What happens when dads learn babywearing together?
May 28, 2026
Last weekend, I had a blast working at an event that brought together 40+ new dads.
They were there to meet and greet, have some coffee and snacks, listen to an amazing musician, and learn how to use their newest baby carrier.
Which is why I was there, of course.
The baby carrier was the BabyBjörn Harmony, and
it worked for every dad-baby pair there.
The babies ranged from about 2.5 to 11 months old and came with a wide range of uniqueness. And all the dads were eager to jump in, try it, ask questions, and really embrace the carry.
I wasn’t alone in helping teach all these pairs. I was joined by my husband and two members of the local BabyBjörn team.
We never had a moment to slow down.
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• • •
When Dad Becomes a Babywearing Person
My husband was the hands-down favorite educator there, and honestly, he knocked it out of the park.
He connected with these new dads via a shared path. And as someone who has walked that path himself, he celebrated where these men are headed in his natural, easy way.
There's something powerful about dads learning from someone who can say, “Yes, I've been there, and you're doing great.”
I listened in a few times, partly to make sure he was giving good tips, but mostly just to hear him in his element.
I heard a dad share with him that he'd been hesitant to use the carrier they had at home because he wasn’t sure he was using it correctly. His wife’s comments had given him pause, and he didn't want to 'do it wrong.'
He simply said, "Well, let's get you comfortable then, and ask any questions you have, I've got you."
The dad asked his questions. He tested out the carrier. He practiced. Then, when his baby fell asleep, he came back, just as instructed, to learn new adjustments and get more confident.
He was excited to say, “This is MY carrier now.”
And my husband shared that he'd had his own carriers too. A small moment, maybe, but one that said a lot.
The Questions Were Simple, Practical, and So Important
Some of the questions and comments that stood out to me, mostly because of how often they came up, were questions we hear again and again in babywearing education.
They asked things like:
Is this safe to use every day?
How long can I use this carrier?
Do I need to worry about... insert: the feet, legs, hands, arms, or head?
What does this part do?
What do I do when it’s hot?
Is it really okay to go out and do errands with this carrier?
When can I... face baby forward, do a back carry, or go on the subway or bus?
These questions are fairly universal. They are also a clear example of why interactive babywearing education matters.
One person’s question became another dad’s jumping-off point.
Suddenly, the questions became layered:
“I heard you say I can use this carrier in the house, but what about outside?”
“I was talking to these other dads, and they said you mentioned that when the baby is awake, it’s different than when they're asleep. Can you tell me more?”
“So if the baby falls asleep, I'll come back and have you check it again?”
That's the beauty of a group learning together in real time. The questions build on each other, and there are opportunities for follow-up and clarification.
• • •
What I Loved Most
The enthusiasm these dads demonstrated for learning about their babies’ physical and emotional development was endearing.
Their pride in having dad friends was beautiful. Their pride in giving their partners a morning off was beautiful, too.
They spoke about the family unit as a team. They embraced their role as dads with real joy and curiosity.
I loved seeing my husband support other dads in a way he wished he'd been supported. Maybe for me, that was the best moment.
There was no eye-rolling. No “just tell me what to do” energy. They wanted to understand their babies and the carrier, and to feel capable of carrying them.
I only had a few hours with this group, but I would love to be a fly on the wall at the next event and hear one dad say to another:
“Did you bring that carrier? Your arm must be getting tired.”
Because I feel fairly certain there will be several who'll say exactly that.
Learning Doesn't End When the Event Ends
For each person I worked with, I tried to connect, ask their name and their baby’s name, and share how they could continue learning after the event.
That meant reminding them to use the manual, check out the videos, and reach out for virtual help as needed.
It also meant reminding them that things will change, and that change doesn't mean they're doing anything wrong.
It's normal as baby grows.
They start doing all the very normal baby things that make caregivers wonder why baby acts this way now.
I pointed to another dad and baby who were a little further along and said, in essence, "See, look at what that baby is doing? Change is normal Celebrate it when you can."
"See, look at what that baby is doing? Change is normal. Celebrate it when you can."
That, to me, is the real value of this kind of education.
Not just handing someone a carrier and moving on. It's helping caregivers feel connected, capable, and ready to carry their babies into daily life. Through errands, naps, subway rides, and even on hot days.
And sometimes, if we're lucky, it's helping a dad feel confident enough to say:
“This is MY carrier now.”
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