Go on, get one... my DH isn't particularly impressed either, but he isn't the one who has to look after a baby all day and carry around all the gubbins that goes with him, as well as the shopping. He's admitted that it is in fact rather practical and as long as he doesn't have to take it out he's accepted it!
And why is it that you get weird looks for carrying a baby? We often get treated as if we're a bit of novelty, and we live in Brighton for godsake! It's nice though, means people chat more to Alfie than if he was in a pushchair, which must be good for his social skills.