KidGlue Review: Sprout Shell

I was sent an innovative new baby product a few weeks ago called the Sprout Shell.  The Sprout Shell’s main purpose is to cover an infant carrier car seat when it’s not clicked into the car base.  But it also doubles (and triples!) as a nursing cover and a shopping cart seat cover.  And it’s a space-saver because you can fold it up and slip it into your diaper bag.

The shell was designed to be more practical than a traditional blanket. Thanks to its elastic stretch it won’t fall off or blow away.  And as the only carrier cover on the market that is multi-functional, it could potentially corner the market.  The Sprout Shell has earned The Baby Planners’ Picks Seal of Approval - an accolade program designed to help expectant parents prepare for their baby’s arrival with an exclusive list of products and services chosen based on quality, reliability, value and style.

So how did it hold up to the hype?  Pretty well!  It fit over my infant carrier nicely and provided a well-ventilated little tent, which I imagine would be very soothing for a baby.  It was a little snug when I tried to simulate a nursing hold with my 2.5 year old (fully clothed of course, no childhood trauma caused), but it would definitely be roomy enough for nursing babies up to 12-18 months old.  Again the secure design created an atmosphere for the baby to relax and provided a buffered from the outside world.  When used as a shopping cart cover, it did the job without all of the bulkiness of the other cart covers I’ve tried.   I can’t speak to its effectiveness at shielding germs, as it is just lightweight cotton.  My guess is that it’s the equivalent to having your baby wear gloves to the store.  It kept my son’s hands from touch the potentially germy cart and gave me a little peace of mind while shopping.  I just threw it in the wash when we got home and it was clean as new.

The one thing that put me off a little when it first arrived was the material.  The cotton looked like 10-thread count sheets.  It’s not rough, but it definitely isn’t that ahhhh! soft that you expect from most baby products.  As I began to use this product I realized why the fabric was so thin.  Duh! because it envelops your baby and your baby needs to breathe.  Still, when it retails for $40-50,  I expect a little luxury.  It does come in a variety of chic designs and I suspect that it will soften up a bit with a few more rounds in the wash.  One thing is for sure.  The Sprout Shell is guaranteed to dress up your baby’s ride.   Moms all over the internet have been talking about the Sprout Shell.   Click here to read another mom’s review http://2gerberbabies.blogspot.com/2009/07/tired-of-shelling-out-big-bucks-for.html.  And check it out for yourself at www.sproutshell.com.