The Best Baby Carrier for Dad, Without Compromise on Style!

I love taking my child for a walk in the baby carrier. Still, I thought I hade to compromise on style until I found those cool looking carrier for dads.

When I first picture a baby carrier, I was thinking of a mom in her 30’s with a baby hung around her waist. Probably because I automatically associated such portion of parenting with mothers. However, I was so wrong, because in my experience, I was doing most of the babywearing, and I enjoy every minute of it!

After reading the following guide, you will know exactly which baby carrier to get.

Even with all the new dads interested in taking their baby out on a walk, It’s no surprise that most baby carriers are manufactured with standard mom weight and body type in mind. Therefore, it can be hard to find a carrier that will fit a dad comfortably. Fortunately for you, I’ve scoured the internet and picked out some of the best baby carriers for men.

Just like moms, dads come in all shapes and sizes. Some are taller than others; others more muscular. When choosing the right baby carrier, it’s essential to keep these factors in mind. Sometimes you’ll be drawn to the appearance of a product and later find out it’s simply not comfortable for you.

Here’s an organized list of all the baby carriers dads can rock with ease and comfort.

Best baby carrier for tall dad

Tactical dad baby carrier – TBG

Nothing says manly more than the TBG baby carrier. This baby carrier comes in a military design with 3 color options to choose from – black camo is by far, my favorite. This is an Amazon’s Choice product, so it’s a pretty popular pick, especially amongst tall dads.

The TBG Tactical Baby carrier has built-in smart features like a removable, washable liner and a 100% compatibility with any TBG accessory.

Highlights:

• Made of 600D tactical polyester
• Lightweight
• Open back for temperature control
• Easy to adjust
• Face in or out
• Plenty of adjustabilities

Considerations:

Not the most kid-friendly lining

Suitable for:

• Tall dads
• Large dads
• Babies and toddlers 8 to 33 pounds

The TBG Tactical Baby Carrier is made of high-quality polyester. That not only gives it a good couple of years on its lifespan but also makes it ultra-lightweight and easy to carry around.

Design-wise the TBG Tactical Baby Carrier is elegant and straightforward. Since the carrier comes in adjustable straps, you can carry a child of all ages and weights in it. These buckles can be made longer or shorter to accommodate your baby accordingly. The TBG Tactical Baby Carrier is best suited for babies and toddlers between 8 to 33 pounds.

You can also try out different positions of the baby carrier with TBG Baby Carrier. Younger babies will be more comfortable in a front-facing position, while a little older toddler will do well in a forward-facing seat. Either way, this baby carrier is incredibly safe for both the dad and the baby.

Because of the adjustability and design, I chose this baby carrier as the best picks for tall dads (above 6 feet). You won’t look or feel odd wearing your baby in this carrier, that’s for sure!

For all the details check the Tactical dad baby carrier on Amazon here.

Best baby carrier for plus-size dad

Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier

For a large dad, it’s not always easy to find a way to transport your baby in a carrier with ease. Some baby carriers might just be too tight or plain unsafe.

However, if you’re a plus-sized dad that can’t find a suitable baby carrier, I suggest the Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier. This baby carrier is incredibly comfortable and highly versatile in size and adjustability, which makes it great for dads of any size or shape.

Highlights:

• Padded shoulder straps
• Adjustability
• Made of soft 100% cotton fabric
• Back carry and front carry
• Promotes healthy hip and spine development
• Large front pocket

Considerations:

Not the manliness carrier of this list

Suitable for:

• Newborn
• Young infant
• Multiple wearers (sharing with mom)
• Big dad (up to 57 inches waist belt)

The Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier has an innovative body panel and comes in 3 different width settings plus 2 height settings. This means that you can quickly wrap the baby carrier around you with ease no matter how big or tall you are. The Tula Free to Grow carrier allows for an ergonomic carrying that will comfortably snug your child in.

This baby carrier also comes with a dual-adjustment option on the shoulder pads. Because of this feature, this baby carrier won’t wear your neck or shoulders down. The Tula Baby Carrier is highly safe for both the dad and the baby as long as the baby fits the required weight range (7 to 45 pounds).

You can get this baby carrier in a variety of colors and designs. This makes it a baby carrier that will suit not only a dad but also a mom.

The Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier can be used for different baby carrying positions. Wich includes the forward-facing position and a back carry.

Additionally, this baby carrier also has a large front pocket where you can keep your essentials when you head out on a walk with your baby. You can also keep your baby’s head protected from the sun with a removable hood option on the baby carrier.

For all the details check the Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier on Amazon here.

