Baby Carrier for Dad

kjsmith9 · January 2014

I use our Ergo all the time (about 50/50 with front vs back wearing now that she's 13 months), and DH has used it in the past when she was smaller but isn't so much a fan anymore. He'll be staying at home with DD this summer since he's a teacher, and I would like to find something that is easy for him to get her in/out of (and to get on/off of himself) so they can take the dog for walks and do other activities without lugging a stroller around. We don't do much in terms of actual hiking and that kind of rugged terrain activity, but do you all think a framed carrier would be our best bet? I know everyone loves the kinderpacks, but that doesn't look like it would be any easier for him to get on than an Ergo... am I right? Which carrier would you recommend for him to be using primarily? He's a bigger guy if that matters (6'1" and not scrawny). Thanks!

Emerald27 · January 2014

My DH is 6'3" and loves the Ergo...is it that he is looking for something more comfortable or easier to put on?

Babyhawk makes a half SSC and half meitai that has a buckling waistband and shoulder straps that you tie however you wish. They have masculine prints and are pretty comfy.

I was also going to suggest the kinderpack.

It is very comfortable and the material is thinner/more pliable than the Ergo, so DH may find it easier to use it.

nanabanana06 · January 2014

My SO has an Ergo, but he likes my Tula and KP more. I love my Tula out of all 3. Another option is a mei tai for a more snuggly fit, but those aren't as easy. If you have a BWI club around you I'd go to a meeting. This way he can try all the different brands out before you make a commitment.

I will say that my favorite carrier for long walks and such is my woven though, but that might not be an option for you.

BelhurstBride · January 2014

DH has a framed carrier that he preferred with DD1; he was intimidated by back carries in a SSC.

He's actually used a wrap with DD2, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him attempt it this time around.

Nickiechan · January 2014

My DH LOVES his toddler size Tula... He only used the Boba for a little bit because he said it was diggy... so I would wrap him in my woven wraps. However, this toddler size Tula has been our go to carrier for DH...

blu-eyedwife · January 2014

My husband prefers the Ergo to the framed carrier - he finds it more comfortable. He'll wear the framed carrier when we're hiking, because it doubles as a backpack, but for anything else, he really doesn't like to wear it.

He loves the idea of my mei-tai, but when he finally gave it a shot for back carry, he didn't like how high he had to tie it across his chest (he's also taller - 6'3"). I'm able to tie it right under my breasts, but since he doesn't have breasts (in the same way women do, he's not deformed or anything), he ends up tying it right across the top of his chest, which wasn't comfortable for him.

MamaMuslima01 · January 2014

Ergo Ergo!

myatala · January 2014

My husband uses our BabyHawk. We tried a bunch of SSCs including Ergo at a store and none of them were comfortable for us. We love our BabyHawk!

ncbelle · January 2014

What does he dislike about the ergo? If it's a comfort issue, I do think that he would find a carrier with plus size straps more comfortable - the standard kinderpack would be my first recommendation.

If it's an ease of use issue...that will just take some practice and confidence so I'd encourage him to practice over the bed until he feels comfortable with it. He may also need to try a different method of getting it on (not sure what he is trying now).

elroda · January 2014

Anyone own the Boba 4G? DH and I were just talking about a carrier besides our Boba that he can use with ease. Going to look into the Ergo too.

kjsmith9 · January 2014

@Emerald27 - yes, something a bit easier to put on. He's only put her in it forward facing (I think, but complains about the strap adjustment and getting the top strap to snap easily. I was thinking that with a frame carrier he could put it on the couch, put her in it, and then sit down to get it on his back (rather than trying to get a wiggly toddler to stay on his back while pulling up the ergo straps. It needs to be something he can do alone (since I work full time and own't be around).

@nana_osaki06 - is the Tula warm to wear in the summer? It looks similar to the ergo, just wider and with more fabric? I don't want them both to be sweaty messes in the dead of summer :P

@ncbelle - his biggest complaint is ease of getting it on, but I don't think he's overly comfortable in it either. And it made him really warm (which I'm not sure can be prevented in ANY carrier since you have another warm body attached to you). We were in NC in the blazing heat last summer, and now we're in the midwest, so maybe it'll be a little better this year.

I'm going to start a new thread about kinderpacks now (to catch others who I'm not paging in this post!) - thanks ladies

ncbelle · January 2014

Just to add...I really would NOT suggest a frame pack. They really aren't nearly as comfortable or as practical as a buckle carrier. Really I think practice is the answer as far as ease of use!

nanabanana06 · January 2014

I think the Tula would be cooler than an Ergo. Ergos are really thick and hot. My Tulas body is pretty thin compared. Though Kinderpack has the breathing panels in it to make it cooler.

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