5 Best Baby Carriers For Dads (2022 Review)

Photo of author

Are you a dad looking for a baby carrier? Baby wearables are becoming popular among fathers too, and we've looked at many a baby carrier for dads to find the best ones. In this Babyschooling product review, we cover:

  • What makes a baby carrier for dads different from any other type of carrier?
  • How do dad baby wearables work?
  • How to find the best baby carrier made for a dad?
  • And much more!

What are our top picks for baby carriers that dads will love?

Read ahead and see what baby carriers we would choose for dads and our little ones.

best baby carriers for dads
Our Top Picks

Below is a summary of the top picks from our BabySchooling.com team. Each pick as the key findings as well as "badges" to help you understand where each pick fell in our ranking. "Best Overall" is a combination of price and value. "Best Budget" is great for parents who want a top quality product but are on a tighter budget. "High End" is for parents who just want the best, and price is no object.

Image

Product

How did we pick these products?
Our Best Pick for Dads

More Information

ErgoBaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

Back support, ergonomic features

Helpful accessories

UPF Sun protection

Best High End Baby Carrier for Dads

More Information

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

Cool and dries fast

International Hip Dysplasia Institute certified

Neutral color assortment

Best Budget Baby Carrier for Dads

More Information

Infantino Ergonomic Carrier

Affordable

Comfortable

Adorable fox hood

Reviews of Each Pick

Below are our detailed reviews of each product. Each product included in this review is reviewed by our team of parenting experts. Parents with 1,000s of hours testing and working with products to help you pick the best one for your specific situation.

Our Best Pick for Dads

ErgoBaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

Pros

Grows with baby from newborn to toddler (0-48 months; 7-45lbs)

Inward, front outward, hip and back carry

100% premium cotton

Padded lumbar back support and extra padded shoulder straps

Can be used in two ways, regular or crossed shoulder straps

Cons

Cross straps look weird on

On the bulky side

Loose fitting on smaller men

The ErgoBaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier from newborn to toddler provides lumbar support, and ergonomic custom fit. It is a forward-facing, snug-fitting carrier that is easy to clean. This carrier is an all-position carrier: inward, front-outward, hip & back carry. It’s cool and breathable with soft, lightweight & durable cotton, great for dads on the go. The hip placement for baby is good and follows the recommendations of the Hip Dysplasia Institute. There is a mesh version but reviewers note that the mesh is scratchy on baby’s skin.

It offers comfort with padded lumbar back support and shoulder straps. Premium features offer UPF baby hood for sun protection and privacy. It’s also machine washable, but not stain-proof and was suggested many times to purchase the protective teether/such pads. Another advantage with this pick is there is no infant insert which has historically been difficult to manage. It can be difficult for one person to put the Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier on at first but it gets easier the more you do it. The design was difficult for some purchasers to carry smaller babies but they don’t stay small for long. The reviews were far more positive than negative. All in all, dads, it’s worth the money.

Best High End Baby Carrier for Dads

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

Pros

Airy, breathable mesh dries quickly

Ergonomic and comfortable in soft materials

Fully adjustable seat width

Baby-wearing from 0-3 years old

Facing-out and back-carrying

Cons

Extra inserts and accessories needed for newborns

No storage pocket

Smaller babies may need extra support

The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One is a top-rated baby carrier. This carrier for dad is a comfortable and ergonomic option, perfect for children aged 0-36 months. It has padded shoulders and an adaptable design for the wearer and baby. With airy & breathable mesh that dries quickly. It is machine washable with cotton fabric that is soft for the child and has a wide seat area for children from birth to 36 months. This baby carrier has four ergonomic front and back carrying positions; newborn, baby facing-in, baby facing-out, and back carrying.

The Babybjorn Baby Carrier One is International Hip Dysplasia Institute certified to properly support your baby’s hips, legs & spine. There are a few complaints about the back support straps. The newer versions have shoulder straps and some purchasers preferred an X strap on the back, so the back support can be a little frustrating. Also, the mesh tends to be scratchy for some, but BabyBjorn has a cotton-lined version of this same carrier if the mesh is an issue for your little one.