Best baby wrap for dad

Baby K’tan Active Baby Wrap Carrier

I’ll admit it – at first, I thought baby wraps on dads was just an odd combination. Moms look okay with a baby slung around their waist like a jacket – but dads? I had my doubts. After spending a fair amount of time researching, I realized that wasn’t really true. The Baby K’tan Active Baby Wrap Carrier, for example, is a perfect fit for a dad despite being a wrap design.

Highlights:

• 100% polyester
• Breathable fabric
• Moisture-wicking and waterproof material
• Easy to wear
• Blocks over 90% of UVA and UVB rays
• Best hip-healthy positions
• Hold up to 35 pounds

Considerations:

Not the manliness option of this list

Suitable for:

• Newborn
• Preemie
• Sensitive child

Made in 100% polyester, this baby wrap is designed for moms and dads who are active but still need to keep their babies close by. The design is minimalistic with a few color options, but it is highly practical and comfortable nonetheless.

Dads don’t need to worry about their baby being unsafe in this wrap or sliding off when they are on their morning walk around the neighborhood. The Baby K’tan Active Baby Wrap Carrier snugs the child closely and makes sure they are supported. The best part about this baby wrap carrier is that it is comfortable to wear and bypasses all buckles and straps that standard baby carriers for dad have. In fact, the wrap is as easy to wear as a shirt or a jacket!

You could prefer a baby wrap because it keeps a good temperature control for your child. It’s not too warm inside and never too cold. The breathable fabric of this Baby K’tan Wrap is built in a high-tech breathable fabric that maintains the temperature inside the wrap at an optimum range.

Just like the previous baby carrier on the list, this one also supplies a decent amount of sun protection. The infant holder keeps the head of the baby covered and adequately protected against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

You can also try out different carrying positions in this baby wrap. All of which support the healthy development of your baby. I do think that the positions are generally more limited in a wrap, but there still is a lot of customization that you can experiment with.

The Baby K’tan Active Baby Wrap is affordable, decent looking, and an excellent carrier for a dad!

For all the details check the Baby K’tan Active Baby Wrap Carrier on Amazon here.

Best front-facing carrier for dad

Mission Critical

Front-facing baby carriers are preferred when your toddler hits the 6 months mark. This is when your baby will start to want to discover the world but still prefer being close to you. If your baby is at that age now, it’s a good idea to consider a front-facing carrier. If you’re a dad, the Mission Critical Front Facing baby carrier might be best.

Highlights:

• Front and back-facing position
• Maximum back support
• JPMA certified
• Removable and washable liner
• Sun shield
• Made from high-quality 1000D nylon
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Cool looking

Considerations:

Might be too military looking to share it with mom

Suitable for:

• Children between 8 to 35 lbs
• Dad with lower back pain
• Large dad (Fits waists up to 64″)
• Tall dad
• Cool dad

This Amazon’s Choice product has two ergonomic carrying positions that you can hold your baby in – front-facing and back carrying. This baby carrier is better suited for children between 8 to 35 pounds. Anything beyond 35 pounds might not be the safest.

The Mission Critical Front Facing Baby Carrier is built for dads in particular because of its size that is appropriate for tall and large dads. The carrier is highly customizable and adjustable. It includes a front and back panel to increase your control over how you want the baby carrier to function. If your baby is small, you can also use the Mission Critical Daypack for extra weight support.

Safety is made the priority in the Mission Critical baby carrier and the design conforms to the ASTM regulations along with being JPMA certified.

Appearance-wise, the Mission Critical baby carrier is simple, decent and doesn’t look too flashy around a dad’s waist. It comes in three different color options but frankly speaking, there isn’t a lot of difference in the design. My favorite has to be the black one because it just looks better!

For all the details check the Mission Critical on Amazon here.

Best hiking backpack carrier for dad

Osprey Packs Pocco AG Child Carrier

Do you have an inherent passion for hiking but also have a baby at home? You are not the only one, and therefore you might be looking for a safe baby carrier that can do both things for you. Meet the Osprey Packs Pocco AG Child Carrier. This aluminum, nylon-made baby carrier provides incredible support for your baby. Especially when you decide to take your kid out on a hiking adventure. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product so you can imagine why it’s so popular.

Highlights:

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Stable platform
• Adjustable
• Anti-gravity backpacking suspension system
• Padded Cockpit
• Built-in sunshade
• Comfortable
• Excellent ventilation
• Fleece-covered harness

Considerations:

Too bulky for every-day use

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Travel
• Sightseeing

The aluminum in the structure of the carrier gives it a lightweight property along with fully supporting the frame of the carrier. It makes for a comfortable seat for the baby to sit in and carry around.

With hiking, most dads will worry about the carrier not being safe enough. After all, you don’t want to risk the carrier slipping out of control while walking down a steep trail. Fortunately, this Osprey Child Carrier is entirely safe and fool-proof in that sense so you can carry your baby around without a worry in mind.

