The 10 Best Baby Carriers for Dads

Are you looking for an excellent Baby Carrier for Dad? Dads need to carry their babies too! But most of the baby carriers out there are not designed for dads.

Baby carriers are a great way for dads to bond with their babies and get hands-on experience. The problem is that there are so many different kinds of carriers out there, it’s hard to know which one will work best for you and your family.

We’ve researched the top 10 best baby carriers for dads, so you don’t have to! Here’s our list of favorites based on comfort, ease of use, versatility, and value.

Why Should Dad use a Baby Carrier?

Babywearing is a great way to bond with your baby, especially during those first few weeks with a newborn. Carriers allow dads to be actively involved in caring for their babies while getting things done around the house. A suitable carrier or wrap will give you access to your baby’s needs instantly but still give you enough freedom of movement to do other tasks if needed.

Many dads love baby carriers because they are more versatile than strollers. Strollers only work on the go, but carriers allow you to take your little one along to more places like hiking trails, stadiums, and amusement parks.

Benefits of Babywearing

What To Look for in a Baby Carrier for Dad

Comfort is essential for baby carriers, especially if you want to wear your little one for an extended time. Depending on the type of carrier you use, they can put a lot of strain on your back and shoulders—and if you’re not comfortable, then neither is your baby.

Experts say that there is no one-size-fits-all perfect baby carrier out there. Every dad and baby is different, and what works great for some dads and babies may not work well for others. So make sure to read the fine print and note any special sizing or weight requirements before you buy.

Versatility is another great feature in the best baby carriers for dads. Make sure you think about how many different ways you’ll need to carry your little one before buying. Some carriers are better suited for certain activities than others, so pick one that does what you want it to do.

Price is another critical consideration when picking a baby carrier. You don’t have to break the bank when looking for a suitable carrier, but you also want to make sure that you’re getting what you pay for—some carriers are cheaper but end up breaking on you quickly.

We’ve scoured through hundreds of carriers to find the best options for dads. Here’s a list of our top choices.

Best Baby Carriers for Dad Hiking

Are you looking for something that can weather the outdoors and be durable enough to take on hikes? Then these carriers would be perfect. These carriers are built for outdoor activities with little ones and hiking lovers.

1. Deuter Kid Comfort

The Deuter Kid Comfort Baby Carrier has a durable frame construction that provides even distributions of your child’s weight and creates a space between dad and child for maximum ventilation. It is fully adjustable, so it gives a personalized fit to each user. It is made from durable 210 denier polyamide fabric, so this carrier is super lightweight yet abrasion-resistant.

The Kid Comfort carrier is perfect for parents wanting to explore nature with their little ones. It also has a wide kickstand that is tip-resistant, super helpful for getting your child in and out.

Specs: Has a maximum weight of 48lbs

Weight: 7.5 lbs.

Product Dimensions: H 32 x W 17 x D 13 in.

2. Osprey Poco Plus

The Osprey Poco Plus is an ultra-light, ergonomic baby carrier made from high-quality materials. It has padding for your child’s back to keep them comfortable, adjustable leg openings so you can adjust the ride based on their age and size, and a built-in sunshade that gives UPF 50+ UV Protection.

There is a removable drool pad that is machine washable. This carrier has a comfortable harness with adjustable and removable foot stirrups. The AirSpeed suspension allows for excellent ventilation. The torso can adjust up to 6″ so that it is a perfect fit for both parents.

Specs: 16-48.5 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 7.8 lbs

3. ErgoBaby 360 Cool Air Mesh

The ErgoBaby 360 Cool Air Mesh is a carrier that will keep both you and your child cool on the hottest of days. It has innovative mesh fabric for maximum breathability, 100% cotton lining to wick away moisture, and 4-way stretch fabric that adjusts with your baby’s every move.

The adjustable seat provides ergonomic leg, back, and hip support, so it’s easy on you no matter how long you wear them.  It is easy to use, fits most body types, and gives you the ability to face your child in or out.

A hood tucks away that is UPF 50+ for extra protection from the sun and wind while your baby is napping. This softshell carrier is lightweight and durable. It can also accommodate a smaller baby than the top two.

Specs: 12-45 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 1.54 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 10.5 x W 6.7 x D 6.7 inches

Best Baby Carriers for Big Dads

4. Baby Tula Coast Explore Mesh Carrier

The Tula Coast Explore Mesh carrier is Baby Tula’s first carrier that allows you to use it in an ergonomic front-facing position. The Tula Coast Explore Mesh Carrier offers all the features you and your baby need: variable width settings for use with newborns to toddlers, adjustable head support, and multiple carry positions, including forward-facing and back carry.

Keep cool in this Tula mesh carrier that’s perfect for active lifestyles and warm weather climates. You can use it from 7 – 45 pounds without an infant insert. The waist belt adjusts from 27 “-57”.

