or back
- Cool and breathable: Our cool Air Mesh collection baby carriers are made with soft and durable mesh fabric that provides our renowned ergonomic support for baby
- Comfort: Exceptional lower back comfort with padded lumbar support waist belt and extra padded shoulder straps with the option to wear 2 ways: Crossed or "backpack style": Waist belt can be worn high or low to maximize comfort, especially post C-section
- Ergonomic as baby grows: Acknowledged as hip Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute: Adjustable bucket seat supports baby in an ergonomic natural "M": Position in all carry positions
- Easy to use: Easy, one-handed slider adjustment allows you to quickly switch baby to face in or out on the fly
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier Cool Air Mesh FAQ
Is this baby carrier model suitable for babies under 12lbs?
The Ergobaby Omni 360 baby carrier offers the most comfortable way to carry your newborn (minimum 7 lbs / 3.2 kg) without needing an infant insert.
As a plus-size mom, I find it hard to carry my baby comfortably. Is this carrier perfect for everyone?
This carrier is the perfect solution for moms who need a wide range of adjustments. Whether you’re plus size or not, this waistband will extend to 55 inches so your baby can be close by all day long.
Is it safe to wear my baby in the carrier on a plane? Is it comfortable to sit in?
Whether you’re looking to take your baby on a plane or just want something comfortable, this carrier is perfect. The soft material will keep them secure and happy while they nurse away. There are no maximum amounts of time that you can wear your baby while sitting. We encourage parents to pay attention and follow their babies’ cues in order for both parties involved to be comfortable, and happy – even if it means getting up from time to them!
Ergobaby Omni Breeze Review
The best baby carrier for mom and dad
Looking for a comfortable and ergonomic baby carrier that's perfect for dad?
Look no further than the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One.
- This carrier has a size-adaptable design to ensure a comfortable fit for both the wearer and the child and is made from airy, lightweight cotton fabric that is soft and gentle on your little one's skin.
- It also features four ergonomic carrying positions - newborn, baby facing-in, baby facing out, and back carrying - so you can find the best position for your child.
- Plus, the wide seat area provides ample space for your child to grow from birth to 36 months.
- The padded shoulder straps and waist belt also provide much-needed carrying comfort, while the International Hip Dys.
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One FAQ
Does this baby carrier provide back support and is it comfortable to wear?
The backpack is designed for comfort, with soft padded shoulder straps and a waist belt that can be adjusted to fit your frame. You may wear it above or below the hip line depending on preference.
Are there differences between the cotton and mesh versions of baby carriers?
The breathability of the mesh is much cooler and faster than that of baby carriers with fabric. The wicking properties also help to keep your child dry, especially in hot weather where they might otherwise become sweaty or moist from excess moisture seeping into their clothing.
Is it possible to put a baby carrier on by yourself? Or do I need another person to put a baby in?
There are many different ways to do it, but once you get the hang of things and set up your straps where they feel most comfortable – this is super easy for one person.
Baby Carriers FAQ
Why dads should carry their babies?
Some dads might prefer carrying their baby in a wrap. Wraps are the best carriers for newborns under eight pounds. It makes breastfeeding easier as well.
They are the best carriers for dads on their own
Wraps are also great for nursing in public. If you plan to carry your infant or baby until they’re about 15 pounds, consider getting a stretchy wrap. They can be worn snugly around your waist and hips with minimal back support needed from you.
To wear them properly it’s important that the carrier is tight enough but not too tight as this may cause health issues like hip dysplasia. If something does feel wrong then do stop wearing it right away!
The benefits of baby carrying for men?
Babywearing is beneficial for many reasons. Babies are calmer when they’re worn because it simulates the closeness of being in their mother’s womb which makes them feel safe and secure.
Many dads also find wearing babies to be helpful when they need (or want) to get things done around the house or elsewhere- like running errands, cooking dinner, or even working on a project! It can allow you some flexibility that might not otherwise exist with other types of childcare alternatives.
It will often help you bond with your baby too! Many newborns love looking at faces so this is an easy way to interact just by carrying them close enough for eye contact without having to worry about it.
What are the safety considerations when using a carrier with your child in it, and how can you avoid them if possible?
