Someone posted this comment at a certain blog:

Don’t know where the fatherhood discussion has gone or if it’s been dropped, but I wanted to say that there are ways of carrying an infant that are characteristic of men, and thus “manly” in appearance to me. Here’s a partial list:

1) The crook-hang: infant rests/dangles in crook of one arm. Women can do this too but because our arms are smaller and weaker the baby doesn’t feel as secure and may cry. So the look of this method says Man to me.

2) The forearm-sling: infant lies belly-down on father’s forearm. Sucking his forefinger is optional. Again, women can do this too but it’s not as comfortable for the baby, and we can’t do it for as long. The method is thus Manly, and is also great for helping baby to burp.

3) The neck-curl: infant curls up between father’s shoulder and neck, held in place by one hand. Women rarely attempt this one.

4) The bum-in-hand: Infant old enough to hold head up sits on father’s hand and is carried around everywhere that way. Very hard for women.

So, men, if you want to carry a baby around and look masculine, try one of these methods.

p.s. A baby carried by a man who is obviously (by his clothes, demeanour, etc.,) a bachelor, is a girl-magnet. Even better than a cute puppy. Pretty young women will flock around you. Call your married and parented sisters, brothers, or friends and ask if you can babysit. You’ll see what I mean.