Quick answer
If you plan to hike with a newborn (under 6 months), you need both the Thule Sapling carrier backpack and the Thule Newborn Inlay. If your baby is already sitting well, the Sapling alone is enough.
Why the Thule Newborn Inlay is essential for young babies
The Thule Sapling is designed as a child carrier backpack for older infants and toddlers who have good head and neck control. For newborns, the included harness and seat may not provide the snug support and head positioning they need. The Thule Newborn Inlay fills that gap by adding extra cushioning and a more secure, reclined fit inside any compatible Thule stroller or carrier seat. Without it, using the Sapling for a baby under 6 months is not recommended for safety and comfort.
When you can skip the inlay
If your baby is already sitting upright independently (typically around 6 months or older), the Thule Sapling's built-in seat and harness are fully adequate. The Sapling's 22-liter cargo space, adjustable suspension, and sun canopy are designed for day hikes with a toddler. Adding the newborn inlay at this stage would be unnecessary and could even make the seat feel cramped. The trade-off is that you lose the ability to use the carrier for a younger sibling without buying the inlay later.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Buy the Thule Sapling alone: Best for babies 6 months and older who sit well. You get a 22L hiking backpack with a comfortable carrier seat, adjustable suspension, and sun canopy. No extra insert needed. Check your baby's head control before using.
- Add the Thule Newborn Inlay: If you want to use the Sapling for a newborn, the inlay adds padding and support. However, the inlay is designed for Thule strollers, not the Sapling carrier. Confirm compatibility with Thule directly or test fit in store. Do not assume it fits the Sapling; verify first.
- Consider a dedicated newborn carrier insert: If the Thule Newborn Inlay does not fit the Sapling, look for a universal newborn carrier insert or a carrier that is newborn-ready out of the box. The Sapling alone is not suitable for newborns.
Product facts
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Thule Sapling: Baby Carrier Backpack (22L): The Thule Sapling is a baby backpack that lets you share a perfect day on the trail, safe and comfortable for both you and your little one. It is a full-featured hiking carrier, but its seat and harness are designed for babies with good head control, not newborns.
Thule Sapling: Baby Carrier Backpack (22L)
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Thule Newborn Inlay: The Thule Newborn Inlay is compatible with Thule Shine, Thule Spring, Thule Urban Glide 2, Thule Urban Glide 2 double, Thule Urban Glide 3, Thule Urban Glide 3 double, Thule Urban Glide 4-wheel, Thule Glide 3 strollers. It is not listed as compatible with the Thule Sapling carrier, so verify fit before purchasing if you intend to use it with the Sapling. It is designed primarily for strollers, not the carrier.
Thule Newborn Inlay
Who should choose what
Best for
- Parents with a baby 6 months or older who want a hiking carrier backpack for day trips
- Parents who already own a compatible Thule stroller and want to use the same newborn inlay for both stroller and carrier (if compatible)
Not for
- Parents who need a carrier that works for a newborn right away without extra purchases
- Parents who want a lightweight, everyday baby carrier for short errands (consider a soft structured carrier instead)
