Izmi FAQs
Izmi Baby Carriers are ideal from birth, for babies from 3.2kg / 7lbs.
While there is no minimum weight limit when your Izmi Baby Carrier is used correctly, we recommend seeking advice from a health professional or carrying consultant before using an Izmi Baby Carrier with premature or low birth weight babies.
That's a fancy way of saying: It's perfectly possible to carry smaller / low birth weight babies in an Izmi Baby Carrier, usually from 5lbs, but please be sure to contact us or another babywearing professional so we can help ensure it's fitted optimally and safely.
Hannah and the Izmi team are on hand to check photos or have a video chat, to ensure that your baby is safe in your carrier and that you are comfortable and confident.
Izmi Baby Wraps are ideal for babies from 2.3kg / 5lbs
Izmi Breeze Baby Wraps are ideal for babies from 2.5kg / 5.5lbs
While there is no minimum weight limit when your Izmi Wrap is used correctly, we recommend seeking advice from a health professional or carrying consultant before using a Wrap with premature or low birth weight babies.
That's a fancy way of saying: It's possible to carry smaller / low birth weight babies in any Izmi Wrap, but please be sure to contact us or another babywearing professional so we can help ensure it's fitted optimally and safely.
Hannah and the Izmi team are on hand to check photos or have a video chat, to ensure that your baby is safe in your carrier and that you are comfortable and confident.
The Izmi Essential Carrier is older, basic polyester version of the premium cotton Izmi Baby Carrier.
Its is not suitable for back carrying; does not have easy-tightening webbing on the shoulder straps; and does not have matching accessories available.
The Izmi Essential Wrap is a basic cotton and elastane baby wrap.
Izmi Baby Wrap is our premium, luxe-feel wrap, made luxurious, thermoregulating, UV-protective, bamboo fabric. It may be used for carrying newborn twins (with expert support). It's extra-supportive so may allso be used for carrying older babies, especially for naptimes.
Izmi Breeze Baby Wrap is our newest wrap. It's our lightest, coolest wrap and packs away into its own integrated storage pocket. It's silky smooth and perfect for your baby's first months.
That's our budget range and it's managed by our friends at Cheeky Rascals Ltd.
If your child is under 6 months old and average height/weight: we recommend an Izmi Baby Carrier.
If your child over 6 months old and average height/weight: we recommend an Izmi Toddler Carrier.
See below for the differences between the our Baby and Toddler size carriers.
Please check product descriptions for details.
Short answer
The size. Our Toddler Carriers have a wider and slightly taller body panel than our Baby Carriers, so bigger babies (7m+) and toddlers are even better supported - and feel lighter!
If your child is under 6 months old and average height/weight: we recommend an Izmi Baby Carrier.
If your child over 6 months old and average height/weight: we recommend an Izmi Toddler Carrier.
Longer answer
When carrying a baby or toddler, it's ideal to ensure the carrier supports them across the whole of their seated width, i.e. from one knee to the other. This ensures the carrier supports more of their weight, so they feel lighter on you!
The body panel width of Izmi Baby Carriers extends from 18cm-41cm (7"-16") and they have been weight tested to a max weight of 16kg (33lbs). We recommend Izmi Baby Carriers for 0-12 month olds of average weight/height.
Smaller babies may be comfortably carried in Izmi Carrier beyond 12 months. And if you have a taller/heavier baby, you may want to size up to an Izmi Toddler Carrier sooner, from around 7 months.
The body panel width of Izmi Toddler Carriers extend from 32cm-49cm (13"-19") and they have been weight tested from 8kg-27kg (17.6-60lbs). We recommend Izmi Toddler Carriers from around 7 months to 3 years.
Apart from the body panel size, Izmi Baby and Toddler Carriers are almost identical in fit and style. But we have added a couple of extra features to our Toddler Carriers:
- Ultra-light, soft padding in the waistband for extra carrying comfort.
- Shoulder adjusters for back carrying: when tightened, your toddler will sit higher up on your back for a better view.
- No adjustable neck support, as this isn't need for older babies.
- Front and Back Carrying positions only, as forwards-facing isn't recommend for heavier babies or toddlers. Instead, you can position the carrier so that your child's arm/s are over the top of the body panel, so they are free to move and look around.
Short answer
Izmi Breeze Carriers have a soft mesh body panel for extra air-flow. Apart from that, they're identical.
Longer answer
The Izmi Breeze Baby and Toddler carriers are made from soft cotton and have a super soft, polyester mesh panel, for extra ventilation and breathability to help keep your little one cool.
The regular Izmi Baby and Toddler Carriers are made from soft cotton.
Aside from that, there's no differences.
Both the regular and Breeze carriers are suitable for all seasons.
If you:
- are in a hot climate
- need a carrier for summer
- are someone who 'runs hot'
- or if you simply like the look of the soft mesh
...then we recommend the Breeze version.
