The Best Newborn Carrier for Dads: hope&plum’s Top Picks

Q: Are hope&plum carriers good for plus size dads?

Yes. The Sprout waistband accommodates up to 65' and all of our newborn carriers come in multiple sizes designed with size inclusivity in mind. None require extenders for plus size wearers.

The best newborn carrier for dads is the Sprout Newborn Carrier, followed closely by ring slings, meh dais, and stretchy wraps. Dads want something easy, intuitive, and comfortable so they can focus on what actually matters: bonding with their baby. Every carrier on this list delivers exactly that.

THE SHORT VERSION

The best newborn carrier for dads is easy to use, comfortable, and confidence-boosting.
Our top pick is the Sprout Newborn Carrier for its intuitive design, supportive fit from birth, and easy adjustment for dads' bodies.
Ring slings, baby wraps, and meh dais are all great options too, depending on your style.
Every hope&plum carrier is size-inclusive and fits a wide range of body types.
Start with short practice sessions and build from there. Confidence comes fast!

Our Newborn Carrier Picks for Dads Sprout Newborn Carrier Ring Sling Baby Wrap Meh Dai Getting Started: Dad Edition Newborn Carrier for Dads FAQ Meet the Author

Our Newborn Carrier Picks for Dads

hope&plum newborn carriers are built for every body, including dads. We know dad bodies are different: broader shoulders, longer torsos, different proportions than most carrier sizing assumes. Every carrier type comes in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide range of builds without extenders or workarounds. Natural fibers, free video tutorials, and free fit checks mean you have everything you need to get it right from the first wear.

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Before you dive in: Newborns should only be worn in front carries, high and tight on your chest. Hip and back carries come later once baby is developmentally ready. Read our full newborn to toddler guide for the complete picture.

Top pick for dads

Sprout Newborn Carrier

Hold your infant at the right height so their head is close enough to kiss. Note where their bottom falls on your torso and buckle your waistband at that same height. Snug enough to stay in place, but still comfortable. Adjust the shoulder straps from there.

Short — waists to 45"Long — waists to 65"

Fit tipPull the shoulder straps down and across to buckle and tighten.

shop the Sprout

If you have a flatter chest and narrower hips, the Sprout may fit a little differently than expected. The key is getting the waistband in the right place before you do anything else. Once that is set, the shoulder straps handle the rest.

A white straight size bearded man smiles down at his infant worn on his front in a hope&plum Sprout Newborn Carrier

Standard fit

Ring Sling

Follow the regular instructions without any special adjustments for your dad bod. Just choose the right length for your build. The 84" fits most dads through a 3X t-shirt size. If you are big and tall, go with the 94".

74" — shorter builds84" — most bodies to 3X94" — big & tall

Fit tipRings settle under your collarbone. Slide a finger through and you should be able to touch your armpit. No fabric riding up your neck.

Shop ring slings

No special modifications needed for most dad bodies. Just follow the standard instructions. We offer three lengths: 74", 84", and 94". The 84" fits most dads through a 3X t-shirt size. If you are big and tall, go with the 94".

Most cozy

Baby Wrap

Follow the regular instructions. Choose your wrap length by t-shirt size, not waist measurement. Our short length (4.7 yd) fits most bodies through a Men's Large. Our long length (5.7 yd) fits XL and up.

Short 4.7yd — to Men's LLong 5.7yd — XL & up

Fit tipCross the X where your baby's bottom will sit on your chest to get baby's head close enough to kiss.

Shop Baby Wraps

Follow the standard instructions and choose your length based on your t-shirt size. Our short length (4.7 yd) fits most bodies through a Men's Large. Our long length (5.7 yd) fits XL and up.

A BIPOC straight size man stands outside and looks down at his baby worn in a hope&plum stretchy wrap on his front

Most adjustable

Meh Dai

Hold baby at kissable height, note where their bottom falls, and place your waistband there. Size by waist measurement since the shoulder straps are very adjustable.

Short — waists to 44"Long — waists to 74"

Fit tipPull the shoulder straps down and across to tighten. Maintain tension on the shoulder straps until you tie off in a tight double knot.

Shop Meh Dais

Waistband placement works the same way as the Sprout. Get baby to kissable height, note where their bottom falls, and that is where your waistband goes. The short length fits waists up to 44" with 90" shoulder straps. The long length fits waists up to 74" with 104" shoulder straps. Size by waist since the straps are very adjustable.

