7 Best Baby Carriers For Dad To Wow You In 2022

Babywearing is most commonly attributed to mothers only, but why should dads not be able to get in on the fun too?

Some of the best baby carriers are those designed specially with dads in mind.

They range from the regular carrier designs strapped around one’s chest to some outlandish yet uniquely interesting ones, like massive backpack lookouts to look-alike camo kevlar vests for the military aficionados.

That said, these designs don’t lose out on all of the important aspects either, such as comfort, safety, and portability.

No no, they manage to retain these while still providing the needed care for both daddy and baby.

Even if you’re a first time dad, you’re sure to be completely safe in regards to keeping your little one out of harm’s way.

So, in case you dads want some quality bonding time with your kids in the outdoors or to take them out on a bike ride, I’ve composed a list of some of the best dad baby carriers around.

7 Best Baby Carriers For Dads

1. TBG Tactical Baby Carrier

First off, we start with the most unusual design for a baby carrier, but arguably the most inventive and cool look for dads everywhere.

This baby carrier, made by Tactical Baby Gear, is not only stylish, but also adheres to all of the necessary CPSIA and ASTM safety requirements that all modern-day baby carriers have to meet nowadays.

As far as the design goes, the carrier itself is a front-facing one, so you can keep your child within eyesight at all times, and have them face you or outward, depending on what style they prefer best.

Plus, it’s hands-free with an open back, so you don’t get all sweaty from so many layers on hotter days.

The best part is that it grows with the baby, being able to support a weight of up to a whopping 33 pounds.

Plus, the 600D polyester it’s made out of is quite durable, making it seem almost as if it was actual kevlar.

Though that’s not the only part of its construction, the inside is lined with a soft cotton layer to safeguard the rest of the baby carrier against any potential accidents or blowouts that might happen while on the go.

The layer itself is easily removed and machine washable, keeping everything ready for the next time you intend on going out with your little rascal.

The carrier also features UTX buckles that help you adjust the carrier to suit your and your babies’ spatial needs.

2. Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Baby Carrier

To return to a simpler baby carrier for dad and mom alike, we have the Infantino Cuddle Up ergonomic hoodie baby carrier.

While it has no outlandish design, it’s made more for the comfort of both baby and child than some unique gimmick, plus it’s a lot more affordable than most others on the market.

And it can hold up to 40 lbs of weight!

You can utilize it either as a front-facing baby carrier or, if you’re confident enough, as a backpack child carrier to keep your little one hugging you from behind.

The ergonomic bit comes in the adjustable shoulder straps and belts, allowing you to either keep the weight of the baby focused on the back or to center it more toward your hips, depending on your preference.

The inner lining itself is rather comfortable and houses a very natural shape that your little one would take if nestled inside, so they could stay still without panicking or feeling uncomfortable. (Hopefully, you never know with kids!)

The real kicker is the addition of a small little animal hoodie. The fox was my personal favorite, so I chose that as the representative, but there are other designs.

If you don’t like it, it’s detachable thanks to the velcro lining on its bottom.

Though, I’d suggest keeping it on for rainy days or when the sun is really strong to keep your baby’s head protected.

The bit that most of these top picks will thankfully have is that this, too, is also entirely machine washable and should last you a very long time, giving you quite the bang for your buck.

3. Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier

Speaking of ergonomic comfort, Ergobaby’s baby carrier has you covered in all aspects.

Their ergonomic design allows for all possible baby carrying positions.

Whether you want your young’n to be front-facing with their back or chest, be hoisted on your back, or down on your hip, this carrier can manage it all.

It’s meant to hold your little ones until they’re about 2 years of age, but it’s made so it can be re-used well after that for potential future additions to the family, or if you’re looking to resell it at a later date when you don’t need it anymore.

Ergobaby 360 accommodates you regardless of body type as well, thanks to a variety of padded shoulder straps and waist belts that are rather adjustable.

This ensures a perfect fit for any and all wearers, as well as proper hip support, lumbar support, and back support.

Moreover, the shoulder pads can be adjusted to your pleasure by wearing them either as a backpack-style carrier or criss-crossing them to equalize the pressure on both shoulders.

It’s even certified as a healthy hip product for its hip-friendly design.

As far as accessories go, this Ergobaby baby carrier comes with a detachable pouch so you can carry everything you need around with you, whether its baby products or your personal belongings.

And, it also comes with a detachable or tuck-away hood so your baby can be shaded from the sun or, if some cover is needed for when mom is wearing it, for breastfeeding purposes.

The product itself is made purely out of cotton and machine washable, as all quality fabric baby products should be.

If all that doesn’t satisfy, they do offer a satisfaction guarantee where they’ll replace the whole product in case it arrives faulty.

Ergobaby prides themselves in making quality products and they’d rather leave a satisfied customer than not.