Yes, Izmi Baby Carriers and Izmi Toddler Carriers may be used to help you breastfeed on the go, though this is not a hands-free activity and we do not recommend feeding while wearing any Izmi Carriers before your child is 4 months old.
You'll likely need to reposition or lower your carrier from your normal safe, supportive carrying position. You'll need extra care and attention to make sure that your baby is always well supported and able to breathe freely.
Your baby's face must never be pushed into your body and you should always be able to see that they can breathe through their nose while they feed. Your baby's head must not be enclosed, covered or restricted so that they have a good supply of fresh air and can easily latch and unlatch by themselves as needed.
Make sure to monitor your baby throughout the feed and ALWAYS safely reposition them as soon as they have finished feeding so that they are held high, tight and in sight.
Yes. All Izmis are highly adjustable to parents and carers of different shapes and sizes.
Yes. Izmi Baby Carriers and Izmi Baby Wraps have been certified as Hip Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
The ideal position for your baby’s hips, in any carrier or wrap, is for them to be supported across the whole of their seated width, along their thighs; from one ‘knee pit’ to another. Their knees should be slightly higher up than their bum; in an ‘M’ position. This is the ideal position to support your baby’s developing hip joint.
All Izmis are highlight adjustable, to ensure optimal support for your baby’s hips at every age and stage. Check your Izmi’s instruction manual for details on how to adjust your carrier or wrap to get a perfect fit for your growing baby.
Read more about what we affectionately call "The Hip Thing" on our blog.
As a rough rule of thumb: you count as one layer of clothing for your baby, and your Izmi counts as at least another. If you’re indoors, or going for a brisk walk and generating some heat, that’s like adding a third layer.
That’s 3 layers already! Always bear this in mind when dressing yourself and your baby. Our recommendations are:
In cool/cold weather: keep your baby in indoor clothing, adding a hat and booties and/or rain cover if needed. Here are some tips for staying warm and dry when babywearing.
In very cold weather: as above, with a coat or other warm layer around both of you. Avoid bulky snowsuits to prevent overheating. Keeping your baby close to your body, without bulky fabric between you, will make you more aware of how warm or cool they are. When you head indoors you can easily undo your coat to help prevent them - and you - from overheating.
In hot weather: your baby may be comfiest in just their nappy and a sunhat! Here are some more tips on how to stay cool when babywearing in hot weather.
Yes.
No. One of the many advantages of an Izmi is that you can constantly keep an eye on your baby to make sure they're safe and comfortable. And all Izmis are designed to keep your baby upright to protect the airways. So no lying down or sleeping for you while carrying your baby in an Izmi (sorry!)
You can carry your baby facing outwards in your Izmi Baby Carrier from around 4-5 months.
Your baby’s neck needs to be strong enough to be able to fully stabilise their head against the movements of your body. This means that they need to have full head control so their head doesn’t flop or bob around as you walk. They also need to be tall enough for their chin to sit above the top of the Izmi’s body panel.
Izmi Baby Wrap and Izmi Toddler Carrier are not designed for front-facing carrying. Instead, try placing one or two arms over the top of the wrap (from 4months+) or toddler carrier so your little one can look and move around.
We recommend this position for short periods of time (15-30 mins at a time), between the ages of 4 and 9 months, while your baby is awake ONLY.
This is because, in a front-facing position, your baby will always feel slightly heavier, as their weight is naturally pulling away from you; so after 15-30min you are likely to feel their weight more. In addition, babies get a lot of sensory stimulation from this position and are likely to get tired.
After this, you can turn your baby to face you with their arms in or out of the carrier, so they’re free to look and move around; or try a hip carry (5-6months+) or back carry (6months+).
No. Izmi Toddler Carriers are optimised for babies and toddlers aged 7-8 months+. Based on many years of experience with thousands of families, our recommendation is that the front-facing position can be a great option for short periods, for babies aged between approximately 4 and 9 months. After this, you’re likely to start finding your child feeling heavy as their centre of gravity and increasing weight pulls away from you.
In the Izmi Toddler Carrier, your child can be carried with one or two arms over the top of the carrier’s body panel, when facing you, or on your hip, or back. This will give them the freedom to look and move around without feeling restricted.
It is important to adjust your Izmi tightly around your and your baby to prevent them from slumping, so that their airways are protected.
An Izmi that is snug and tightly fitted will support your baby’s spine and head, enabling them to relax. It will also keep your baby’s weight snugly held into you; this will make them feel lighter and will help prevent backache or sore shoulders.
Your baby should be held high and snug against your chest, close enough to kiss the top of their head; and with the carrier tightened to prevent them flopping or slumping away from your body.
