TLDR: The Izmi toddler carrier is a lightweight cost effective 3 position carrier that is super comfortable, stylish and fits in your handbag!
At 21 months old my toddler is finally toddling. The world is now her oyster albeit her oyster (buggy that is) is no longer her world. Of course this new found independence poses a whole new set of problems and changes for me the parent. Do I trust her to walk next to me? Are reigns still a thing? Do we even need a buggy now? …but what happens when her little legs get tired?
Cue the Izmi toddler carrier a lightweight foldaway fabric carrier that you can pop in your bag and use to scoop up your little one onto your back in seconds. Sounds like dream but it is really that simple? We trialled the Izmi Toddler carrier for a week to be able to give you our honest and tested Izmi toddler carrier review.
What does the Izmi Toddler Carrier promise?
The Izmi toddler carrier is a hybrid of a soft fabric sling and a more structured carrier. It was designed by an expert baby wearing consultant (and mum to two) and aims to offer the best of both worlds – a soft, close carry for baby with the increased support and ease of use of a buckled carrier. It has been approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The carrier is suitable from 7 months and can be worn in three different carrying positions – front carry, back carry and side carry. For the purpose of this review I will be mostly concentrating on the back carry.
First Impressions of the Izmi Toddler Carrier
Folded up to the size of a large purse, it’s a surprise to see that the carrier unravels to be quite a substantial piece of kit. I had a fabric wrap in the early days of my firstborn and never really understood how to use it, so it is a relief to see that this fabric carrier looks instantly intuitive. In a shade of slate the carrier is made from a soft and washable cotton blend.
It has a utility feel and aesthetic that I instantly like. I’ve owned my fair share of baby carriers over the last 8 years and 4 babies. I spent a small fortune on an Artipoppe carrier when this baby was first born, and although I loved the luxurious fabrics and designs I did start to resent that I couldn’t leave it under the buggy for fear of having it stolen.
My first impression is that this is going to be an easy everyday solution. A little bit like my pack-away shopping tote that lives under the buggy, the Izmi toddler carrier takes up little space, is tidy, useful, unpretentious and gets the job done.
Is it easy to get the back carry on?
With care and practice – yes. It may be easier with another adult to help but for the first time on my own I made sure I was sitting on a couch or armchair whilst manouevering my toddler from a front carry position to the back. It’s simple enough but does entail holding the straps taught to keep baby encased and secure, at one point single handedly before securing the top buckle and the side ones afterwards. There is room for error so I would get confident with this before attempting from standing.
Is the Izmi Toddler Carrier comfortable ?
Surprisingly comfortable. There are a few key elements that make it so. Firstly the thick width shoulder straps that can be worn to cover the shoulders like little cap sleeves are really effective at distributing baby’s weight so as not to over burden the shoulders. This in turn means the carrier has no bulky padding unlike carriers with slim lined shoulder straps.
Secondly the carrier is made from a cool lightweight material that moulds around the curvature of your baby’s body like a wrap sling. This means the carrier easily adapts to your growing baby and own changing postpartum shape. Also seeing as a toddler already has full control of their bodies with no need of extra support for baby’s head or neck etc this is great in allowing them flexibility whilst staying secure.
My toddler absolutely loved the experience of the back carry in contrast to her waning tolerance for parent facing carriers. The waist strap is pretty ample making this an accessible option for larger waistlines.
Additionally the soft fabric is fully machine washable and thankfully quick drying.
Considerations
The fact that the carrier is breathable and light makes it a great option for hot days in the summer time and in the still quite fresh springtime I was able to wear it comfortably over a lightweight jacket. I did wonder however if this would have been an easy option with my arctic down coat that I pretty much lived in over the winter equally teamed with my toddlers bulky snowsuit.
The other consideration would be the top front buckle which sits above the chest. Luckily I don’t have much of a chest for the chest strap to pose any issue although I can imagine women with better cleavage may have a problem with the positioning of this clip.
Did the Izmi Toddler Carrier make my life easier?
Without a doubt -yes. I love knowing that I have this quiet hero in my back pocket (literally) for when my toddler decides she can walk no more. My favourite part of parenting is adventuring around town with my small sidekick but navigating the London underground with a buggy can be stressful and time consuming. Being able to wear my toddler in a way that is comfortable and fun for both of us is a godsend. And I love the flexibility that the Izmi allows.
The izmi is also a great tool to have around the house. For the most part at 21 months separation anxiety is a thing of the recent past but there are still times when baby-wearing is needed for me to get things done. Daily task like typing on a device or ironing are near impossible (and dangerous) with a baby in front. And let’s face it – no one wants a toddler crawling at your feet when ironing. The back carry has made these tasks possible.
Conclusion
If you are moving into the toddler years, the Izmi toddler carrier is an essential in your arsenal of baby wares to be kept in your changing bag along with the wipes and sippy cup. Fuss free, lightweight design and a comfortable wear with a reasonable price tag make this an easy solution for inquisitive toddlers transitioning to independent walking. Would I use the Izmi toddler carrier for longer periods and adventurous hikes? In the back carry position probably not. Although if I had a smaller baby and was using the front carry the Izmi would be a great option.
Be sure to check out the full Izmi range including the Izmi wrap (for young babies) and the Izmi Baby carrier.
The Izmi Toddler carrier is priced at £80 and can be bought here.
READ NEXT: Is this the best Fitness Carrier? Carifit+ Reviewed