Specs: 7-45 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 2.61 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 11.22 x W 11.18 x D 5.63 inches

5. Fruiteam 6-in-1 Baby Carrier with Waiststool

This 6-in-1 baby carrier by Fruiteam gives you all the options you need in a one-piece carrier. It’s soft, breathable, adjustable, and sturdy. The waist stool is designed with three layers for maximum comfort and is perfect for taking your little one on adventures with you.

This carrier grows with your baby and is easy to use. All of the straps are adjustable so that they can fit a lot of different body types. The shoulder straps are comfortable and padding, making sure the weight isn’t resting on your shoulders. The thick waistband allows the weight to be evenly distributed for a comfortable wear every time.

Specs: 8-40 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 2 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 11.2 x W 10.6 x D 7.4 inches

Baby Carrier for Dad’s Shoulders

6. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier

The Infantino Flip Baby Carrier is a soft structured carrier designed to perfectly fit the dad’s shoulders to carry the baby with no back pain. It has a comfortable mesh panel and removable head support for comfort and breathability.

This baby carrier also has a wide seat area that distributes weight evenly between the shoulder blades and provides optimal leg positioning so the baby can travel well-supported. The baby carrier also has multiple positions for use, including forward-facing and inward-facing.

Specs: 8-32 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 1.41 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 15 x W 10 x D 2 inches

7. Baby Carrier by Mission Critical

The Mission Critical S.01 Action Carrier is designed for durability and convenience. It is tactically inspired and made for active dads and their babies. Its ergonomic design provides comfort for you and your child.  The carrier has multiple carry positions, including face-in/out for the ultimate comfort.

The carrier is made with premium materials, 1000D nylon, which is built to last and has a wide waistband for ease of movement. It also has five points of adjustability, which ensures you get the best fit possible every time. The weight stays evenly distributed, so there is no strain on your back.

Specs: 8-35 lbs recommended weight

Weight 2.4 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 21 x W 18 x D 4 inches

8. Tactical Baby Carrier by TBG

The Tactical Baby Carrier by TBG is a versatile option that’s perfect for tactical dads. It has a sturdy design, multiple carry options, and an adjustable waist belt. The carrier is made of 600D tactical polyester for durability and water resistance, along with high-grade nylon webbing that’s lightweight and comfortable.

This carrier has a simple design that features an open back for airflow; it also has a removable, washable liner for easy cleaning. You can use it with any other TBG product or accessories. It meets safety requirements for baby carriers and has a wide bottom to support your baby’s hips.

Specs: 8-33 lbs recommended weight

Weight 1.7 lbs

Product Dimensions: H 16.5 x W 10.39 x D 3.46 inches

Can Men Wear Baby Wraps?

Babywearing is an excellent way for a dad to bond with his child, but it’s essential to wear your wrap correctly not to hurt yourself or the baby. Wraps work well for dads because they are very adjustable. Even the wraps that go on like a t-shirt come in larger sizes to accommodate bigger bodies.

Picking the suitable wrap is also essential. You want to make sure that you get a comfortable wrap and made from a breathable material. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re wearing one layer too many when you go out with your little one!

Best Wrap Style Baby Carriers for Dads

9. Embrace Cozy Newborn by Ergobaby

Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap by Ergobaby is engineered to be one size fits all and, in doing so, allows you and the baby to be as close as possible. The weight limits for this carrier are 7-25 pounds, which ideally covers most babies until they’re at least a year old. This carrier is designed for newborns to allow them to fit comfortably.

The Ergobaby Embrace has several features that provide optimum comfort and support for both parent and child, including an adjustable padded waist belt, crossed shoulder straps, and an integrated cushioned neck support for the baby’s head.

Specs: 7-25 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 12.3 ounces

10. Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap

The Baby K’tan Baby Wrap is a baby carrier that allows you to get on with your day while keeping your baby secure. Quite simply, it’s a twist on the traditional wrap design that enables moms and dads alike to bring babies along for all of their daily activities without worrying about dropping them or straining their backs.

The Baby K’tan Wrap has patented crisscrossed fabric that evenly distributes a baby’s weight to be carried on your shoulders, not your back. The K’tan is made of 100 percent cotton and has an adjustable length that allows you to cross the wrap depending on what feels comfortable for you. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns and ranges in size from XXS to XL. You can wear your baby in 5 different ways with this wrap.

Specs: 8-35 lbs recommended weight

Weight: 1.43 lbs

Conclusion

If you’re a dad who wants to spend more time bonding with your little one, then babywearing is for you. You don’t have to worry about dropping or hurting the baby while wearing them in any of these carriers because they distribute the weight evenly and have straps that are comfortable for both of you.

Whatever style of carrier you go with, make sure it will last by investing in quality materials that will be durable enough to withstand daily use over time. The best features to look for in a carrier for a dad are one that will be adjustable to his body type and baby’s height, the weight limit should be high enough to support your child until they are at least six months old, and that it has multiple carry positions.