5 Best Baby Carriers For Dad 2021- Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Every parent wants to be able to hold their baby close to them, even dads. Often baby carriers are designed for the mom to wear, but what about all of the loving fathers out there? They too want to share in the responsibility of carrying their baby when going to the store, hiking, or on family outings.

That is why it is important that there are baby carriers on the market that cater to men and fathers. Because men have different sizes and shapes of bodies compared to mothers, they must be careful when choosing a baby carrier. However, when you begin shopping for a baby carrier for dad, it may seem overwhelming due to the vast amount of options that are available. How do you know if you are choosing the one that is going to best meet your needs?

Well, there are a few crucial factors to consider when choosing best baby carrier for dad. These would include the features, price, and reliability. When spending your hard-earned money, you want to be sure you are getting a good value, but also that the product is top quality and going to last for the duration of the baby’s life.

Here you can compare the top products in this category side by side to see their features and reviews.

TOP-5 Best Baby Carriers For Dads 2021:

1. MiaMily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier
2. BABYBJÖRN New Baby Carrier One Air 2019 Edition
3. The Onya Baby Next Step Front and Back
4. The Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier
5. The Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier

MiaMily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier: Best High Quality Baby Carrier For Active Dads

The Mila Hipster Plus is described as being “The perfect 360 backpack with six different carrying positions and hip protection.” This carrier is offered in three neutral colors which are a perfect match for any fashionable dad’s wardrobe. The colors available are charcoal grey, stone grey, and dark blue.

This product is of famous Swiss quality as the company only uses top of the line materials when constructing their items. It features premium materials such as self-locking YKK zippers and Duaflex buckles. This ensures that baby is safe and dad is comfortable at all times.

Also, the shoulder strip was designed with a 3-way lock buckle for extra security and 3D adjustable system,which allows dad to easily adjust the fit from front and back. Since safety and comfort are top priorities when it comes to a good baby carrier, the Mila Hipster Plus is a solid choice for those reasons, along with many others as well. One stellar feature of this product is that it is able to accomodate a child from when they are three months all the way until they are four years old; in fact, this carrier can hold a child weighing up to 44 pounds.

With no intricate strips or long pieces of fabric the Hipster Plus allows dad to be carrying the baby in a matter of seconds. Additionally, the product features a zippered pocket for extra storage, a mesh phone pocket, and breathable mesh fabric. Weighing in at just under the two pound mark, this item is highly portable and a great choice for parents who are on the go with busy schedules. All of these features combined, along with its affordable price point, make the Mila Hipster an excellent choice for a dad’s baby carrier.

BABYBJÖRN New Baby Carrier One Air 2019 Edition:

The BABYBJÖRN New Baby Carrier One Air 2019 Edition is a strong choice when it comes to baby carrier for dads. BABYBJÖRN is a trusted name in the baby carrier market, and there are many reasons as to why this is so. However, just know that due to this, the price point is slightly higher than for other similar products on the market. To begin, this carrier comes in two fabric choices, mesh or cotton. The variety of colors available includes Anthracite (grey), Black, and Dark Gray.

This is the company’s most popular carrier because it is comfortable and allows parents to be close and bond with their baby from the very beginning. It aligns naturally with baby’s body, allowing both parent and baby to feel comfortable and secure. This carrier allows for four different carrying positions including, the newborn position, front positions facing both in and out, and finally the back carrying position. So there are many options depending on the size and age of the child. One plus to this carrier is that the seat width is fully adjustable by usage of a zipper, and this ensures an ergonomically correct position for your child’s hips. The last thing any dad would want is for their child to be uncomfortable in their carrier. In addition, this carrier offers your baby adjustable head support to make sure they are secure at all times while in the carrier.

One plus to this product is that there are additional accessories available for purchase which can enhance the original carrier by providing parents with more options. These include a baby carrier cover for cold or rainy conditions, as well as a waterproof bib which can help keep your carrier clean and dry. This product weighs in at 2.7 pounds making it slightly heavier than the Mila Hipster, but not by much. When taking all the facts into consideration, this carrier is a great option for those looking for a solid product with extra options.