A white straight size man stands outside in front of a fence and smiles at his baby who he embraces on his front in a hope&plum meh dai

Pro Tip If you follow these recommendations but still feel like you need some additional support, book a free fit check with our educators!

Getting Started: Dad Edition

A BIPOC dad stands near a fence and foliage outside and looks down at the baby he wears on his front in a hope&plum Lark

First, Why babywearing?

Spoiler: babywearing is for dads too.

Pick your question.

Do carriers even fit dads?

Yes! That is why we are here.

hope&plum carriers are not designed for one body type. They are designed for every body. Broad shoulders, longer torso, bigger waist. All covered. The fit guide for each carrier walks through exactly where to place it on a dad's body.

The Lark fits XS through 6X. The Sprout waistband goes up to 65". Follow the steps and it will fit.

"I'm 5'10" size XL and hubby is 6'4" size 3XL and this carrier also fits him!!"Megan C. — Lark Baby Carrier

"I haven't been able to find another carrier that fits us both comfortably. He loved this! He finally gets to bond with baby on his terms."Maryrosen813 — Lark Baby Carrier

XS through 6X Sprout waist to 65" No extenders needed

Is it going to be complicated?

Probably not as complicated as you think.

The Sprout is the easiest newborn carrier we make. Buckle, adjust, done. No wrapping, no tying, no fifteen-step tutorial required. Practice once with a stuffed animal and most dads have it down.

Once baby is ready for the Lark, it has two shoulder straps and a waistband. Switches between front and back carry without taking it off. Easy carriers get used. Complicated ones live in the closet.

"He figured it out himself after I showed him once. It was a lifesaver."Jackie — Lark Baby Carrier

"He never wore our other kids because it was too complicated. He put it on as soon as he saw it and wears our baby every day now."Shana M. — Lark Baby Carrier

Intuitive design One-person setup Adjusts in seconds

Will dad actually bond with baby?

Yes. And there is real science behind it.

Skin-to-skin contact triggers oxytocin in the wearer, not just the baby. Dads who babywear regularly report stronger early attachment and more confidence in their caregiving.

Baby hears dad's heartbeat, regulates to his body temperature, and learns the sound and smell of him. That is not soft parenting talk. That is biology, and it works exactly the same for dads as it does for any caregiver.

"It is the only carrier he has ever liked. I am so thankful we both get to enjoy babywearing!"JCurzy — Lark Baby Carrier

Oxytocin for parents Early attachment Works for all caregivers

Can dad still get stuff done?

That is the whole point.

Swings, bouncers, rockers are containers. A carrier is the opposite. Baby moves when you move, stays content, and both hands stay free.

Dishes, laundry, a walk, a hike. A carrier goes places a stroller turns into a negotiation. Airports, farmers markets, hiking trails. If you can walk there, you can babywear there.

"My husband loves it so much that he stole it from me and has taken to wearing the baby himself."Jolie M. — Lark Baby Carrier

Hands-free No stroller needed Baby stays content Goes everywhere

Baby will not stop crying.

The science says a carrier helps.

A landmark study had parents carry their babies three extra hours a day. Crying dropped 43% overall and 54% at night. Physical closeness regulates cortisol, stabilizes heart rate, and recreates the warmth baby knew before birth.

Being held close, upright, and moving is the closest thing to the womb environment you can replicate. The fourth trimester is real. A carrier is one of the few tools actually designed for it.

43% less crying overall 54% less at night 4th trimester support

Hunziker and Barr, Pediatrics, 1986. One of the most replicated studies in infant care research.

Is hope&plum worth it?

Only if it actually gets used.

A carrier someone reaches for every day is worth more than a $40 one that stays in the bag. The math only works if it actually gets used, which comes back to fit, comfort, and ease.

hope&plum carriers are made with natural fibers in Minneapolis, get softer with every wash, and are built to last from newborn through toddlerhood.

"My husband keeps stealing it to carry our kids."Anonymous — Ring Sling

Made in Minneapolis Natural fibers 30-day returns Newborn to toddler

A couple each babywearing on their front stands on a rooftop. The white dad has a toddler in a Lark. The BIPOC mom has a baby in a Sprout.

Now that you know that babywearing is for dads too, and you know how to optimize your fit, how do you actually get started? It depends on your situation.

