Fathers gamely tried securing their infants to their chests with cloth wraps yesterday during a "baby-wearing" exercise at Henderson Community Club.

The course was part of a grassroots Father's Day baby show for about 200 residents, including 30 participating fathers. Father's Day falls on June 19.

An instructor showed 15 of the fathers "baby-wearing", which is meant to help them maintain close physical contact with their babies and deepen emotional ties.

Other activities included a Musical Babes game for babies aged six to 24 months, and a session for children to make personalised cards for their fathers.

Community partners such as the Early Childhood and Development Agency and the International Association of Infant Massage were also on hand to answer parents' questions about pre-school education and child development.

Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Joan Pereira, who was guest of honour at the event, stressed the importance of the community in signalling to families that fathers should play an equal role in child-rearing.

Transport executive Lim Wee Hian, 42, said he found baby-wearing difficult but might try it again.

"It feels more snug than a baby carrier," he said.

Construction supervisor Amir Singh, 41, who practised baby-wearing with his 11-month-old son, Archilles Troy, said he wanted to learn more so he and his wife could share childcare responsibilities equally.

"Both of us work, both of us must share the workload. It's not just a woman's job."