Everything! The proportions, the weight range (7-24 lbs), the panel dimensions, and the apron-style waistband are all built around those early months when your baby needs to be held close.

Key newborn-specific features:

• Smaller panel that won't bury tiny babies
• Natural C-curve spine support for proper positioning
• Apron-style waistband sits higher to avoid C-section incisions and sensitive postpartum areas
• Compact size (7-24 lbs) instead of trying to make one carrier fit birth through toddlerhood

Unlike full-size carriers with newborn inserts, the Sprout doesn't require adapting or adding pieces. There's no insert to figure out because it doesn't need one! It's simply designed to fit newborns properly from the start.

The Sprout is designed for babies 7-24 pounds, typically fitting from birth through approximately 9 months (depending on your baby's size).

Yes, the Sprout is designed for use from birth as long as your baby weighs at least 7 pounds. The carrier supports proper newborn positioning:

Safety features:

• Natural spread squat position for healthy hip development
• Gentle spine support with a slight curve
• Knee-to-knee seating
• Panel height that keeps airway clear and visible

Safety checks every time you wear:

• Baby's face is visible and kissable
• Chin is off chest (at least two finger-widths between chin and chest)
• Panel sits no higher than baby's lower earlobe when folded down
• Baby is close enough to kiss the top of their head

If you have any concerns about your baby's positioning, we offer free virtual fit checks with our team.

We recommend waiting until your baby reaches 7 pounds before using the Sprout Newborn Carrier. This ensures proper fit and safe positioning.

If you'd like to use it sooner, talk to your pediatrician first. They can help you determine if your baby is ready. When using the Sprout with a smaller newborn, make sure the panel sits no higher than your baby's lower earlobe when folded down.

The Sprout Newborn Carrier is designed specifically for babies 7-24 pounds, which typically covers birth through around 6 to 9 months (though every baby grows differently).

Once your baby outgrows the Sprout, we recommend transitioning to the Lark Baby Carrier, our full-size carrier designed for babies 10-45 pounds. The Sprout is perfect for those early newborn months, and the Lark for the infant and toddler years ahead.

When to transition: You'll know it's time to move to the Lark when:

• Baby is approaching 24 pounds
• The panel no longer covers baby's back fully
• Baby needs more panel height/width for proper support

If you have any questions on when to transition, send us an email at hello@hopeandplum.co and we can help you determine what's the best option for you!

The Lark is our beloved full-size carrier designed to grow with your baby from 10-45 pounds, perfect for older babies and toddlers. The Sprout is designed specifically for newborns, from 7-24 pounds.

Key differences:

Sprout (Newborn-Specific):

• 7-24 pounds (true newborn sizing)
• Compact design that packs down to palm-sized
• Panel proportions designed for tiny babies
• Perfect fit from day one, no insert needed
• Ideal for those first 6 months

Lark (Grows With Baby):

• 10-45 pounds (baby needs to be in 3-6 month clothing to fit the panel properly)
• Larger panel that adjusts as baby grows
• Front and back carry options
• Takes you through toddlerhood
• More versatile for long-term use

Think of it this way: the Sprout is purpose-built for those precious early months when your baby needs to be held close and most carriers feel too big. The Lark is your go-to once baby outgrows the Sprout, and will take you all the way through toddlerhood.

Many parents love having both: the Sprout for newborn days, then transitioning to the Lark as baby grows.

We offer several wonderful options for newborns! It really comes down to your preference and how you want to carry.

Choose the Sprout if you want:

• The coziness of a wrap or meh dai, with the convenience of buckles
• Supportive woven fabric that holds its shape
• Something you can put on and take off quickly
• A carrier designed specifically for the newborn stage (7-24 lbs)
• Compact size that packs down to fit in your palm

Choose our stretchy wrap if you want:

• The softest, most womb-like feeling
• Traditional wrapping experience
• Great for learning to babywear
• Don't mind rewrapping when taking baby in and out

Choose a ring sling if you want:

• The fastest way to wear your baby (no buckles, no wrapping)
• Perfect for nursing and feeding on the go
• Single-shoulder carry for quick ups and downs
• Beautiful natural fiber fabric
• A carrier that grows from newborn through toddlerhood (7-35 lbs)

Choose our Meh Dai if you want:

• Maximum adjustability and customization
• Two-shoulder support with tie straps
• A carrier that grows from newborn through toddlerhood (7-45 lbs)
• The comfort of a wrap with more structure

Many parents have more than one carrier and use them for different situations. The Sprout is perfect for everyday newborn carrying when you want structure and ease, while ring slings are great for quick errands or nursing, and wraps/Meh Dais are ideal for those quiet bonding moments.

Not sure? Reach out to us at hello@hopeandplum.co, and we'll help you find the perfect fit, or take our quiz!

