Baby carriers aren’t just made for moms. And moms shouldn’t be the only one carrying the baby or having all the fun of holding, caring for, and comforting your baby.
A baby carrier is a real lifesaver for both moms and dads, and it’s something you’ll quickly grow to love using.
Why should dads use baby carriers?
If you want to invest in one baby product that lets you do it all hands-free while keeping your manhood and hobbies and earning brownie points with your partner, then get a baby carrier. There are many benefits to babywearing, but here are some specific to dads.
It’s a great way to bond with your baby.
It’s true moms are able to connect with their babies sooner. The mom carries her baby for nine months. She feels every movement, births the baby, and then she’s usually the first to hold the baby. But whether you realize it or not, you already have a connection with your baby. And if you want to strengthen that bond, you can right away with the right baby carrier. It’ll provide more special moments and memories than you think possible whether you’re at home, enjoying nature, or out running errands.
It makes skin-to-skin contact easier.
Yes, it’s important for dads to do skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin contact not only lets you bond with your baby, but it also can help you feel more confident and protective as a father and can even lead to you being more involved as your baby gets older. Skin-to-skin can also help regulate your baby’s temperature and heartbeat and help you with bottle feeding if you plan on doing that.
You can carry your baby for longer.
You may think you could take Dwayne Johnson in an arm-wrestling contest, but the truth is, even lifting weights every day doesn’t properly prepare your arms to hold a baby for long periods of time. But a baby carrier does. And it allows you to carry your baby without the discomfort you may experience if you were carrying her in your arms.
It allows you to give mom a break.
A baby carrier lets you be a supportive partner. You’re able to hold your baby and still fold laundry, vacuum, and get other things done around the house.
Makes family trips easier.
There are times when a stroller is needed, but if you can leave the stroller at home, it makes family trips a whole lot easier. You don’t have to search for an elevator. You can take the stairs or escalator. You won’t have to park in a spot where you have a wide perimeter to unfold and load up the stroller. You won’t have to worry if you can fit through a door or aisle.
You can continue doing the things you love.
You don’t have to lose who you are when you become a dad. With a baby carrier, you can continue doing things you love, such as hiking or going to museums, while at the same time introducing your baby to your hobbies.
Your partner will be even more attracted to you.
Trust me on this one. The first time my husband used our baby carrier with our firstborn I instantly fell even more in love with him.
Best Baby Carriers for Dads
There isn’t a rule saying only women can use baby carriers. Most baby carriers are designed for women and men. But, men and women are different, so there are some baby carriers that offer features that dads will appreciate more. Your partner may be thinking she wants a baby carrier that’s cute and cuddly, while you’re probably leaning more toward a carrier that’s strong, supportive, and convenient.
Before you start using a baby carrier you, of course, should learn how to use a baby carrier, and you also need to know your personal preferences. When it comes to baby carriers for dads, here are some features you may want to look for:
- Comfort (think padded straps and waist belt)
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean (machine washable)
- Adjustable
- Offers various positions
- Works in every season (lightweight, breathable fabric)
- Grows with your baby.
You want a baby carrier that does its job and does it well. So what’s the best baby carrier for dads? Here are a few we’ve heard dads rave about.
1. Embrace Baby Carrier
Many new parents use baby wraps with their newborns because they’re a little softer and simpler to use than buckle baby carriers. But those parents have never tried Ergo’s Embrace baby carrier. If a soft wrap and structured carrier could have a baby, they’d have the Embrace. The material is cozy for your baby, while the adjustable seat and crossable shoulder straps comfortably support you and your baby. You also don’t have to worry about any complicated typing, and it’s small enough to fit inside a diaper bag.
2. 360 Baby Carrier
Looking for an all-seasons, all-positions baby carrier? Look no further than the Ergo 360 baby carrier. With a wide, wraparound lumbar support waistband and adjustable, cushioned shoulder pads, it provides the perfect amount of comfort and lower back support whether you’re carrying a 12-pound baby or 40-pound toddler. Plus, it comes in a variety of gender-neutral colors, so your masculinity is safe no matter which you choose.
3. Baby Hip Seat Carrier
What are hip seats? Great question. A baby hip seat carrier is the ideal carrier if you have a curious baby or toddler who can’t decide if he wants to be held, crawl, or walk around. You have the option to wear it as a hip seat where your child sits on the padded hip seat – rather than on your hip so you aren’t curving your back – or using the added panel and shoulder straps so you have a hands-free carrier. This Ergo baby carrier is also made out of cool air mesh and has an easily accessible side pocket to hold your phone and keys.