If your baby
-feels heavy
-is pulling on your back/shoulders or
-moves lower on your body over time
-needs to be supported with one or two hands
Then you need to wear your Izmi higher and tighter on your body
To check for the perfect fit: briefly lean forwards slightly, with one hand supporting your baby’s head. If their tummy flops away from your chest, your Izmi needs to be tightened.
If you can’t comfortably take a deep breath: loosen your Izmi very slightly so it’s more comfortable for you.
All Izmi products are machine washable on a cool (30 degree) or delicate cycle. But we recommend spot cleaning them with damp cloth as needed, unless they're really mucky.
Be sure to air dry them and do NOT put them in the tumble dryer.
All Izmi products are machine washable on a cool (30 degree) or delicate cycle. But we recommend spot cleaning them with damp cloth as needed, unless they're really mucky.
Be sure to air dry them and do NOT put them in the tumble dryer.
Yes!
Izmi Carriers and Wraps are highly adjustable to suit different body shapes and different sized babies. If your Izmi doesn't feel perfectly comfortable right away, it's usually because it's not yet perfectly adjusted for you and your baby.
That's why we offer one-to-one aftercare, to make sure your Izmi is set up safely and comfortably.
We highly recommend sending us a photo of you in your Izmi, via WhatsApp to Hannah and the team on 07984 377 871, so we can advise on adjusting and improving the fit.
You can also phone or video call Izmi team via WhatsApp 07984 377 871, 9am-6pm Monday to Friday. If the team is busy and can't pick up right away, please leave us a message and we'll call you back as soon as we're available.
Izmi returns are handled by our customer service and logistics partners, Cheeky Rascals.
If you wish to return your item(s), you must notify our customer services team at help@cheekyrascals.co.uk within 28 days of receiving your order. You will then be provided with further instructions.
We can only accept returned items that are unused and in their original as-new condition. Items must be in their original packaging, with all tags, labels and instruction manuals undamaged. We cannot refund items that have been worn or washed.
You are responsible for the cost of return postage. We suggest using a tracked, insured service, as items remain your responsibility until they are in our possession.
Once the returned item(s) have been received and approved, you will be sent a refund for the purchase price of the item(s) within 7 days of receiving the item(s) back. The refund will be made to the credit/debit card or PayPal account that you used for the original purchase. Please note the refund may take some days to appear in your account, depending on your credit/debit card provider.
Our logistics partners are our friends at Cheeky Rascals Ltd, who process and dispatch your orders and receive returns on our behalf.
When making a purchase on the Izmi website, please note that your payment will be processed by our distribution partner, Cheeky Rascals Limited ("Cheeky Rascals"). Therefore, you will see that the payment is taken by Cheeky Rascals on your payment statement.
After your payment is processed by Cheeky Rascals, they will take care of the dispatch and delivery of your order. This means that Cheeky Rascals will handle the shipping logistics and ensure that your purchased items reach you in a timely manner.
Babywearing FAQs
Most baby wrap slings are great from when your baby is around 7lbs.
Our Izmi Baby Wraps are ideal for babies from 2.3kg / 5lbs.
Stretchy baby wraps are one-size-fits-all and perfect for newborns from birth.
While there is no minimum weight limit when your Izmi Wrap is used correctly, we recommend seeking advice from a health professional or carrying consultant before using an Izmi wrap with premature or low birth weight babies.
That's a fancy way of saying: It's possible to carry smaller / low birth weight babies in an Izmi Baby Wrap, but please be sure to contact us or another babywearing professional so we can help ensure it's fitted optimally and safely.
Hannah and the Izmi team are on hand to check photos or have a video chat, to ensure that your baby is safe in your carrier and that you are comfortable and confident.
As long as your baby carrier is designed for this, your baby can often face forwards from around 4-5 months.
Your baby’s neck needs to be strong enough to be able to fully stabilise their head against the movements of your body. This means that they need to have full head control so their head doesn’t flop or bob around as you walk. They also need to be tall enough for their chin to sit above the top of the carrie's body panel.
If your carrier is not designed for front-facing carrying but your baby is getting wriggly, you can try placing one or two arms over the top of the wrap (from 4months+), baby carrier or toddler carrier so your little one can look and move around.
Yes! During the initial weeks following a C-section, it's more comfortable to opt for a carrier WITHOUT a thick, structured waistband.
A stretchy wrap like the luxurious bamboo Izmi Baby Wrap, or the ultra lightweight Izmi Baby Carrier are perfect baby slings for after a caesaren birth.
When worn correctly (high and tight), they help distribute your baby's weight away from your lower abdomen and the scar area.
Even though our carriers and wraps are ideal for carrying your baby after a c-section, we still recommend you take it slowly for the first six weeks post birth.
If possible, enlist the help of other family members or friends to carry your baby in a sling or carrier during the initial days and weeks.
