Absolutely none of us really know what we're doing as moms and dads. When it comes to this whole "parenting" thing, we're all just winging it and doing our best. In our efforts to figure out parenting, we sometimes make decisions with our kids that are strange, borderline crazy, and just plain stupid. And while we can all admit to having a parenting "whoopsie" every now and then, dads seem to have a pretty amazing track record when it comes to epic fails.
Anyone who has been on the Internet has seen at least one epic dad fail. Maybe it was a disastrous family photo. Or maybe it was the dad who followed his baby's bedtime routine a little too closely. Ranging from funny and random to downright ridiculous, funny dad fails hold a special place on the Internet and in our hearts — especially when they come with photographic evidence.
Because we couldn't help but celebrate the hilarious — and relatively innocent — failures of dads who just missed the parenting mark, we compiled a list of 40 of the wildest and most absurd dad fails on the Internet. Some of these fail photos may be familiar and others may be brand new, but every single fail on this list is just as shocking as the last. So sit back, enjoy, and prepare to feel slightly guilty about the fact that some of these dad fails are as funny as they are.
Bottle-Feeding Dad Fail
We're not exactly sure that feeding kids with toes counts a "proper feeding technique." In fact, we're almost sure it doesn't. But this dad is doing it his way.
Stroller Dad Fail
Whatever this dad was looking at, we totally hope it was worth nearly breaking the fancy stroller.
Runaway Toddler Dad Fail
The first rule of parenting? Don't look away for even one second — unless it's a goal to end up like the dad who took this photo.
Grocery Store Dad Fail
Pushing a stroller and a grocery cart around the store at the same time is next to impossible. That must be why this dad decided to kill two birds with one stone and use his kid as a human grocery receptacle.
Bicycle Seat Dad Fail
Kudos to this dad for having one of those adorable bike attachments for his kid. But maybe wear a belt on the next bike ride.
Diaper Bag Dad Fail
Are there any rules that say parents aren't allowed to use their kid's diaper bag as their carrier too? If there are, someone might want to tell this dad about them.
Baby Pee Dad Fail
Maybe this kid wasn't wearing a diaper. Or maybe the dad put off his child's requests about going to the potty. But there's no way he missed a stream of baby pee soaking through the back of his shirt!
Office Chair Dad Fail
What's that? Office chairs should only be used by one person at a time? Challenge accepted!
Playpen Dad Fail
This hilarious dad fail completely defeats the purpose of a baby gate — and this little one looks almost gleeful to be free of his kiddie prison!
Water Bottle Dad Fail
Water bottles can be difficult for adults to handle sometimes. Giving kiddos the reins to handle one on their own can be a total disaster. This dad knows that firsthand.
Bubble Bath Dad Fail
Obviously, this dad went into this bath-time situation without being well versed in the proper bubble-to-bathtub-to-kid ratio. The look of regret on his face would be sad if it wasn't so funny.
Naked Toddler Dad Fail
Our kids love to embarrass us in public. And it doesn't get any more embarrassing than a mostly naked toddler running full speed through a fine dining restaurant.
Plunger Dad Fail
We're not exactly sure what this dad was trying to accomplish here, but we have to give him props because we never knew plungers were that strong.
Christmas Picture Dad Fail
The only thing that ruins a happy Christmas photo more than a crying, uncooperative kid is a dad who absolutely refuses to stick to the dress code.
Ketchup Dad Fail
We're firm believers in parents' right to feed their kids whatever they want. But that's not a baby bottle, Dad!
Baby Table Kid Fail
Dads are excellent multitaskers. While some use their powers for good, others … do things like this. LOL.
Headfirst Dad Fail
This dad fail seems almost too ridiculous to be real. Headfirst into a raccoon gathering? There's no way that will end well.
Motorcycle Ride Dad Fail
Finding room for three people — especially when two of them are babies — on one motorcycle is damn near difficult. Luckily, this dad had a lot of determination and two kid-sized pouches, so he's all set, right? Umm…
Garbage Can Dad Fail
We have absolutely no clue what's going on here, but that baby doesn't look happy about it.
Steak Dinner Dad Fail
We've heard of baby led weaning, but we're pretty sure that kid isn't going to be able to gum that steak.
Kid Haircut Dad Fail
We knew it was bad to let kids get ahold of the scissors, but apparently dads have some issues of their own.
Beer Funnel Dad Fail
Correct us if we're wrong, but teaching a kid how to use a beer funnel during kindergarten probably isn't the brightest idea. That better be root beer or apple juice.
Another Headfirst Dad Fail
Teaching kids to play sports is a rite of passage, but the timing on this play may be a miss.
Rope Swing Dad Fail
The giant foam square kit makes this rope-swing dad fail a little less tragic, but it definitely doesn't make it any less funny.
Four Wheeler Dad Fail
It's totally cool to get creative with the fun games and activities to do with kids. But any idea that prompts putting kids on an old, dirty mattress attached to a four-wheeler to pull them around town is probably a bad one.
Hiking Dad Fail
This situation is probably half parental frustration and half dad fail. Either way, this dad looks completely prepared to hike up a mountain holding his kid by the overalls the entire time.
Halloween Costume Dad Fail
Sometimes kids are too young to choose their own Halloween costume, but that doesn't mean parents always make the best choices either.
Gross Dad Fail
Nothing quite embodies a dad fail like a man taking pictures of a woman's butt with his daughter in his arms.
Baby Plate Dad Fail
All things considered, this one actually isn't a bad idea. Those burrito droppings have got to fall somewhere, and what better place than on top of a baby's beautiful little head?
No Bib Dad Fail
Who needs an actual burp cloth when there's a slightly overconfident dad and a perfectly good shirt to ruin?
Football Dad Fail
This poor kid doesn't even look like he's had time to register the disaster that's about to occur.
Birthday Cake Dad Fail
A corny dad joke and a dirty dad joke combined into one ridiculously hilarious birthday cake given by a father to his son.
Dress Code Dad Fail
According to the kid who posted this picture, this dad took a "semi-formal" dress code a little too seriously — because a formal shirt, tie, and jacket totally goes well with shorts and hiking shoes.
Drinking Beer Dad Fail
Kudos to this kid for "feeding" his dad like a baby doll. But maybe next time go for a soda instead of a beer.
Baby Homecoming Dad Fail
Parenting pro-tip: When the baby comes home for the first time, make sure he or she can actually get inside!
Stroller Dad Fail
This dad isn't wrong for wanting his kid to see whatever sight his family is looking at. But why not just pick them up?
Giant Slide Dad Fail
This dad is just free range parenting, right? Nothing to see here.
Leaf Blower Dad Fail
We have no doubt this experience was crazy fun for these kids, but I don't think that's how a leaf blower is supposed to work.
Alligator Dad Fail
The alligators are behind an enclosed cage for a reason, dude. Let's not give them a fresh, new baby to grab at.
Mattress Game Dad Fail
This dad is trying to be the fun guy (and succeeding in his kids' eyes), but this can only end badly.
These stories are based on posts found on Reddit. Reddit is a user-generated social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website where registered members submit content to the site and can up- or down-vote the content. The accuracy and authenticity of each story cannot be confirmed by our staff.
