Solly Soft Carrier vs Hope & Plum Lark Baby Carrier

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:02 am

The Solly Baby Wrap is practically synonymous with newborn babywearing. So when I saw an ad for their upcoming soft structured carrier, I was immediately intrigued!

At first glance, the new Solly Soft Carrier looks like a cross between the Wildbird Aerial (which I’ve reviewed in depth here) and the Hope & Plum Lark. Since the Lark is structurally the most similar, I decided to do a direct comparison.

A quick overview, before jumping into the review:

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Similarities

Both carriers share a lot of the same thoughtful design elements:

• Lightweight and packable – minimal padding on the straps makes it ideal for travel.
• Cross-back straps that can also be configured for back carrying (with a detachable chest strap).
• Apron-style waistband, which tends to fit shorter or petite torsos better.
• Adjustable seat width by scrunching the fabric along the waistband for a custom fit.
• Best for older babies – both are designed for babies who are solidly in 3-month+ clothing (not intended for newborns).

Differences

Here’s where the Solly and Lark start to diverge:

• Aesthetic: The Solly has a contrasting interior made from their signature wrap fabrics and comes in soft, neutral tones. The Hope & Plum lineup includes both neutrals and brighter, more playful prints.
• Strap width: The Solly’s narrower shoulder straps create a more streamlined look and may suit those with smaller frames, but they also tend to creep toward the neck more easily.
• Chest clip pocket: The Solly has a clever little pocket to store the chest clip used for back carries (a small detail, but one that keeps me from losing it!). It also includes a matching carrying pouch.
• Buckle placement: On the Solly, the buckle sits slightly higher than on the Hope & Plum. I personally prefer the lower placement on the Lark – it gives baby boy’s arms more room and feels a bit more relaxed against my chest.
• Fabric feel: Both use woven, non-stretch fabrics, but the Lark’s material has a touch more “give” and feels softer with wear.
• Size inclusivity: The Lark is more size-inclusive, offering two waistband lengths up to 65”. It also lasts longer into toddlerhood thanks to its taller panel. However, that taller body means it fits well a bit later – around 4.5–5 months for us, compared to 2.5 months for most other carriers.

Personal Fit Notes

• The Solly’s wider waistband feels slightly more supportive overall.
• I was initially worried that the Lark’s wider straps would overwhelm my frame, but they just reach the edge of my shoulders and distribute weight really comfortably. By contrast, the Solly’s narrower straps tend to creep toward my neck.
• The Lark also fits my husband (5’10”, semi-athletic build) well. We both wear the same Short Length size, and the wider straps give him a more balanced fit. He also appreciates the simple, all-black “Sable” colorway – clean and gender-neutral.

Verdict

Both carriers are thoughtfully designed and beautifully made, but they serve slightly different preferences:

• The Hope & Plum Lark is an excellent baby-to-toddler carrier from a woman-owned brand that emphasizes inclusive sizing and ethical, U.S.-based production. They offer free fit consultations and tons of helpful educational content. It’s a worthy long-term investment and my personal preference of the two.
• The Solly Soft Carrier, meanwhile, is still a great choice if you love Solly’s signature aesthetic and lightweight design. They also offer free fit consultations, and the narrower straps may be more comfortable for those with smaller frames or narrower shoulders.