I’ve found that without a doubt the best carrier for tall dads is the Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier, which offers the lower back support that you’re looking for when carrying your little one around. Adjustable shoulder and belt straps make this one of the best baby carriers for big dads.
Carrying your baby in a baby carrier is beneficial to both of you. Not only does the physical contact strengthen the bond between you and baby, but it also gives you the freedom of using your hands for other things. Carriers also provide much-needed support for your hips, back and shoulders.
- My Top Picks
- Buying a Baby Carrier – What Big Dads Need to Know
- Best Overall – Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
- Best for Traveling – TGB Men's Tactical Baby Gear Carrier
- Best for Newborns – Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier
- Best for Simplicity – Boppy Comfyfit Baby Carrier
- Best Value – Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Baby Carrier
- FAQ
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
- Best for Traveling – TGB Men’s Tactical Baby Gear Carrier
- Best for Newborns – Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier
- Best for Simplicity – Boppy Comfyfit Baby Carrier
- Best Value – Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Carrier with Character Canopy
Buying a Baby Carrier – What Big Dads Need to Know
Let’s face it guys, until a few years ago, baby carriers were designed mostly for the mommy form. Fortunately, it’s a changing world and the advancement of baby carriers makes it possible for tall dads to carry their little ones around with ease. I’ve put together a buyer’s guide that will help you choose the right baby carrier.
The Different Types of Baby Carriers
There are several types of different carriers from the most basic wraps to more advanced structured carriers. The most basic types of baby carriers are as follows:
- Wrap: Although not the easiest to manage, this is the simplest type of carrier. It’s simply a long piece of material that you wrap around your and your baby’s body. By tying loose ends you create a snug, cozy and secured place for your baby.
- Ring Sling: Similar to a wrap, this is also a long piece of material with two rings on the end. The material is threaded through one ring and tied and tucked under the other ring.
- Soft-structured Carrier: These are the carriers with padded shoulder straps and often also padded belts for tying around your waist. The baby rests in a pouch created after all the straps are tied.
- Mei Dai: This is a combination of a wrap and a soft-structured carrier. It has features of a soft structured carrier but also has pieces of material that you tie around your body.
- Backpack: Designed for toddlers, the backpack option requires children to be able to sit by themselves with strong neck control. Backpack carriers usually have additional straps that are padded for additional support and more even weight distribution.
How to Pick the Right One for Your Size
Choosing a baby carrier for the first time can be very challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To simplify, a soft structured carrier should allow your baby to be seated high enough for you to be able to kiss the top of his or her head. The carrier also needs to have an adjustable seat wide enough to distribute the baby’s growing weight, providing hip support.
Best Overall – Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
First up we have the Ergobaby Omni 360. It’s part of the Cool Air Mesh collection and its sturdy mesh fabric allows for ultimate airflow. The Ergobaby range is known for its ergonomic support and the Omni 360 doesn’t disappoint. Thick, adjustable, padded straps and belts offer extra comfort and lower back support, making it the ideal choice for tall dads. It easily adjusts to suit your baby from newborn to toddler and unlike most carriers, can be used from day one as it doesn’t have a minimum weight and easily fits babies from 0-48 months.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has also given the Ergobaby thumbs up for being hip-healthy, which is a definite plus point. Ergobaby also initiated the FILL HEARTS NOT LANDFILLS initiative which is a buyback restoration program. Buying used carriers, Ergobaby refurbishes your carrier for another family to enjoy. It’s very simple to use and only requires a few simple steps to setup. To see just how simple it is to use, check out the video below.
Who It’s For
Thick, adjustable, padded straps offer extra comfort and lower back support, making it the ideal choice for tall dads.
Why You Should Consider It
This versatile carrier is suited for different carry positions which allows baby to face in or out, handy for the baby to explore the world from a safe vantage point. An added advantage is the tuck away baby hood that provides cover against sun and wind. A nifty one-handed slider adjustment allows you to quickly switch baby to face in or out.
If you want to consider it some more, you might want to look at my Ergobaby vs Lillebaby vs Tula article, too.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6.18 x 9.13 x 10.43″
- Weight: 1.7lbs
- Materials: Mesh
- Weight capacity/Age range: 7lbs
- Type of carrier: Structured carrier
Pros
- Adjustable straps and belts for lumbar and shoulder support for dads who are a little taller
- Easily fits babies from 0-48 months
Cons
- Mesh can cause rashes on exposed baby legs
- Shoulder buckle can break with excessive use, can’t be ordered separately
Best for Traveling – TGB Men’s Tactical Baby Gear Carrier
Next up we have the Tactical Baby Gear Carrier, a firm favorite for dads who enjoy traveling with their babies. Tactical 600D polyester makes it lightweight and easy to handle. UTX buckles are very easy to adjust and can hold baby up to 33 pounds. Its one-person operation makes putting on and taking off very easy.
