There is no more charming sight than a doting dad snuggling his baby close in a carrier. (Hey, moms are not the only ones who have to multitask.) And whether they are running errands with their bitty, doing chores around the house with a colicky cutie attached to their front, or going for a hike with their mini adventurer in tow, fathers will love these practical, rugged, and intuitive baby carriers for men. We’ve rounded up our favorite options so that Dad can go hands-free while doing his thing and loving on that nugget of his. Skin-on-skin, chest-on-chest, and busy, as always — Dad has this whole parenting gig in the bag.
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Omni 360 baby carrier can be used from newborn-hood through toddler-hood; it can accommodate a child up to 45 pounds. Dads can carry their little peanut facing inward, outward, or on their back. The plush, padded back belt and super-soft shoulder straps make this ergonomically designed cozy cotton wrap extra practical for long-haul use. What’s more, you can choose to keep the shoulders straight or crossed depending on your preference for weight distribution. Bonus features include a UPF baby visor for sun protection and a large storage pouch.
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One
Made with a breathable and flexible material that is cool on your skin and your baby’s, the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One is ergonomically designed for a natural and comfortable hold. Made to carry littles up to 36 months of age, there are four different position options to best fit your newborn or toddler. The seat width is adjustable with a zipper that ensures your baby’s hips are properly aligned and supported. It is also super intuitive to put on and use — if Dad is all thumbs, the Baby Carrier One is the way to go.
Infantino Swift Classic Carrier
If budget is top of mind, this simple Infantino carrier gives you exactly what you need at a very reasonable price point. The features are simple but functional; essentially, it gets the job done. It can be used facing inward or outward for babies 8 to 25 pounds. It is light and portable for quick errands, but it is probably not the option you will want to use for big trips and errands. It certainly does not have all the bells and whistles that many other carriers boast, but it gets 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 3,000 Amazon reviews — and that certainly speaks volumes.
LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original 6-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier
The versatile LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original baby carrier offers a whopping six positions to accommodate your little one through all stages of baby and toddlerhood. What’s more, the carrier has an adjustable, extendable back panel that evolves with Baby to ensure adequate neck support as that nugget grows larger and taller. The carrier is certified as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Dad will appreciate that the super-supportive belt offers ample lumbar support to keep him out of the chiropractor’s office. Finally, nifty features like a large storage sleeve and sleeping hood for outdoor use make this carrier a total win.
ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Carrier
The hiking enthusiast will love that this cross-country carrier backpack is under 6 pounds. Sturdy and comfortable, cushy padding absorbs energy as Dad and Baby make their way uphill, downhill, or through the woods. The seat is adjustable and can accommodate a baby between 9 and 48 months (or up to 33 pounds). No, this is not an option for newborns and smaller infants, but it’s a great choice for regular adventurers who want reliability, comfort, and convenience throughout the years.
A baby carrier is a must-have for a new parent. It enables a caregiver to have both hands free while keeping their cutie-pie cuddled close. It is true that parenting means doing a whole lot of multitasking. The struggle and juggle is made easier with the right gear. The best carriers for dads enable them to strap on their littles and go about their business. It is a skin-to-skin win-win.
