Introducing the Izmi baby carrier
Emily Williamson, British sling consultant, used her years of experience to design something different: the Izmi baby carrier.
The Izmi Baby Carrier is a simple, lightweight adjustable buckle carrier which is suitable from newborn to around 1 year. It offers a supportive front carry both facing the person wearing the carrier and facing away. You can also hip and back carry.
We love how lightweight and simple the Izmi Baby carrier is. Even on hot days the carrier is thin and breathable making it one of the coolest options out there, and the Breeze version is even cooler.
The lightweight design also means that it folds incredibly small, making it a great option for holidays and having it as a back up in your bag or under your pushchair!
The unpadded straps and waistband also make the Izmi a great option for tandem carrying.
Izmi baby carrier: features and functionality
- Offers inward facing, world-facing, hip and back carrying positions
- Suitable from birth and ideal for small babies
- Unpadded wrap style straps which cup the shoulders
- Straps have the option for crossed or rucksack style straps.
- Unpadded waistband with clever Velcro adjustment for the width of the carrier
- Booster cushion giving a perfect fit with smaller babies
- Available in Breeze version with a mesh panel
- Lightweight carrier that packs down small
- Simple, classy colour options to suit different tastes
Tips and tricks for the Izmi baby carrier
Getting the Izmi Baby Carrier at the right height
If you have a small baby you may find you need to adjust the height of the carrier panel as well as the width to ensure a snug fit for you and your baby. There are two ways to adjust the height of the Izmi Baby carrier panel. The first is to use the optional Booster Cushion to raise the point at which your baby sits in the carrier. When the Booster Cushion is used you may find that you need to change how the headrest is used to support your baby.
The second option is to change where the waistband sits and on what part of the carrier your baby sits. Bringing the waistband up and allowing more of the carrier to sit between you and your baby brings your baby’s bottom further up the carrier and adjusting the height of the carrier. There is an excellent photo tutorial of this technique on the Carrying Matters website here.
You can wear the headrest section in multiple positions. It is highly adjustable, using the using press studs, and you can use it to form a headrest or to extend the length of the panel.
Watch our video
Our video on how the height of your waistband can shorten or lengthen the panel is here on Instagram.
To use this trick to shorten your Izmi baby carrier panel position the waistband higher on your body.
Using the booster cushion
The booster cushion is an optional part of using the Izmi baby carrier with a newborn baby. It is useful in babies who want to keep their feet tucked in. Not all babies need to use the cushion and some may be happier sitting in the carrier without it.
Here is a video on using the carrier with the booster cushion:
Adjusting the width
The width of the Izmi baby carrier is adjusted using a clever hidden Velcro system in the waistband. There are two moveable tabs which can be used to make the carrier any width required, or to put the carrier into the right setting to face your baby away from you.
Removing & reattaching the 'sternum strap' (chest clip)
When front carrying with crossed straps in the Izmi Baby carrier you may wish to remove the chest strap which attaches to the shoulder straps on the carrier. The chest clip can be taken off and re-attached when needed.
You will likely need the strap attached which back carrying or if you want to change to using the carrier with rucksack style straps instead of crossed straps.
Fastening the chest strap
The Tula Explore has rucksack style straps. Some people find it tricky to get this fastened or positioned comfortably. Often people will find that they are most comfortable with the strap level with their shoulder blades.
This video shows 3 different techniques for fastening the chest strap
World facing in the Izmi baby carrier
The Izmi baby carrier’s world-facing option creates a wide position, with supported legs.
What's the fuss about forward facing?
Outward facing positions can be a contentious topic. Some people believe that it is not an appropriate position for carrying babies. Our article offers a balanced perspective considering the evidence to help you make up your own mind. .
What to be particularly aware of when world-facing:
Airways
A key concern when carrying in any carrier or position is ensuring that your baby’s airway remains clear at all times. In a world facing position it is easier for your baby’s airway to become compromised if their head drops forward.
The following two precautions reduce this risk:
- Your baby needs excellent head control to support their airways whilst forward facing. This usually develops around 4-6 months.
- Only use the world-facing position whilst your baby is awake.
Responsivity to cues
Young babies can become overwhelmed very quickly when world-facing. When we carry in arms we naturally change position regularly, and turn babies towards us if they grow unsettled whilst facing outwards.
In a carrier it is possible to carry your baby more passively. This makes it easier to miss early cues that your child is getting overwhelmed. We recommend staying responsive to your baby in all carrying positions. When forward facing it is harder to see their face to read their cues, so check them regularly and remain attentive to signs that they are overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Forward facing in slings
Forward facing in slings can be a contentious issue. Our article considers the evidence around forward facing in slings so that you can make your own informed decision about what is right for you and your baby.
How can I try the Izmi baby carrier?
We have several of the Izmi baby carriers available to hire from our online sling library. Simply search “izmi” in our rental system search field to see all our available Izmi baby carriers.
We also sell Izmi baby carriers in our shop.
If you’d like to chat about whether this is the right carrier for you why not call the carrying helpline or message us to talk about your options!
Responses