For new parents, the Sprout Shell is an infant carrier cover with more than one use. Besides covering your baby in the carrier, use it as a nursing cover and as a shopping cart cover.

Looking at the Sprout Shell rolled up in the package, I would never have known that. You would have to look at the web site to learn that it was a multi-purpose accessory.

I was a bit skeptical at first but find this product pretty useful. It slips over a carrier easily because of the stretchable elastic. As a nursing cover I think it works best on small babies. It’s only because the elastic would fit over a baby’s body better than a one-year-old. As for a shopping cart cover, I can imagine the material being enough to cover the seat.

The fabric is lightweight and you can roll it up and store away in a diaper bag. There’s a good selection of designs available. Price is $40. Visit www.sproutshell.com.