Onya Baby Next Step Front and Back Infant to Toddler Carrier: Best Baby Carrier For All Sizes Dads

The Onya Baby Next Step Front and Back Infant to Toddler Carrier is from a lesser known brand, but offers numerous features at an attractive price point. It is a solid choice for those dads shopping for a high quality baby carrier while on a budget.

Additionally, this carrier is perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or live in a warm to hot climate. One of the most unique features of the Next Step is that it is “the chair you can wear.” It is called this because it incorporates a integrated seat that works with almost any chair. This comes in handy when at an establishment that doesn’t offer high chairs or booster seats for little ones.

Compared to other carriers, the Next Step is different because it is considered to be soft-structured carrier, which allows it to really mold and form to both parent and child. The material is tough, water-resistant, and a rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining makes it great for hot weather or hiking the trails. Basically, this product is an outdoor lover’s dream come true in terms of infant carriers. It can also be noted that both dad and baby will stay cooler with the air-mesh lining, which removes moisture leaving everyone cool and comfy.

Other unique features of this carrier include a toy loop, pocket, and key clip. These small details are what set it apart from other similar products. Parents adore the ease and convenience that this carrier provides them. Another additional plus is the built-in support belt which helps to distribute the weight while carrying your baby or child. This can be helpful on longer walks or hikes where fatigue may become an issue after extended wear. Luckily, Onya has taken this into consideration when designing this carrier for active parents. With a weight of only 1.7 pounds and a foldable design, this carrier is perfect for travel and takes up little space in a diaper bag or backpack. Overall, the Outback carrier is a perfect choice for active dads who like to spend time outdoors are are searching for lightweight and travel friendly option.

Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier with Cool Air Mesh: Best Baby Carrier For Tall Farthers

The Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier with Cool Air Mesh is yet another great option for dad seeking out a baby carrier. Ergobaby is a trusted brand, consistently providing well loved products at a fair price. This carrier offers all positions, hence the 360 label and provides both parents and baby with maximum comfort.

Many key features make this a solid choice as a all around great baby carrier. To start off, it is both ergonomic and comfortable, providing parents with a padded lumbar support waist belt and extra padded shoulder straps. This makes long walks or journeys pleasant, without any added pain.

One more positive aspect about this carrier is that it is easy to adjust for both parents to wear, fitting both petite and larger body types, meaning mom and dad can easily switch back and forth. The carrier has a waistband that adjusts 26-52″ and shoulder straps that adjust from 28 3/4″ to 46 3/4″.

With this carrier, there are plenty of options when it comes to how you want to carry your baby, from facing the baby in or out to wearing it on the parent’s back to their hip, to their front. All options are there to accommodate baby as their grow.

Additionally, there is a newborn insert sold separately that allows you to use their with your infant as soon as they are born. It should be noted however, that this carrier is only suitable for babies up to 33 pounds, meaning it is not suited for larger babies or toddlers.

This might be a drawback for those wishing to purchase one carrier that grows with their child. That being said, one plus to this carrier is that the material is both breathable and cool. Ergobaby’s Cool Air Mesh collection carriers are made with supple and durable mesh fabric that provides our sturdy support for babies while allowing for maximum breathability and airflow.

Weighing 2.16 pounds, this carrier is heavier than most so it might not be the best choice for those who travel a lot and are looking for a more lightweight option.

Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier- Best Simple Use Baby Carrier For Dad

The Tula Free to Grow Baby Carrier is a great option for those looking for a budget friendly baby carrier option that still is well made and top of the line quality. One of the major pluses concerning this carrier is the wide variety of color and even pattern options that are available.

Of course there are the simple options such as black and grey, but on offer are fun and trendy patterns such as Cityscape, Black Lightning, Hamptons (a bright floral), and Wallflower (a muted floral). This gives parents a choice in how their style is represented, a quality that is lacking with many other types of baby carrier.

