Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Whoever said only mothers can “wear” their babies?
Babywearing, as described by Babywearing International, is the practice of keeping a baby or toddler close to the person carrying the child using a carrier, allowing the person to perform other activities or chores.
Though many of us might not know anything about babywearing, people across different cultures have worn children for centuries.
While the carriers used for wearing the kids have evolved over time, the essence of doing it is the same — apart from the obvious benefit of convenience, there are studies that say carrying babies close makes them cry less, while also helping parents become confident caregivers.
Fast forward to this age of internet and social media, many have swooned over male celebrities photographed wearing their babies — for example — John Legend, whose wife recently gave birth.
Ryan Reynolds last year drew a lot of attention because of how he wore his baby, after actress Blake Lively posted a photo of him on Instagram. Some were happy because of his effort to bond with his daughter, while some criticized him for wearing his baby the wrong way.
To honor modern fathers, members of a local Facebook community, Babywearing Philippines, sent to CNN Philippines photos of fathers carrying their children. It is a closed group of over 36,000 members mostly composed of Filipina mothers looking for support for their babywearing advocacy.
We learned, through the photos and stories we received, why fathers love to wear their children using carriers, even if the designs may not look masculine.
Margaux Flores-Nonato, one of the administrators of the group, shared that her husband said he “loves to get unlimited hugs and kisses from our daughter” and that is enough reason for him to keep babywearing using even floral, “girly” carriers.
“Babies grow [fast] so keep them close. Enjoy the moment while they’re small so that when they grow up, you will not look back and regret you carried them less,” said Jewell Ann McGowan’s husband Peter, who told her what he felt after wearing their daughter for the first time.
“Babywearing gives me a great opportunity to take some of the burden off my wife’s back. Literally,” according to Laura Magat’s husband. Her husband, Jonathan, grew up without a father. Despite that, she said that through God’s grace he has become a fun and hands-on dad to their three kids. This picture shows him babywearing as they hiked the Batad Rice Terraces early this year.
Jirith Anne Imbat’s husband Richard is an overseas Filipino worker so they only see each other two to three times a year– and he makes sure to wear their baby when he is around
“Here’s my husband taking on the most masculine role ever— being a father. This carrier is his partner in taking good care of our son when I’m at school,” said Lilibeth B. Dorosan-Paco.
Myles Oposa describes him the coolest tattooed babywearing dad. “He has always been a hands-on dad to our little Marley since the beginning,” Oposa said.
Tatay Mon doesn’t use the reason that he is tired from work to not carry his princess. “He loves wearing our daughter because he can still do his hobbies (playing video games, watching basketball and toy shopping) while keeping our little one close to him,” said Mara Yan-Orendez.
“I know how tiring it is to be a seafarer. But whenever our Papa is home, he does everything in the house for us. From cooking, cleaning, driving and taking care of our child. He loves to wear our child all day,” Sheena-Ron Nasiad-Piola said.
Do you have any photos of babywearing fathers? Post them on social media with hashtag #CNNPHFathersDay.
And to all the fathers, father figures, fathers-in-law, and grandfathers — babywearing or not — here’s a merry father’s day to you!
