Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, October 10
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Pregnancy & Baby»Choosing a baby carrier or sling
Pregnancy & Baby

Choosing a baby carrier or sling

Updated:January 30, 20234 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
By Yvette O’Dowd

Babywearing – carrying your baby or toddler hands-free in everything from a simple piece of fabric to a purpose-designed product – is popular.

Not only do busy parents need to do a million things at once (or so it seems!) but they recognise the need for close connections to bond with and soothe their child.

You don’t need to practice attachment parenting or call yourself a “babywearer” to appreciate their use.

Working out what is safe and comfortable from the range of products can be daunting, let alone working out which will best suit your lifestyle, budget and taste.

So, let’s get started and look at the basic styles available for parents who are choosing a baby carrier or sling:

#1: STRETCHY WRAPS

Designed to snuggle your newborn against your body, these strips of stretchy fabric look complex at first but the technique to wear them is simple once you learn how. Best suited to younger babies (3-8kg), they are not suitable for wearing on your back.

#2: WOVEN WRAPS

Coming in as many colours, patterns and textures as you can imagine, these carriers also come in varying combinations of natural fibres, including cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, wool and silk. Designed for use from newborn to toddler on both the front and back, the techniques used to tie them range from simple to complex and – again – once you learn how, are quick and easy to do. It is recommended that back-wearing is only used by experienced wearers after using front-wrapping techniques.

#3: RING SLINGS

Often known for their bright rainbow stripes, ring slings are also available in many other designs. Suitable from newborn to toddler, they are a quick option for short periods of wearing and are terrific for wearing a child who can’t decide if they want to be up or down. The simple technique to wear them is easy to learn and use.

#4: MEI DAIS

Originally from China, this traditional design has been popular in Australia since the 1960s and is used around the world. The inspiration for the soft-structured carrier, the simple design has straps which tie around the waist and over the shoulders. Although that can seem complicated, they are simple to use.

#5: SOFT-STRUCTURED CARRIERS (SSCS)

Designed to meet the needs of modern parents, these wide-based carriers support babies hips in the recommended M position and can be used from birth to toddlers. Suitable for front, hip and back carrying   Adjustable straps allow personal fitting and quick use.

#6: FOUR WAY CARRIERS – FORWARD FACING

Many parents are attracted to baby carriers which allow babies to face-forward, away from the parent. Forward-facing is one way to include them and give them a wider view. Generally, only short-periods of facing out are recommended, as babies can quickly become over-stimulated or over-whelmed and have no way to make eye contact with the adult to communicate their need to have a break.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

With many carriers only available online and those in-store not always available to try on, it can be hard to work out which will fit you and your baby best. South Eastern Babywearing Group meet regularly at The Hungry Peacock in Tyabb and the Frankston North Community Centre. With a collection of carriers for you to try, experienced volunteers can help you choose an option which is safe and comfortable. You can meet other parents and see a range of carriers and slings in use with children from newborn to pre-school. And we can troubleshoot any challenges you are finding with your own carrier.

SAFETY IS CRUCIAL

You may have seen recent news reports about dangers associated with some styles of baby carriers. If you are not sure about a product you have bought or been gifted, do not use it. Bring it to any of our meetings or contact us online.

To help parents learn about safe baby carriers and slings, Kidsafe SA have released a new video, which you can view by joining our Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/SouthEasternBabywearing or visit www.facebook.com/KidsafeSA

Used correctly, most baby carriers are safe and comfortable for both adult and child.


Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and Granny of two has been a breastfeeding counsellor for more than 25 years.

In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 8000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies – and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting. Yvette has lived in Frankston for 45 years.

facebook.com/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork/

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
29
30
1
2:00 PM - Soundwaves
7:00 PM - Soundwaves
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:00 PM - Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
1
2
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Band and Cinema complex
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
HMAS Cerberus
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
October 21, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
October 31, 2025 - November 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Get ready to scream (with excitement) because Sk8house Halloween is back and it's BIGGER than ever! Last year was a huge success so we've decided [...]
More Info
Events on October 1, 2025
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Events on October 21, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
21 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Events on October 31, 2025
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
31 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
•
Follow
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!! Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025. Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW! https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/ @harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
50 + 30 then take away 2. 

#mathsbemathing
•
Follow
50 + 30 then take away 2. #mathsbemathing
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Nano-Mals
Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

RRP: $25.00 each

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid
Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™.

Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+.

RRP: $179.99

https://www.lego.com/en-au

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™. Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+. RRP: $179.99 https://www.lego.com/en-au **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.