Best Budget Baby Carrier for Dads

Infantino Ergonomic Carrier

Pros

Face-in Front Carry and Back Carry

Removable fox-themed character hood

For infants and toddlers 12-30 lbs.

knee-to-knee support for baby with wide seat

Cozy muffler pocket for dad to tuck hands

Cons

Clips seem a little bit cheap

Not as much support when facing out

Smaller babies may need extra support

If you’re a dad looking for a carrier that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, the Infantino Ergonomic carrier is for you. The cost is lower than most babywearing devices for dads, but this baby carrier offers 2 ways to carry, front and backpack with padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt. It won’t support your newborn, but an infant from 12 to 40 lbs. will be safe and comfortable in this carrier.

It offers an ergonomic seat for knee-to-knee support. As we know, knee and hip placement are important for a baby’s development and comfort. It also comes with an adorable fox hood that can keep your baby's head warm or block the sun. What outdoorsy dad doesn’t love a super cute fox hood?

Best Hiking Baby Carrier for Dads

Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack

Pros

Built-in sunshade provides UPF 50+ protection

Open mesh hip pockets for access to snacks

Can carry larger children, up to 48.5 lbs.

Drool pad is removable and washable

Cons

On the heavier side, 16 pounds

Can not support babies under 16 lbs.

Some say it rests uncomfortably on lower back at first

Hiking with baby is a popular hobby for some families, and many dads are ahead in the game with hiking carriers. The Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack for hiking dads. According to Amazon it has a built-in sunshade easily stores and deploys for UPF 50+ UV sun protection. This carrier has a Double Halo child harness and adjustable and removable foot stirrups; the Drool pad is removable and washable.

Open mesh hip belt pockets for quick access to snacks. Adjustable torso to fit a wide range of adults (up to 6" of adjustability). The Chest clip is adjustable (up/down), which made significant improvements to pack comfort. Minimum child weight is 16 lbs. for use and maximum weight including a child, gear and carriers, is 48.5 lbs. This carrier offers many great features, there are buckles and clips for everything. The mesh panel between dad and baby offers space so they stay cooler.

There aren't a lot of negatives for this carrier for dads except that it can be uncomfortable for smaller people and the weight distribution has been painful for some.

Best Newborn Sling wrap carrier for Dads

Solly Baby Wrap

Pros

Unisex, everyone can use this carrier

Can safely carry the smallest babies

Doesn't put extra pressure on joints and spine

Great for dads of all sizes

Cons

Not able to hold larger babies

Takes practice to get the wrapping right

Fabric can stretch and loosen over time.

Because heat is an issue most of the year where I am from babywearing and carrying little one can get very hot and sweaty, so we’d also like to talk about the Solly Baby Wrap. It’s an easy-to-tie and insert baby kind of wrap. It’s super easy once you get support right on the tie. It’s cooler than most wraps and doesn’t have a lot of extra cloth left to hang or tuck. It has a storage pocket built-in for convenience. It’s made to be similar to the womb so baby feels comfy and safe with offering airflow to keep baby cool.

There is head support with the wrap that may not be acceptable to some independent infants but it’s safest to have the head supported well. Carriers are sustainably made from 100% certified TENCEL (TM) Modal (sourced from the pulp of Austrian Beechwood trees!) Feels just like a t-shirt and comes in assorted colors to fit dad's style. It is not designed for babies over 25 lbs. so be aware of this and pay attention to baby’s weight when using it. Also, be sure to make sure baby is upright and not squished, respiratory constriction can hurt your baby.

There are no buckles or clips on this one, just a whole lot of snuggling.

Buying & Use Guide

Do Men Use Baby Carriers?

Most baby carriers are unisex, meaning anyone can wear them, including dads. Moreover, baby carriers help dads with bonding too. Sometimes sizing and style can be a little tricky to get right for larger men or taller babies, but these days, there are tons of styles and types of baby wearables that men of all types can wear proudly to be closer to their baby.

What Should Dads Look For in A Baby Carrier?

Overall, there aren’t many differences between a good carrier for a Mom and a good carrier for a Dad, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much when shopping. If you are a Dad, however, there are some things to consider:

Fit

You’ll want to buy a baby carrier that’s specifically suited to your size and frame. Sharing it with your spouse may cause fabric to stretch out or cause buckles to loosen. You want your baby to be held securely against you without being restrictive or too tight, so it’s important to look for a carrier that’s fully adjustable across the chest, shoulders and waist.

Are you a tall dad? These are our baby carrier picks for tall dads specifically.