4. Mission Critical | S.01 Action Baby Carrier

For an alternative version of the kevlar carrier, look toward the Mission Critical baby carrier.

This one is a bit simpler in design, but a lot less bulky in comparison thanks to that, and, much like the one mentioned prior, it passes the minimum ASTM and JPMA regulations for standard issue baby carriers.

The carrier itself is only front-facing, so you can see if your child is feeling discomfort right off the bat without needing to feel them drumming on your head or crying to catch your attention.

Though, if you’re a fan of backpack babywearing, you might want to consider other options.

That said, this isn’t everything Mission Critical S.01 can offer.

Its construction is the main draw with a very breathable cool air mesh nylon lining that lets dad keep his comfort in the hot sun by letting his skin air out instead of feeling clogged up.

The rest of the carrier is made out of 1000D nylon, ensuring great durability for years to come.

The outside of the carrier is lined with MOLLE webbing, which allows for great amounts of customization if you’re interested in buying more of their accessories to complement your baby gear.

And that’s not all. While most other baby carriers for dads pack hoodies, this one has a fully built in canopy-style shade that you can bring out in case your little one gets a bit too bothered by the heat.

Plus, much like the TBG version, it has a removable inner lining to safeguard the rest of the carrier from blowouts, and is easily machine washable, too.

And, if you’re a dad who likes to have some variety, they do offer them in three different colors – black, gray, or coyote.

I know it’s not much, but it is something compared to most other products. Plus, you’ve still got to camouflage after all!

5. BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Mini

Back to some of the simpler designs, BABYBJORN provides an effective solution for dads and moms who are looking for function over form.

This baby carrier is rather lightweight, but still provides all the necessary needs that the previous ones would, just at a much more affordable price and without the need for any cumbersome additions or extensions.

Its fabric is a blend of mostly polyester and cotton, with a bit of elastane added for some flexibility.

All of this just so it could resemble a comfy t-shirt pocket that your child has nestled into – much like a kangaroo youngling.

Said fabric is easily machine washable as well, allowing for a quick and easy clean before getting back to action.

The baby space is easily adjustable and quite ergonomic, letting your child remain either fully in, or linger about in that classic M shape with their legs swinging about on the sides.

And, despite being simple in its design, it comes in a wide variety of colors for when you want to personalize your look (in case any other neighborhood dads opted for the same one.)

The carrier can last your baby up to 12 months of age, as it was designed with simplicity in mind and that’s around the period when your child might need to be that close to you in the first place.

That’s arguably its only downside, though if you’re only looking to use one until then and swap to just regular walking or baby strollers afterward, then this is probably the most reliable option for your needs and will get you the most out of what you paid for.

RELATED: Baby Bjorn Vs Ergobaby: Which Baby Carrier Is Better?

6. LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons SIX-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier

Now here’s something completely opposite to the earlier simple design of the BABYBJORN. It’s Lillebaby’s baby carriage.

Now if you’ve ever looked for the Swiss knife of all baby carriers, this is right up your wheelhouse.

To start things off, it has the capability of allowing you to carry your baby in 6 different positions.

Whether it’s on your back, down at the hips, up in front facing forward or toward you, nestled in a fetal position, or on the side in their dubbed “toddler” pose. They have it all.

All of it to help your baby accustom itself to its growth, as well as providing you with the most ideal position for your baby carrying needs.

Not only that, but as the title says, it is completely ergonomic, with quality lumbar support as well as hip and back support.

It’s a globally accepted baby carrier for anyone with hip problems and an overall good option if you’re looking for the maximum amount of comfort in your day-to-day dad life.

The said support is fully customizable as well, especially with the padded shoulder straps, allowing for the standard backpack feel or crossed design, depending on what suits you better.

Personalization and customizability is the key word in the 21st century – especially since everyone wants to find their own, unique individual self – and LILLEbaby allows you to do just that.

As far as the other features go, they sport a comfy pad that sits around the baby’s neck to both protect it and allow for the perfect positioning as far as the baby’s delicate little head is concerned.

Speaking of comfort, there’s also a zip-down mesh housed in the front of the baby.

Keep it zipped up for when your munchkin needs to keep warm and zip it down when you want to keep the air circulation going and give them a nice, cool breeze to waft them every now and then.

They use a variety of side panels to allow for a premium amount of adjustment of the baby’s position to achieve the comfy zen for both you and baby.

This also allows the baby carrier to grow with them, anywhere from their newborn age (around 7 or so lbs) all the way up to age 4 or when they reach 45 lbs – whichever comes first.

And, naturally, they meet all of the international ASTM standards, and all of the parts are machine washable and quite durable, making for a sturdy baby carrier.

After all, they didn’t win a Cribsie award for the best baby carrier for no reason.