This baby carrier is also adjustable, which makes it such a good option for a dad. You can tweak the torso buckle according to the length of your chest and pick a size that fits you and your child comfortably. The adjustments can be made easily and quickly without a hassle. User-friendliness is crucial to me as I’m sure it is to you – the Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier definitely meets that criterion!

As with most other quality baby carriers, this one also includes a built-in sunshade that effectively protects your baby against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It is made of a breathable fabric that keeps the inside of the carrier well-ventilated. It includes a padded cockpit for an extra boost of safety. This cockpit is fully framed and snugs your baby in nicely. The Osprey Packs Poco AG Child Carrier is an Amazon’s Choice product and available in a single color option and design.

Although this option might be bulky compared to a standard carrier, it is definitely the safest for hiking. It’s the best option for a dad that enjoys climbing mountains.

For all the details check the Osprey Packs Pocco AG Child Carrier on Amazon here.

Baby carrier buying guide for dads

There’s no doubt that a baby carrier can make your life so much easier by allowing you to multi-task effectively. Gone are the days when you’ll need to call in your neighbor to watch your baby while you take a quick trip to the grocery store.

Buying the right baby carrier is slightly trickier if you’re a dad. Since most baby carriers are manufactured for the standard weight and shape of a mom, it’s often difficult to find the right product.

It’s very common for dads to try the baby carrier that their wife has purchased, and find out that it fits miserably. Furthermore, it could be the design and colors of the carrier who doesn’t meet the macho standard.

Keep reading to make the soundest decision for yourself and your baby!

Why Should Dads Use Baby Carriers?

If moms can use a baby carrier to keep their babies close to them and work at the same time, then so can dads.

Baby carriers provide a comfortable means to bond with your child no matter where you are. Using a baby carrier if you’re a dad is an excellent opportunity to share a special moment with your baby. Plus who doesn’t love a dad that knows the value of spending time with their child?

It’s not surprising to see more and more baby carriers being used by dads in recent times. Modern dads know the importance of keeping babies close and how a baby carrier is never a mom thing only.

Are Baby Carriers for Dad Different than Regular Baby Carriers?

They’re really not! Like I’ve said before, most baby carriers are made to fit any mom’s body shape, so it might be hard to find the right baby carrier for a dad. Furthermore, some designs might not fit the dad’s aesthetics, but most importantly, the actual size of the baby carrier might be too small. The rule of thumb with baby carriers is this – if you’re not comfortable in it, chances are your baby isn’t either.

Luckily the sales of baby carriers for dads have been going up, so the market is shifting and producing more and more baby carriers for dads.

Other than the size and colors, baby carriers for dads are pretty much identical in all other respects to any other baby carrier.

Which Kind of Baby Carrier is Best for Dads?

Like any other baby carrier, the first thing you need to consider before making a purchase is your baby’s age and weight. It doesn’t matter if a baby carrier is made for a dad; it still must fulfill the weight criteria to keep the baby safe.

In general, newborns or infants fare well in wrap carriers or carriers with infant inserts. Once babies have learned to support their head (around 5-6 months), they can safely be switched to a carrier without an insert. From 6 months to 1 year, the baby is still growing rapidly and still requires a certain amount of closeness to the parent. At this age, a front-facing carrier is not ideal.

However, for babies and toddlers ages 1 year and up, you can experiment with different baby carriers – whatever you or your child prefers. This could be a sling carrier, a buckle carrier or even a backpack carrier.

For dads, in particular, a harder framed carrier will fare better as long as the interior is soft and comfortable for the child. These types of baby carriers look bulky and large but can still accommodate babies of different ages. Most of the baby carriers available for dads are adjustable in size and strap length.

Since most dads prefer to keep things easy, these carriers should be user-friendly and not too complicated – a structured baby carrier should be the way to go!

Features to Look for in a Baby Carrier for Dads

There are several things to consider when you’re out buying a baby carrier as a dad. Call me picky, but my first priority (along with the safety, of course!) is how the baby carrier looks.

Most dad baby carriers will have a color or design that is gender-neutral and not look too weird. If you’re someone who prefers a bit of a pop of color, there are baby carriers available just like that.

You should also consider the size of the baby carrier. Anything that feels too tight around your torso or too small on your body is an instant no. Instead, shop for baby carriers that offer more diversity in adjustments. This will also help your growing baby to accommodate better in the baby carrier.

If you’re worried about the safety of the baby carrier you’re choosing, you can always go for extra infant supports or inserts inside. At the end of the day, safety and comfort are the most important features you should be looking for in a baby carrier!

Takeaway

The idea of a baby carrier for dads is not new, but it’s still not as popular as it should be.

The tides are shifting now, and more dads are using baby carriers. This is great because it helps to share the responsibility equally with the mom, but it also gives you more time to bond with your baby!