- It’s always important to keep your child close enough that you can see them while they’re in their carrier, but not too close that it compromises their safety at all.
- Being able to check on the baby every few minutes is a good idea for this reason and will be beneficial if there are any health concerns like breathing trouble or asthma flare-ups that may need monitoring closely by both parents. You might even want to invest in two carriers so one person can take the older sibling out on an errand while another stays with the younger siblings (if applicable). This way mommy doesn’t have to worry about leaving her new infant alone just yet! Some dads also find wearing two carriers helpful when carrying newborns.
- A carrier that doesn’t allow for proper airflow around a baby’s head can cause breathing problems, so make sure you’re always checking on them while they’re inside to ensure their safety. It also isn’t recommended to smoke while wearing your little one because it could lead to respiratory issues too (if mommy does this then dad will need a second carrier). Wearing more than one layer of clothes under the child is another concern when you want optimal airflow and warmth depending on where you live either way though. No matter what climate you’re in be mindful of how much clothing both parents are wearing before deciding whether or not extra layers are needed!
What types of carrying are most convenient for dad?
There are four main types of baby carriers:
- Wraps;
- Soft-structured carriers (SSCs);
- Mei tais;
- Backpack-style.
The wrap style is the best carrier for dads on their own because they can be worn in a variety of positions without needing an extra person to help put it on or take it off. Some men find that wearing a wrap takes some practice but others get the hang of them right away!
Also, remember to always check with your pediatrician before using any type of baby carrier if you’re breastfeeding at all as there may be medical considerations specific to you and your child. That said, most babies love being carried this way especially when dad wears them facing out so they.
What carrier brands should you pay attention to when shopping?
There are many different types of baby carriers out there, but some brands stand out from the pack. Here are a few to look for when shopping around:
- Ergobaby;
- Baby Bjorn;
- Tula Baby Carrier ;
- Boba Wrap.
These offer good quality products which will last you through multiple children if needed and still be in great condition! They also have options that work well for dads who want or need more flexibility than other styles might provide because they can often adjust things like the height of the child within them so it’s really convenient whether you’re tall or short yourself- though this isn’t an absolute must by any means.
Tips on how to make your baby feel safe and secure in a men’s arms.
- Babies enjoy being held close to a parent’s chest, with their legs straddling one of their arms.
- Lift up the edge of the shirt or jacket that baby is wearing before placing them on your chest so they feel more secure and won’t slip down between you and the carrier. Try practicing this in front of a mirror first if it seems tricky at first!
- Support your child’s head by holding onto their thigh closest to you as you pull them out of the wrap or SSC carefully until they’re upright facing forward toward wherever it is they like looking best (like mommy). Make sure to support them properly when transferring from lap to hip too just like we would do when holding them in our arms.
- It’s always a good idea to practice getting the baby into the carrier safely and securely at least once before leaving the house, even if this means having someone else there to help you do it initially because babies are excellent escape artists!
- If your child is crying or screaming when being put into their carrier then they probably aren’t feeling secure enough so take time to make sure everything fits snugly but not too tightly around both of your bodies first. Another tip here would be to use an SSC that allows for adjustable shoulder straps as opposed to just waistband clips alone which will give you more room for adjustment depending on how big or little each person might be who wears it.
Tactical Baby Gear looks too warm for use in the tropics, is the mesh air flow?
The service provider itself is constructed from 600D Polyester as well as features a portable, minimalistic, open style for maximum air movement as well as breathability. Also, the shoulder straps for the grown-up and also the within portion for the youngster are lined with a padded air-mesh product for utmost comfort in all conditions. That claimed, I would highly advise you give this item a shot, as we are receiving overwhelmingly positive responses!
My other half is 6’7″, 242lbs, would certainly this allow enough for him providers Infantino?
Is the TBG provider ergonomically secure for baby’s hip growth?
How does work Mission Critical S.01 for newborn infants?
Our carrier is rated for babies between 8-35 lbs and the Mission Critical baby carriers must only be used once your child has adequate head control. The inner liner of this product can carry children up to 35 pounds, but we do not recommend using an insert if you’re carrying a smaller infant because it may cause injury or discomfort when they fall off their cushioning while traveling at speed on bumpy roads!