This one is favored among all of the local moms and dads that I know, mostly because they like to have everything on hand and having the best of the best.

If it’s the best for you is up to your personal preference, but I have heard and seen nothing but good things on this one.

7. Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to bother with complicated words like all these fabric names and fancy baby terms, but a dad looking for something simple – something that takes you back to the basics – you might want to consider Baby K’tans as an option.

Baby K’tan is a simple wrap carrier that’s as easy to put on as it is to dress yourself in the morning, and the stretchy fabric means that there’s absolutely no need for any complicated mechanisms, rings, buckles, waist wraps, or similar.

Despite this, you’re still left hands-free because the carrier itself is quite snug and there is no danger of your baby climbing or slipping away without you having plenty of time to react to it.

It can withstand weights of up to 35 lbs and comes in a variety of sizes based on your needs and preferences.

Plus, it’s quite the bargain compared to the more complicated and feature-heavy ones.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s just a random piece of cloth sewn together in specific places; it is still manufactured with a lot of care and thought in mind.

The 100% organic cotton fabric makes the carrier breathable and stretchy to allow some wiggle room for your baby’s active moments.

Nobody likes being confined into a single space for too long without movement after all, do they?

The breathable portion of the fabric allows air to circulate around the baby properly, keeping them either warm in cooler temperatures or fresh and cool in those asphalt-melting temperatures of summer.

And, naturally, because it’s so simple in its design, the whole carrier is both machine washable and safe to use in a dryer.

The many designs it comes in are all durable and will not easily fade with repeated use.

What To Look For In A Baby Carrier For Dad?

Whether you’re a dad looking to buy a baby carrier for yourself or as a gift for Father’s Day, there are some key points to pay attention to.

When it comes to what a dad wants in a baby carrier, one should always consider that what works for moms, might not necessarily work for you dads.

I’d suggest keeping the baby carrier patterns and designs gender-neutral.

Stick to a nice navy blue, black, or something along those lines.

Though this is a minor thing, I’m certain many of you aren’t comfortable with wearing bright pink or a teddy bear pattern – and that’s okay. Not everyone is.

If you’re the sort that isn’t bothered by it, then you can easily skip this tip and rock whatever design makes your little one or wife happy.

A rather relevant requirement though is looking for appropriate back support and ergonomic baby carriers.

You’re either working a very physically intensive job or are sitting at a desk job for at least 8 hours a day.

Either of these already does a number on your back, you don’t need to have your child be a burden to you as well.

Make sure to find a baby carrier that provides you with the most comfort and helps you keep your back straight and posture healthy.

This way you can avoid risking any serious health issues in your later years.

The next major requirement is comfort for the baby. The last thing you’d want is for your baby’s skin to get irritated or chafed from uncomfortable material.

I’ve seen a handful of baby carriers that ended up leaving a red mesh netting imprint on the baby’s legs and providing them with horrid discomfort that made them cry constantly.

Trust me when I say that it’s not uncommon. Sometimes it’s the parents’ fault for not positioning the baby properly, but more often than not it’s on the manufacturer for making an inferior product.

Another minor requirement is to find a baby carrier that offers holding the baby in a position you’re accustomed to.

This ties into the back support tip as well. It’s not just about how well positioned the support on the baby carrier is, but where the weight of the baby is placed on as well.

Otherwise it would be pointless to even have the support if the weight isn’t adjusted to lessen the impact on that part of your torso.

Look for something that fits both you and your partner (unless you have separate baby carriers, in which case you can disregard this tip.)

Another thing to consider is the budget. How much are you really willing to spend on a baby carrier? Is it worth it to get one?

If you’re getting one, do keep in mind that the cheapest isn’t always the best, but the same goes for the most expensive ones. It’s always smarter to look at the quality of the product, the fine print, and the reviews others leave when you’re checking out what’s right for you.

You don’t want to end up buying something that might seem good on paper, only to come out as something completely different than what you expected. Always stay informed.

This leads us into the final tip: make sure the product is quality.

Find something that will last you for the duration of your child’s growth period or longer – in case you’re planning on selling it or using it for your next family member, should you plan on expanding the family roster.

In Conclusion

As with many other products, there are always so many variants on the market.

The 21st century sees a lot of saturation in any aspect, especially baby gear, and it might be hard to find the best baby carrier for dad when you try looking.

Most of them won’t really specify that they’re for dad only.

This is why common sense and a bit of research are required in this day and age to make sure you can find one that’s just right for you.

There are so many options to consider that the ones I listed don’t even cover all the top picks – there are arguably dozens more to go through.

It’s up to you to figure out which one fits your needs the best and which one you can afford to even get.

I do hope I’ve managed to help narrow down the choices for you, and that you’ll have a quicker and easier time choosing the perfect one for you.

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