To begin with, the Tula carrier features an innovative body panel that is adjustable in three width and two height settings allowing for an ergonomic fit for infants all the way up to small toddlers. It should be noted that the weight limit for this carrier is 45 pounds, meaning it isn’t suitable for larger toddlers, meaning a second carrier would be required.

But, due to its affordable price point, that may not be a large issue for most dads. Dual adjustment padded shoulders allow for maximum comfort and for an easy switch between parents or wearers of different sizes. Like many other carriers, the Tula allows for both front and back carrying, giving dads plenty of options.

This carrier is the perfect option for those who like stylish options and want their baby carrier to be simple and straightforward.

Buying Guide for Baby Carrier

Once you decided to buy a baby carrier, there a few main factors to take into consideration. It is a good idea to look at multiple options to make sure you are getting a carrier that fits your needs and will be the best option for you and your family in the long run. Simply purchasing a carrier without any thought or research might be an expensive mistake. Here are the main factors to consider when shopping for a baby carrier for dad.

Price

The first thing to think about is your budget. There is no use in looking at carriers that fall outside of your budget, and there are many high quality products out there for any price point. That being said, as the old adage goes, you do often get what you pay for, so it is smart to buy the nicest possible carrier that you can afford to ensure you are getting a well made product that will last and grow with your baby. If there is a carrier you really want but it is outside of your budget, a good option might be placing it on a gift registry so friends and family can help you to obtain it.

Weight Restrictions

A second factor to take into consideration when shopping for a new baby carrier is the minimum and maximum weight limits for the product. Some carrier companies sell newborn inserts that allow the carrier to be used as soon as the baby is born, while others do not have this option and the baby must be 15 pounds before the carrier can safely be used. Of course it is equally important to pay close attention to the maximum weight limit as well. While some carriers can safely carry children up to 75 pounds, many other max out around 35-45 pounds, meaning that most larger toddlers would be too heavy to safely fit into the carrier. A question you must ask is whether you want one carrier to last the span of your baby’s early life, or if you would not mind buying another one down the road.

Carrying Positions

A third important factor to think about when searching for a baby carrier is the variety of carrying positions it allows. Some carriers offer more than six different ones even including a hip carry option for older babies. Others are more traditional and simply offer both front and back carrying. It depends on your personal preference and how comfortable you feel carrying your baby in a variety of different ways. For those that want their carrier to grow with their child, features such as a hip carry option will be beneficial as the child gets heavier and more difficult to carry on the parent’s front.

Added Features

The fourth and final factor to consider are the additional options and added features to the baby carrier. These would include features like storage and pockets, toy holders or clips, and add-ons like bibs and covers. If you are someone who likes to buy accessories and have all of the options on the market, it would be best to buy a carrier whose company offers those additional extras. Also, if you always need extra room for wipes or snacks, a carrier with storage options might be the best choice for you. Of course there are those parents who want to keep things simple and have a carrier that is more straightforward rather than having all the latest gadgets and add-ons. Either way, it is important to think of your likes and needs when choosing a carrier.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a baby carrier for dad, there is no easy answer. In a market that offers so many choices at so many varying price points, the choice isn’t always easy. It can seem daunting and a bit overwhelming at first. Many dads are scared of the process of even looking at different baby carriers. However, there is no need to live in fear; if you look at the options and take an honest inventory of you and your family’s needs, the decision does become a lot easier. By considering such factors as price and budget, weight restrictions, carrying positions, and added features, you can narrow down your search and ensure that you are selecting the best baby carrier that fits all of your needs. While there might not be the perfect carrier that fits all of your wishes, there is certainly bound to be one that stands out above the rest. It is good to remember that if you and your baby and comfortable and safe, that is what matters most. With careful planning and research, you are certain to select a product that will enrich the lives of both you and your precious baby.