Baby Slings for Men
Best Baby Sling Choices for Dads
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Reversible slings which offer dual colour options - a preference for mum on one side, dad on the other, such as the Navy blue patapum baby carrier, similar to a rucksack with plain colours
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Slings in gender neutral or masculine block colours, such as the lifft sling in khaki and black.
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Mei tais in gender neutral or masculine colour choices, such as the Napsack baby in Camo, with ultra-adjustability and versatile strap tying variations
Other Consideration
Soft structured carriers such as the Angelpack with their modern, more rugged look, and a two shouldered backpack style carry (a more traditional men's carrying position, and perhaps more comfortable than a hip carry, for some).
Wrap slings, which can fit around parents of different sizes – endlessly versatile in carrying positions
Ring slings, which are adjustable to fit the wearer, and often have a useful pocket for wallet and keys (sometimes men don't like the ring slings' tail hanging down, but it is easy to fold it over the rings for a neat, unfussy look)
Men often step aside in the realm of baby products, leaving the baby showers, booties and bunting to the girls. But when it comes to slings, men can really benefit from getting in on the act.
It can be tough for new dads to think of ways to get involved with babycare in the early days. Usually it is the mother who can stay at home and spend time bonding with her newborn, and if she is breastfeeding, the closeness of their feeding relationship is something he cannot share. But instead of reaching for the bottle (milk for the baby, or something stronger for yourself!), a sling offers a great way for dads to fulfil their natural carer role.
Fussy, 'high needs' babies are often soothed and calmed by being in the sling, and often particularly by being worn by a man, because the baby can feel the deep vibrations of his voice, which has a calming effect. And dad can give a tired mummy a rest by taking the little one out for a walk in the sling – a workout with your baby, who says men can't multi-task?
Putting the baby in a sling offers the chance for men to have much more time to bond with the baby whilst going about his usual jobs. It is great to be wearing baby whilst drinking a beer (thanks hubby for that lovely example ho ho!) and just glance down and kiss that little soft warm head as s/he sleeps. The sling will also absorb your unique scent (like a favourite t-shirt), and even when you are apart, the sling will still remind the baby of you with it's familiar smell.
The baby, besides bonding with daddy, also benefits from the different view of the world daddy presents. He sees different tasks and environments, hears different voices and conversations, and even see familiar things from a different perspective. It all results in a more stimulating learning environment for baby's optimal development.
For parents who are separated, using a sling gives the baby reassuring continuity, as the sling is always familiar, whoever the wearer is. And another bonus for single dads is the female attention; wearing a baby is great for your image. It says “I am confident and strong, yet protective and sensitive” - never underestimate the attractiveness of a man wearing a baby!
So, which sling to go for? Many of the colour and print choices for baby slings are designed with women in mind, with multicoloured florals dominating the market. But there are gender neutral options out there, and, to be honest, it doesn't matter what colour or print the baby sling is- if a man wears the baby, he will ooze masculinity and draw admiring smiles wherever he goes.