We can't speak to other brands' specific construction, but here's what makes the Sprout unique:

• Woven fabric instead of stretchy (consistent support that doesn't sag)
• Ethically manufactured within 15 miles of our Minneapolis warehouse with fair wages
• Size-inclusive design with two length options
• No insert required because it's sized for newborns from the start
• Compact enough to fit in your palm when packed

We encourage you to compare weight ranges, construction details, and manufacturing ethics when choosing any carrier.

We designed the Sprout with a size-inclusive fit in mind! The apron-style waistband adjusts to sit comfortably on a wide range of bodies, and we offer two length options to ensure the right fit for your body.

The waistband also sits higher than traditional carriers, which is especially helpful postpartum. It reduces pressure on healing c-section incisions and sensitive pelvic floors.

If you're unsure about sizing, reach out to us at hello@hopeandplum.co. We're happy to help you choose!

We offer two lengths based on your fitted shirt size:

Short Length: Best for those who wear fitted t-shirts in sizes XXS-L

Long Length: Best for those who wear fitted t-shirts in sizes XL-6X

Because the Sprout uses an apron-style design, the length isn't about torso measurement, it's about ensuring the straps and waistband have enough webbing to wrap comfortably around your body and buckle securely.

Not sure? Just send us an email at hello@hopeandplum.co! We're here to help you get the right fit. Our easy exchange program makes it simple to exchange if needed!

Legs are ALWAYS out in the Sprout, from day one. The Sprout is designed with an adjustable panel width that adapts to your newborn's size. Just push the sides of the fabric in along the bottom of the panel/where the panel attaches to the waistband to make it narrower for tiny babies.

Proper positioning:

• Legs hang freely with baby in a spread squat position
• Panel goes knee-to-knee for proper hip support

This is healthier for hip development and more comfortable for your baby. The adjustable panel width means you get proper knee-to-knee support whether you have a tiny newborn or a chunky baby.

Use these checks every time you wear your baby:

The TICKS rule:

• Tight - Baby is held close to your body, and when you move, baby moves with you
• In view at all times - You can see baby's face easily when you look down
• Close enough to kiss - Baby's head is high enough on your body for you to easily kiss
• Keep chin off chest - At least two finger-widths between chin and chest
• Supported back - Baby's back is supported in a natural, slightly curved position

Additional checks:

• Panel sits no higher than baby's lower earlobe when folded down
• Baby's knees are supported by the seat knee to knee, and their bum is at or slightly lower than their knees (spread squat position)
• You can fit two fingers between baby's chin and chest
• Baby's face is visible and not pressed against your body

If you're ever unsure, we offer free virtual fit checks with our team!

The Sprout uses woven (non-stretchy) fabric, not stretchy fabric like many newborn carriers.

Why woven matters: Woven fabric provides consistent, reliable support that doesn't sag or require constant retightening. Stretchy carriers feel soft initially but lose their shape over time and through multiple uses.

Our woven fabric is soft enough for newborn comfort while maintaining the structure you need for safe positioning. No second-guessing whether you've tightened enough, no sagging after twenty minutes. Just soft, consistent support from the moment you buckle it on.

The Sprout uses soft, supportive woven fabric without excess batting or padding. This keeps it breathable and comfortable while maintaining the structure needed for proper newborn positioning. The fabric itself provides cushioning while staying compact enough to pack down small. The only area on the Sprout with batting is the waistband, to offer you the perfect amount of stability!

If you prefer more padding, the Lark Baby Carrier has batting for extra cushioning and works once baby reaches 10 lbs and fits into size 3-6m tops.

The Sprout is designed for front carry with x-back straps, which provides optimal weight distribution across your shoulders and back. The x-back design is particularly comfortable for the newborn stage when you're wearing baby frequently throughout the day.

The panel height adjusts by folding down the top of the panel. Simple and intuitive! The Sprout is designed with newborns in mind, so the default height works for smaller babies. As your baby grows, you can unfold the panel for more height.

No rolling, no buckles, no straps to fiddle with while holding a newborn. Just fold the panel to the right height, ensuring it sits no higher than your baby's lower earlobe when adjusted.

Yes! The Sprout's woven fabric is breathable and suitable for year-round wear, including summer. The lack of heavy batting or padding keeps it from feeling bulky or hot.

Summer wearing tips:

• Dress baby in lightweight clothing (sometimes just a diaper is enough)
• Monitor baby for signs of overheating
• Take breaks in air conditioning when needed
• Stay hydrated
• Remember that a baby carrier counts as a layer

As with any carrier, pay attention to your baby's temperature and dress them appropriately for the weather.

The Sprout Newborn Carrier packs down to fit in the palm of your hand! Seriously. Despite being supportive and structured, it's compact enough to keep in your diaper bag, stash in the car, or bring anywhere without taking up much space. No bulky carrier bag needed.

When your baby needs to be held (at the grocery store, on a walk, during a fussy moment), it's there and ready to go.

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag. Hang or lay flat to dry. You can also dry in the dryer on a low heat cycle. Always use a detergent free of optical brighteners. Do not bleach.

We recommend washing before first use.

The natural fibers will soften beautifully over time while maintaining their supportive structure.