Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier review

What were your first impressions?

When my Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier arrived, the first thing I noticed is that it's softer than I expected it to be, having only used the more structured Ergobaby carrier before. While this means it's light and easy to fold and fit in a bag or pocket, I wondered if it would be strong enough to comfortably and securely hold my growing baby boy. In terms of appearance, it is a dark grey colour that looks functional rather than stylish. Though it's not to my personal taste, a plus point is that it's neutral and something both my husband and I feel equally comfortable wearing.

How easy is it to put on with your baby?

The instructions provided in the manual for the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier are image-only, and I would have appreciated some written ones too, as I think this would have made it easier for me to put it on. As there are multiple straps and buckles, it's not always obvious which ones the instructions are referring to.

Another thing that makes it a little trickier to put on is the fact that Izmi recommends putting the baby in the carrier before you adjust or fasten it, as opposed to slotting them in once it's on, which might be hard to do alone if the baby is heavy or wriggly. It took me a few minutes to work out how to use the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier initially, and I needed help to get it on the first few times I tried it, but it did get easier every time.

Helpfully, Izmi offers a free 15-minute video fit check with every carrier purchase, to make sure it is set up safely and comfortably. It also has a video tutorial and more tips available on its website.

How easy is it to take your baby out?

I find it pretty easy to take my baby out of the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier as it's simply a case of undoing a couple of buckles and pulling down the straps, which doesn't disturb him too much.

Is it ergonomic?

According to Izmi, all of its baby carriers and wraps have been certified as Hip-Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The Breeze Baby Carrier easily holds my baby in the ideal position for his hips, with his knees slightly higher than his bottom in an 'M' position. It is also adjustable to ensure support for his hips at every age and stage.

How comfortable is the product for your baby?

My son fusses when I'm getting him into the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier, as he has with other slings and carriers that I've used, but he seems comfortable and well-supported enough once he's in it. He's fallen asleep on a couple of walks when held in the Front Carry position facing me, and he seemed to enjoy being in the forward-facing position too, as he was able to look around at our surroundings.

How comfortable is the product for you?

The first time I wore the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier, it wasn't super-comfortable as one of the straps was a little loose, so I didn't feel like my baby was completely secure. However, once I tightened it for subsequent wears, it became more comfortable and felt secure in a couple of different positions. It puts a little strain on my back to walk with him in it for roughly half an hour, but no more than carrying him in my arms does.

How many different positions does it offer?

There are four different positions that you can hold your baby in using the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier. From birth onwards, you can use it in the Front Carry position, while you can hold your baby in the Hip Carry and Forward Facing Carry positions from 4 months of age, although the latter is recommended for short periods only (15 minutes) and not while your baby is sleeping. You can also hold your baby in the Back Carry position once they are 6 months old.

My baby didn't seem to like being in the Hip Carry position much when we tried it, but that could be partly down to the fact that it took me a little while to work out where the straps and buckles were meant to go, which probably wasn't very comfortable for him.

He currently seems to find the Front Carry position the most comfortable, probably partly because this is the position he is most used to being held in with our sling. I do think that he'll increasingly enjoy the Forward Facing Carry and Back Carry positions as he gets older and is more curious about seeing the world around him when we go for walks.

How easy is it to adjust?

Izmi claims that the Baby Breeze Carrier grows with your baby as you can extend its width with hidden Velcro tabs and increase the height of your carrier with poppers, to ensure an ergonomic and comfy fit at every age and stage. The body panel width of the carrier extends from 18cm to 41cm. It’s relatively simple to tighten and loosen the straps and buckles of the Izmi Baby Breeze Carrier when I need to reposition my baby, although it is definitely easier to do when someone is around to help me as my son is quite wriggly now.

Is it easy for you to do other things while wearing it?

I find it relatively easy to do most household chores with my baby in the Izmi Baby Breeze Carrier, although it's a little trickier if I have to bend over as the movement is likely to disturb my baby.

I bottle feed my son, but Izmi states that you can breastfeed using this carrier. It recommends that you do this with your baby sitting or being held upright and that you use at least one hand to support your baby until they can grasp on their own. A video tutorial and more tips on how to breastfeed while using the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier can be found on the brand's website.

How well does it fit?

The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is pitched as being "designed to fit all mums, dads and carers", with a waistband that extends from 56cm to 135cm and adjustable shoulder straps. My husband and I both tested the product, and we have very different body shapes – he's almost a foot taller than me, for a start. We both found that the waistband could be easily adjusted to suit our bodies, although we had to fiddle about with the shoulder straps a little bit to ensure that our son was sitting comfortably and securely.

What age range is this suitable for according to the manufacturer?

Though the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is safety tested to a maximum weight of 16kg (33lb), the manufacturer bills it as ideal for babies from 0-12 months of age. Izmi says the carrier is suitable for newborn babies who weigh 3.2kg (7lb) or more, but also states on its website that it can be used with babies who only weigh 2.3kg (5lb) if you get advice from a babywearing or health professional first. If your baby is on the taller or heavier side, Izmi recommends that you size up to an Izmi Breeze Toddler Carrier at around 7-9 months.