Your wrap or carrier needs to be tied more tightly.
In a baby wrap: re-tie it ensuring it’s sufficiently snug and ensure you have tied a secure double knot. Here’s our video tutorial for how to correctly tie your wrap, for a perfect fit every time.
In an baby carrier: Pop your hands under your baby’s bottom and cuddle them into you, as you would if you weren’t using a carrier. You’ll find you’re holding them higher up on your body.
Then reposition the waistband so it says under your baby’s bum and higher on your torso; then tighten the side straps so your baby is held snugly in place.
Either because it’s not adjusted properly, or your baby has outgrown it.
If your carrier fits you and your baby and is adjusted correctly, it should NEVER:
1. Make your back, shoulders or neck feel sore or painful
2. Cause you to lean in any direction
3. Make you want to rip it off after 20 minutes
A sling should always mimic how you carry your baby in your arms: snug and high up on your chest so they’re close enough to kiss.
Tightening your carrier (usually) or loosening it (sometimes) just a few centimetres here and there can make a vast difference. As can positioning the waistband higher up on your body. The clue is in the name: it’s a WAISTband, not a hip belt.
Making your carrier HIGHER and TIGHTER will usually make a huge difference to your comfort!
Why tightening? If your carrier or wrap is too loose or sitting too low on your body, your baby’s weight will pull away from you. Your centres of gravity will no longer match and it’ll put extra strain on your back.
Get in touch with us if you'd like more help.
It’s normal and very common for babies to fuss when they are being transferred from one place to another, including when putting them into a baby carrier or wrap.
Tired babies are also more likely to fuss in a sling, but stick with it! Give it 5-10 mins of movement and they’re very likely to settle and/or fall asleep.
Walking, especially outside in fresh air, is a great way to settle your baby. If not then take a break to feed, play, relax and try again later.
If your newborn is hungry then they’ll be unlikely to settle in your wrap or carrier, especially if they’re breastfed, as they can smell your milk but can’t get to it! Even if they recently fed, try offering an extra feed.
It’s normal.
Welcome to the frustrated fifth trimester! Babies ages 3-6 months are going through a lot of developmental leaps so are particularly prone to be unsettled in carriers. It’s just their age!
Are they pushing against your chest? They’re working those muscles and starting to develop the upper body strength they’ll need to master rolling and sitting up.
As they want to motor themselves around, but can’t, they can get frustrated. So get moving, ideally in the fresh air.
You can also try using your Izmi Baby Carrier in a different position. Let your baby have one or both arms over the tops of the carrier so they can move and look around (4 months+).
Try the front-facing position for short periods (4 months+), a hip carry (5-6 months+) or a high back carry so they can see over your shoulder (6 months+).
And remember: it’s a phase.
Oh, look, another phase! Around 8-15 months your baby is likely to start trying to crawl or pull themselves up to walking.
If your baby is now doing acrobatic flips and loud protests to avoid going in a carrier, make sure they’re having lots of playtime/floor time before you put them in.
So make sure you’ve got your shoes on before you put them in your carrier and get outside. Fresh air makes a huge difference, as will the change of scene.
Once your little one is confidently walking, you’ll find the novelty wears off fairly quickly, and they’re likely to start asking to be carried again once their little legs get tired.
There is no fixed upper limit, so long as you are both comfortable. Just as there isn't an upper limit on how many hours a day you can spend cuddling and holding your baby, there's no real upper limit for how long you can spend carrying them.
In your baby’s first months, they may be happily carried for a large proportion of the day, coming out for feeds and nappy changes.
As they get older and they become more alert and awake for longer periods, they're going to be more keen to get down, explore on the floor and play and come up to you when they're tired and ready for a snuggle.
As a rough rule of thumb: you count as one layer of clothing for your baby, and your carrier counts as at least another. If you’re indoors, or going for a brisk walk and generating some heat, that’s like adding a third layer.
That’s 3 layers already! Always bear this in mind when dressing yourself and your baby.
Our recommendations are:
In cool/cold weather: keep your baby in indoor clothing, adding a hat and booties and/or rain cover if needed. Here are some tips for staying warm and dry when babywearing.
In very cold weather: as above, with a coat or other warm layer around both of you. Avoid bulky snowsuits to prevent overheating. Keeping your baby close to your body, without bulky fabric between you, will make you more aware of how warm or cool they are. When you head indoors you can easily undo your coat to help prevent them - and you - from overheating.
As a rough rule of thumb: you count as one layer of clothing for your baby, and your carrier counts as at least another. If you’re indoors, or going for a brisk walk and generating some heat, that’s like adding a third layer.
That’s 3 layers already! Always bear this in mind when dressing yourself and your baby.
In hot weather, your baby may be comfiest in just their nappy and a sunhat! Here are some more tips on how to stay cool when babywearing in hot weather.