One of my favourite parts of running Izmi is speaking to the families who use our carriers every day. Every family has a different story, and every now and then someone shares an experience that really stays with me.

Recently, I spoke to Cessa, whose daughter Ada is 4½ years old and autistic. We chatted about the challenges their family faces, why they still rely on carrying, and how the Izmi Adventure Carrier has made such a difference to their everyday life.

Every autistic child is different, and this is just one family's experience. But I thought Cessa's story was so powerful that I wanted to share it.

Carrying an autistic child safely: Ada's story

Tell us a little about Ada.

Ada is 4½ years old and is autistic. One of the biggest challenges we face is that she has very little awareness of danger. She'll run at any opportunity and doesn't look back. She doesn't respond to her name or to the word "stop", and she's also non-speaking, so if she ever became separated from us she wouldn't be able to tell anyone who she is or where she came from. At the same time, she'll often refuse to walk outdoors altogether. Without a carrier or a pushchair, it's incredibly difficult for us to go anywhere as a family.

How does that affect everyday family life?

It affects us massively. Even simple things like shopping trips need planning to make sure we've got everything in place to keep Ada safe. Ada is a twin, so she has a 4-year-old sister, Betsy, and an older brother. Quite often our days out are cut short if Ada becomes dysregulated or if the environment isn't suitable. The other children sometimes miss out because we have to leave early, and naturally a lot of our attention has to be focused on keeping Ada safe. Large open spaces can be especially difficult because Ada just wants to run as far as she possibly can.

Why wasn't a pushchair always the answer?

We've used baby carriers since the twins were born and absolutely loved them. As Ada got older, she outgrew our baby carriers, but she still needed carrying. A mobility pushchair works in some situations, but it's not always practical for quick school runs, short trips or places like the beach. Ada is 4½ now and she's heavy. Carrying her on my hip isn't practical anymore, especially when I'm also holding Betsy's hand or helping the other children. We were really looking for the next step after a baby carrier.

What were you looking for in a bigger carrier that could support kids with special needs?

We wanted something that would still keep Ada close and safe, but that would also be genuinely comfortable for both of us. Because she's bigger now, that comfort is really important for the person carrying her too.

What difference has the Izmi Adventure Carrier made?

Honestly, it's made a huge difference to our whole family. Ada absolutely loves being in it. She's so calm and settled when she's being carried. She loves that closeness and always has done since she was a baby. Seeing how calm and content she is makes me really happy. It also means whoever is carrying her still has both hands free. Even if Ada's on my back, I can still hold Betsy's hand or pick her up if she needs me. It's opened up places that simply weren't practical before because we can keep Ada safe without always needing to use the pushchair.

Were there any features you particularly liked?

Yes! I loved that it comes with the hood, the storage bag and the zipped pocket on the waistband. I didn't expect a carrier for an older child to include those little details, but they make life so much easier.

What has been your favourite moment since using it?

Ada was sitting happily on Tony's back and my 9 year old said, "Do you want to carry me in that next week?" I think that probably says everything. It definitely gets the whole family's approval.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Having the Adventure Carrier has given us more freedom as a family. It lets us go to places that simply wouldn't be practical otherwise, keeps Ada safe, and means we can spend more time enjoying days out together instead of worrying about logistics. It's been invaluable.

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You're not alone

Every autistic child is different, and every family has their own unique challenges. But if your child has outgrown a baby carrier and you still need a safe, comfortable way to carry them, I hope Ada's story shows that you're not alone. Every family finds what works for them, and we hope sharing experiences like Ada's helps you feel supported as you find what works best for yours.

For many families, carrying doesn't stop when a child starts walking. Whether your child needs extra reassurance in busy places, has little awareness of danger, tires easily on longer outings or simply feels most secure when they're close to you, an ergonomic toddler carrier or preschool carrier can make everyday life that little bit easier.

The Izmi Adventure Carrier was designed for children from 1 to 6 years (up to 32 kg), giving families a practical, hands-free way to carry bigger children in comfort. From school runs and holidays to beach trips, woodland walks and everyday adventures, it's there for the moments when walking isn't always an option.