My baby is about average height and weight for his age, and in my experience, the sizing for the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is pretty accurate. At the moment, he sits in it quite comfortably, but there is still some room for him to grow.

How would you rate the buckles/straps/buttons where relevant?

The buckles, straps and buttons on the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier seem to be of good quality – they've all worked well for me and are easy to adjust. As I have quite short arms, I have a little trouble doing up and undoing the buckle that sits at the top of my back, and either need to do it up before putting that part of the carrier over my head or get help with it.

How would you rate the quality of the fabric/materials?

Despite its lightness, the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier feels well-made and durable. The mesh panel is soft and breathable, while the cotton making up the rest of the carrier is strong and sturdy.

How easy is it to clean and keep clean?

Like all Izmi products, the Breeze Baby Carrier is machine washable on a cool 30°C (86°F) or delicate cycle. However, Izmi recommends that you spot clean it with a damp cloth unless it's really mucky. It also advises that the carrier should only be air dried and not put in the tumble dryer. Following these instructions, I found it a "breeze" to wash and dry my carrier!

What are the safety elements/features?

The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier has been certified as Hip-Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. It also has a mesh panel to ensure there is more air flow for your baby. I tested the product during the winter, but if I was using it during the summer then I'm sure this extra breathability would reassure me of my son's comfort and safety despite the hot weather.

If this is the latest version of a previous baby carrier/wrap/sling, how does it compare?

Compared to the standard version of the Izmi Baby Carrier, the short version of the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is almost identical; however, it has a soft mesh body panel for extra air flow. Where the regular Izmi Baby Carrier is made from soft cotton, the longer version of the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is made from soft cotton and has a soft polyester mesh panel for extra ventilation to help keep your baby cool. Due to its enhanced breathability, Izmi recommends the Breeze carrier for parents who are in a hot climate or who tend to overheat easily.

How well does it work on public transport?

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier on public transport but I imagine it would be useful if I didn't have much else to carry and it wasn't raining. It would certainly be more convenient than taking out the pram for short trips, as we'd take up much less space.

How does it compare to other carriers/wraps you have used?

I have a long stretchy Innoo fabric sling that I used quite regularly with my son when he was a newborn, and also once used a friend's Ergobaby carrier when my son was 3-and-a-half months old. The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier falls somewhere between these two options – it is sturdier and feels more secure than the fabric wrap, but more flexible and breathable than the highly structured Ergobaby carrier.

What's in the box? List in bullets the items that you are sent

• 1 x Izmi Baby Breeze Carrier
• 1 x instruction manual

Izmi also sent me a hood and pocket, which are additional accessories you can buy with your carrier (more on these below).

What are the additional accessories that you can buy?

• Izmi Hood (£9.95) – This sleep and weather hood (which easily attaches with poppers to all Izmi Baby Carriers and Toddler Carriers) offers extra head support for nap time as well as protection from the sun, wind and light showers. It has clips on it to fix the hood in place anywhere on the carrier's shoulder straps and elasticated edges for a snug, supportive fit.
• Izmi Pocket (£9.95) – Allowing you to be hands-free when out and about, this detachable bag poppers onto all Izmi Baby Carriers and Toddler Carriers. It is generously sized to fit your phone, keys and baby essentials in it, and has a secure hidden-zip closure.

What did you think of the packaging of this product?

The carrier arrived in a small cardboard box, while the hood and pocket were wrapped in plastic envelopes. The product was well-protected and the packaging was minimal, with the box being very easy to recycle.

Sustainability – production, maintaining, recycling

Izmi says its carriers and slings are made in a sustainable way as it is a small company making fairly small quantities of products, efficiently and without unnecessary wastage.

The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier can be repaired, with the brand offering free replacement buckles and a free video service to help with any troubleshooting. The product can also be recycled at the end of its life. The fabric can easily be recycled at any textile bank, while the plastic components can be recycled depending on your local services.

Tell us about repair options if it breaks

The warranty for the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier covers one year, but when I contacted the company a representative added: "We will always make replacement parts available to all customers with no end date."

Now you've tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing it?

I would have wanted to know that it can take a little while to figure out how to get this carrier on, as my son is now almost 6 months old and at the stage where he can be quite fussy and wriggly.

Who would this product be most useful for?

The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is best suited to parents who don't want a bulky carrier, as well as those who are worried about their baby or themselves getting overheated. In fact, it would be ideal to take away on holiday.

Is this product worth the money?

The price of the Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier is mid-range compared to similar carriers I've seen online. If you want a carrier that is adjustable and can be used in a variety of positions but has the softness and flexibility of a sling rather than a highly structured product, then this is a good option.

Where can I buy the Izmi Breeze baby carrier?

It is available from Izmi Baby

MadeForMums verdict:

The Izmi Breeze Baby Carrier holds my baby securely and comfortably in a number of different positions. It saved me having to push a pram on a couple of trips outside, including a 30-minute countryside walk that involved walking up and down hill. I'm not sure if it's something I would use regularly around the house now my baby is nearly 6 months old and comfortable on his playmat or in his bouncer, but I can imagine it would have been more useful when he was younger and needed to be held more, plus the breathable fabric would have been particularly helpful in the summer.