Being a parent means being short on time. And when we’re short on time, we’re short on getting everything done. That’s why people invent apps, right? Being busy doesn’t mean you have to skimp on getting things done.
Here are the best local apps to get you what you need, when you need it.
Chime
Free in the iTunes store and on the Chime website
Chime, the newest brainchild of local tech darling Genevieve Thiers of Sittercity, is a sitter-on-demand app where you can book a hyper-screened sitter in an instant so you can have that date night you want, run the errands you never have time to do or get stuff done around the house. Chime also does that often-loathed task of adding up the babysitter bill. You can virtually see what sitters are available when you need them and your kids can even help you pick. Videos of each sitter help you get to know your gal or guy. Standard rates of $14 an hour in Chicago apply. Hello, night on the town!
Postmates
Free in the iTunes store
Launched in Chicago a little over a year ago, Postmates is the best buddy you never knew you had. Stuck in the house while the kids nap? Postmates will deliver Starbucks for that desperately needed afternoon pick-me-up. Yep, like I said, Postmates delivers what you need when you need it. Besides coffee, Postmates will deliver meds from the drugstore for those middle of the night fevers (Walgreens), quesadillas for dinner for the kids (Chipotle on demand!) and pretty much all of your favorite local restaurants for that last-minute meal. Some Postmates partners charge a delivery charge; others’ delivery costs are based on distance traveled.
SpotHero
Free in the iTunes store and Google Play
Have you ever needed to park in the Chicago Loop but you miss the “in by 8 a.m., out by 5 p.m. deal”? Not to worry, because SpotHero scouts out the spots for you before you spend your time circling around Randolph and Wabash. Just enter an address and voila, you see what spots are available and how much it’ll cost you. It has specially negotiated rates that will save you money and wasted time looking for a spot.