Who It’s For
With its tough military design, the Tactical Baby Gear Carrier is the perfect baby carrier for the dad on the go.
Why You Should Consider It
The Tactical Baby Gear Carrier has a comfortable open back for temperature control, suited for outings with dad.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 16.1 x 11.1 x 3.2″
- Weight: 1.6lbs
- Materials: Polyester
- Weight capacity/Age range: minimum weight 8lbs
- Type of carrier: Soft baby carrier
Pros
- Easy to adjust buckles as baby grows
- Baby’s hips are supported by wide bottom
Cons
- Material is roughly textured, easily scratches
- Center piece isn’t adjustable, forcing tall babies to sit uncomfortably
Best for Newborns – Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier
A favorite among new parents, this carrier is made using the latest in breathable performance material, keeping both dad and baby comfortable and cool in sunny weather. That means no sweating or discomfort. It offers healthy hip positions for newborns and preemies. The sling blocks out the sun’s harmful rays, ensuring the safety of your newborn’s skin.
Who It’s For
The practical design of the Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier is perfectly suited for parents of newborn or preemie babies.
Why You Should Consider It
The Baby K’Tan Active Baby Carrier is typically suited for the dad who is comforting a newborn or preemie.
I wrote a comparison post Baby K’tan Breeze vs Active vs Original so you can have an easier time trying to make a decision.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 8.07 x 3.54 x 8.46″
- Weight: 1lb
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- Weight capacity/Age range: 35lbs
- Type of carrier: Soft baby carrier
Pros
- Ideally suited for small babies
- Comfortable in warm weather due to breathable fabric
Cons
- Not enough support for dads back and shoulder
- Sizing is not accurate and dads might struggle to find the right fit
Best for Simplicity – Boppy Comfyfit Baby Carrier
For the dad looking for simplicity, the Boppy Comyfit Baby Carrier is ideal. It’s easy to use and has a 3 simple step system. Simply click, strap, tie, and go. Baby can face inward or outward. One size makes it versatile and easy to share between parents. It has a nifty zippered pocket to keep much-needed items always in reach.
Who It’s For
The Boppy Comyfit has a one size fits feature typically suited for dads who wouldn’t require too much strap adjustment to wear it comfortably.
Why You Should Buy It
The one-size feature makes it easy to share between parents without having to adjust straps and buckles every time the baby changes hands.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6 x 11″
- Weight: 2.35lbs
- Materials: Spandex
- Weight capacity/Age range: 8-35lbs
- Type of carrier: Soft baby carrier
Pros
- Suitable for babies of a smaller weight – minimum weight requirement is 8lbs
- Endorsed as “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
Cons
- Doesn’t have the best back support for parents
- Bigger babies don’t have enough support
Best Value – Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Baby Carrier
Lastly, we have the Infantino Cuddle Up. This carrier is suitable for both parents as its adjustable straps help it fit many different body types and sizes. The ergonomic seat enables the baby to stay seated in the carrier for extended periods.
Who It’s For
Because of its adjustable straps, it offers adequate weight transfer to hips, fitting more comfortably for most people.
Why You Should Buy It
This product can be carried as a backpack as well and offers all-round support which makes this a seriously wise investment for any savvy parent.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 10″
- Weight: 1.65lbs
- Materials: Poly Cotton
- Weight capacity/Age range: 12lbs
- Type of carrier: Soft baby carrier
Pros
- Voted as Amazon’s best choice, this carrier is super value for a super price
- Ergonomic seat supports babies back for long periods
Cons
- Not suited for small babies
- Taller and bigger dads may struggle to get the right fit with the straps
FAQ
What are ergonomic carriers and why are they better than non-ergonomic carriers?
Ergonomic baby carriers offer support to your baby’s natural posture, simultaneously encouraging healthy hip development as the baby is supported correctly while sitting in the carrier. These carriers support the baby’s legs enough to not dangle but still freely move.
Will I be able to carry my baby in a baby carrier if I have any form of back problem?
While there are many different types of baby carriers on the market, not all are suited for parents with back problems. With the advancement of baby carriers, there are carriers available that offer extra support for back and shoulder. Look for a carrier with enough weight distribution.
When can I start using a baby carrier?
You can use a baby carrier from day one, provided that your baby meets the minimum weight requirements of your chosen carrier.
Conclusion
I hope the buyer’s guide and product reviews I’ve shared with you will assist you with finding the baby carrier that’s both comfortable and supportive for you and your baby. However, if you’re still not sure which carrier is right for you, I recommend the Ergobaby Omni 360. With its extendable head cushion, your baby will have extra head and neck support during all growth stages. Also, a firm favorite among bigger and taller dads, as it provides additional lower lumbar and shoulder support. Not to mention the added feature of the detachable pouch, perfect for dad’s keys and phone. Ergobaby Omni 360 is the carrier that simply has it all!
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API