You have a babywearing partner. Start by talking to them! Ask them what they like about babywearing, ask about their favorite newborn carrier, or let them know you want to try and want help making sure you are safe and comfortable.

You are the first babywearer in your family. Take this opportunity to make babywearing your own! If you have no idea where to start, we recommend the Sprout Newborn Carrier since it is easy and comfortable.

Either way, you will need to build your confidence. Start by watching at least one tutorial video and practicing without baby. A doll or stuffed animal is a great stand-in! This helps you get comfortable with the carrier without worrying about dropping or hurting your baby, and helps you understand what a safe and comfortable fit looks and feels like.

Once you feel ready, start with a happy, freshly changed, recently fed and burped baby and aim to wear around the house for 15 minutes or so. Try in front of a mirror for the first few wears until you feel really good about your fit. Then progress from there. A short walk, a quick errand, a fussy afternoon at home. Once you feel comfortable in those situations, take baby on a longer outing. The world is your babywearing oyster.

Download our dad starter plan

Newborn Carrier for Dads FAQ

What is the best newborn carrier for dads?

The best newborn carrier for dads is one that feels easy, comfortable, and confidence-boosting. The Sprout Newborn Carrier is our top pick! It is the most intuitive newborn carrier we make, fits a wide range of dad bodies right out of the box, and is designed for safe front carries from birth.

Are baby carriers designed to fit dads?

Yes. hope&plum carriers come in multiple sizes and adjust to fit different torso lengths, shoulder widths, and waist sizes, including plus-size and big-and-tall builds. The Lark fits XS through 6X. No extenders needed.

Can dads use newborn baby carriers from birth?

Absolutely. The Sprout Newborn Carrier is designed specifically for newborns from around 7 lbs. Ring slings, baby wraps, and meh dais also work safely from birth as long as baby is positioned in a snug front carry with their head close enough to kiss.

Are wraps or structured carriers better for dads?

For newborns, we recommend the Sprout as the easiest starting point for most dads. If you prefer a wrap-style carrier, our stretchy baby wraps work great too. Once baby is older, the Lark is the most popular choice for daily wear. It really comes down to which one you will actually reach for.

How should a newborn carrier fit on a dad’s body?

A newborn carrier should place baby high on your chest, close enough to kiss. If your carrier has a waistband, it should sit where baby's bottom naturally rests when they are positioned correctly on your chest. The carrier should be snug with weight evenly distributed across your hips and shoulders.

Do dads need a different size or type of carrier?

Not a different type, but sizing matters. Many dads do better with the longer length option in wraps, slings, and structured carriers. Use your waist measurement for the Sprout and Meh Dai, and your t-shirt size for wraps and ring slings.

Is babywearing comfortable for dads?

Yes, when the carrier fits well. hope&plum carriers are specifically designed to distribute weight evenly across your hips and shoulders, which makes a significant difference on longer carries. Many dads who found other carriers uncomfortable report no pain with hope&plum.

How can dads get started with babywearing?

Start by watching a tutorial video, then practice with a stuffed animal until the carrier feels natural before trying with baby. When you are ready, pick a calm moment, a happy, fed, freshly changed baby, and aim for 15 minutes at home in front of a mirror. Build from there. Book a free fit check any time you want extra support.

Can two parents share one carrier?

Yes, and this is one of the things hope&plum carriers do especially well. The Sprout, in particular, adjusts quickly between two very different body sizes without reconfiguring the entire carrier. Many families use one carrier between both parents every day.

Are hope&plum carriers good for plus size dads?

Yes. The Sprout waistband accommodates up to 65" and all of our newborn carriers come in multiple sizes designed with size inclusivity in mind. None require extenders for plus size wearers.

Ready to find your fit? Browse hope&plum newborn carriers in every size, style, and price point. New, secondhand, or Almost Perfect: there is an option for most budgets.

Shop Newborn Carriers Browse All Carriers

Meet the Author

Jenn Tolisano

Jenn Tolisano has been a babywearing educator for over ten years. Working as a high school teacher before entering the world of motherhood, she has brought her passion for education to all things baby carriers. Babywearing has been such an essential parenting tool in her household that she wants to spread the babywearing love to all families. Jenn believes that every caregiver deserves to have a baby carrier they love and feel comfortable and confident in. She hopes that her fit checks and blog-writing with hope&plum help to achieve that goal!

What’s the Best Newborn Carrier for Dads?