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:
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.
