Carrying bigger kids: an interview with Hannah Inman about life with Tilly, age 3
At Izmi, we hear from so many families whose little ones want - or need - close connection for longer than traditional baby carriers are designed for. Sometimes that’s about sensory comfort, sometimes about safety, and often just about helping the day flow more calmly.
I sat down with Hannah Inman from Glasgow Sling Library, to talk about life with her daughter Tilly and how the Izmi Adventure Carrier has supported their family.
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Can you tell us a little about Tilly and her diagnosis?
Tilliah, or Tilly was 3 in August. As the youngest, we are already aware of the neurodiversity in the family. Her speech delay has also highlighted her delays or additional needs sooner than a lot of other children, or her brother! We don't yet have the 'official' diagnosis - in Scotland we don’t have the right to choose so you wait at least a year to be seen then get referred from there. For the eldest it’s been 4.5 years waiting so far.
Many families will recognise this feeling of living in the in-between - of waiting for assessments, of the exhaustion of constantly advocating for their child/ren. Emily and I have been there ourselves! That's why we created the Izmi Adventure Carrier for 1 to 6+ year olds: to make life easier and calmer, for the whole family. And it's why we're so committed to help families carry for as long as they want or need to.
Everyday life with a busy, sensitive three year old
How do Tilly's needs affect everyday life for you and your family?
Tilly has always wanted to be close to me whenever we are home, making practical life difficult at times! At times she barely eats, drinks and doesn’t sleep solid stretches. As a parent, this can be pretty overwhelming. While she likes to walk or scoot, she has no sense of danger around roads and likes to befriend strangers.
This is such a familiar combination: a child with huge curiosity and energy, but who also needs physical closeness to regulate and feel safe.
For many neurodivergent little ones with Autism and/or ADHD, carrying becomes more than transport. It’s a safe space. A grounding tool. A way for parents to manage busy environments without constant worry about roads, bolting, or unpredictable interactions with strangers.
Why did the Izmi Adventure Carrier catch your eye? And what were you hoping it might help with?
As someone who has been carrying for over 10 years and runs a sling library, I’ve tried a lot of carriers and methods of carrying. I was intrigued by its size and weight limit claims, while also being lightweight. We carry both out on dog walks and going places, but also in the house to help co-regulation.
We designed the Adventure Carrier because so many parents told us they needed something bigger, stronger and still genuinely easy to live with. Not bulky. Not overengineered. And not a silly price! But supportive enough for sturdy toddlers and preschoolers, and light enough to chuck in a bag for sudden moments when a child needs up NOW.
How it’s helping their family thrive
How has the Adventure Carrier made a difference for your child? And for you as a family?
The lightweight nature of the carrier means it fits in my shoulder bag, ready for when it’s needed. It’s comfortable for both a front carry and back carrying. I use it daily to get us safely across busy roads. A buggy would not be practical for when she wants to walk and is harder to manage with a dog, and other children."
This is exactly how many families use it. Walking. Up. Down. Up again. School runs, crossings, parks, shops. A toddler-sized carrier makes those transitions smoother and removes so much of the stress around unpredictable walking behaviour.
My partner was dead set against changing from the carrier we already had, one night he tried the Izmi Adventurer and said ‘Wow this is way better’. Carrying helps him give me a break and helps him settle Tilly to sleep.
I love this! A comfortable carrier often brings another caregiver into the rhythm too, giving the 'primary parent' a break and helping children settle with someone else. This is such a common story: once one person discovers the comfort, the rest of the family gets curious.
My favourite parts are the chunky buckles and fittings, which feel really robust and secure. I also love the fact I can adjust the panel height while she’s on my back (even with my little dinosaur arms!). To be clear, I can't do this with other carriers. It makes it super easy to go from arms out to cuddling in to sleep. And it’s a lot easier than in-arms carrying! I can easily see us using the carrier for years to come.
Those panel adjustments are something parents of bigger kids often tell us they rely on. When a child shifts from wide-awake and arms-out to tired and needing containment, the carrier can adapt instantly. No wriggling out, no off-and-on again. Just responsive support.
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Every child is different, and every family finds their own rhythm. For some children with Autism, ADHD, AuDHD or other sensory differences or developmental concerns, being carried can offer grounding, comfort and safety well beyond the baby stage. Stories like Tilly’s show that toddler and preschooler carrying isn't just a nice idea - it's genuinely life-changing for the whole family.
Our award-winning Izmi Adventure Carrier is available in both supersoft cotton and cool mesh variations. Shop now for your family's own Adventures!
If you’d like advice on carrying a bigger child or discussing your child’s specific needs, the Izmi team of experts is always here to support you.
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