Support

If you’re planning to wear your baby a lot, the carrier should have an ergonomic design with back support for longer periods of walking, standing. Some carriers offer waist straps, or cross-shaped back straps to support your neck and shoulders. This will all depend on your particular “Dad bod”.

Baby Positioning

Dads should always ensure that baby is sitting comfortably and that his legs are positioned so as not to create hip problems. When adjusting the carrier to your frame, the fit should be tight but not restrictive.

Why Should Dads Use Baby Carriers?

Guys, baby carriers are not just for moms. It’s great for your baby to be held, comforted by, and close to you too.

Once you get used to baby wearables, you’ll never go back. You’ll get to be hands-free, wherever you want to be, and watch your baby at the same time.

Baby carriers help you bond with your baby

Baby carriers are known to help moms strengthen their bond with their baby, mostly due to skin-to-skin contact, and the same goes for dads. You won’t regret the time you spend with your little nugget, whether it be running errands, in the yard, or watching the tube while your baby is on your back or chest.

Especially active? See also the best carriers for active parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is a strong proponent of what it calls “baby-wearing” both as a healthy way to prevent crying and promote parent-child attachment.

Studies show skin-to-skin contact is important for dad also. Baby wearables make skin-to-skin contact much easier for dads, and it’s gentler on your baby. They can comfortably nap without much movement when secured properly in a baby carrier.

Trips are easier with a baby carrier

Strollers can be a pain to lug around for sure. A baby carrier is a great way to share the time holding your baby with your partner while exploring a new place, hiking, the airport, or the grocery store. You won’t have to find the nearest elevator and you’ll always fit through the door or aisle.

It’s super attractive when dads wear babies

Your partner will be 100% more attracted to you when they see you carrying your child in a carrier. It’s just hard to resist, ask anyone.

Can Men Wear Baby Slings?

Yes! Baby slings are a great wearable baby carrier option for dads. Baby slings are softer, easier to manipulate and stretch to fit around you and your baby safely. The key with baby slings in the place of a carrier for dads is to practice the baby wrapping technique. You want to make sure it’s not too loose and not too tight.

Here is a great video that shows dads how to use a baby sling as a carrier:

How to wrap a baby sling for dads (Baby carriers for dads)
Is your baby especially tiny or a premie? Check out the top 5 carriers for premies.

Safe Baby Carrier Positioning and Ergonomic Seating

While using carriers and slings are very convenient and allow parents to do other tasks while carrying baby, it is important to pay attention to the baby at all times. Several cases, 14 in the last 20 years, of suffocation in baby slings occurred because baby was tucked too tightly or had respiratory complications from materials.

Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that parents and caregivers:

Make sure you can see your baby’s face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you.

Change the baby’s position in the sling, so that the baby’s face is at or above the rim of a sling or wrap and that their face is visible and clear of fabric and your body. Be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling.

Babywearing Advantages For Dads

Baby carriers are super convenient. They keep our hands free to do chores or work. They also allow for freedom to travel to places that aren’t stroller friendly. Some of the carriers are designed for different kinds of adventures.

A hiking backpack carrier is heavy-duty and protects baby from the elements. It’s roomier than other carriers and is intended for older babies that don’t require as much head support and can hold themselves up. There are supports and kickstands. They offer lumbar support and ergonomic support for babies. Many have pockets and slots for goodies, phones, and keys to keep your hands free from carrying diaper bags or fanny packs.

The more common carriers can be used for home or grocery stores, the mall, or a leisurely walk in the neighborhood. Before choosing a carrier, think about what your needs are and what qualities you are looking for. Lumbar support for you and head and hip support is very important. Do you want pockets and slots for phones and snacks? Do you prefer simple, no-nonsense carriers for around the house that are simple and effective? There is a carrier for everyone.

We think sling carriers are adorable. They are versatile and keep the baby close and near the heartbeat, which keeps them calm and feeling safe. Heat can sometimes be a factor where we live, so we would definitely pick one that is lightweight and cool and slings are often a great option for hot climates.

In general, the best carriers offer both support for babies and for dads (especially for lower backs).

Carriers are offered in so many different styles, colors, and support levels for all the adventures of life these days, so you’ll never feel restricted.

About The Author

Photo of author

Review By Jenna Clark

Jenna Clark is a mother of 2 fiesty, curly-haired toddlers and has tried almost every baby product out there. She loves to cook and travel with her family.
Related Posts