First time parent? There are apps for that. We’ve gathered the best apps for new parents to learn about, measure, soothe and distract their little bundle of joy.
First time parent? There are apps for that. We’ve gathered the best apps for new parents to learn about, measure, soothe and distract their little bundle of joy.
There are apps designed for everything and everyone-even theyoungest among us. Apps like Infant Visual Stimulation app (iPad/iPhone, $2.99), The Baby Symbolizer (iPad, iPhone, 99 cents) and Baby View (Android, $1.92) all display simple, high-contrast
images designed to catch an infant’s attention.
Choosing whether or not to plug in your little pumpkinsoon after he arrives, however, is something to weigh heavily. TheAmerican Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend screen time forchildren under 2. Your child will benefit most often from thesounds of your voice, your facial movements and the interactions ofloving parents, siblings and caregivers.
Interact with your infant and gauge his growth with theseresources that help navigate fussy times, record developmentalmilestones and distract long enough to get a shower.
If you’re like most new parents, you’ll have lots of questionsand a need for quick information. My Baby Today ( iPhone and Android, free) includes helpful checklists, suggested
activities for baby each week, care and feeding advice, answers to
“Is this normal?”questions and a photo album, too.
Learn
You’ll also spend the first year of life reading everything youcan get your hands on about you child’s development. Baby Milestones 1st Year (iPhone/iPad, $1.99) provides
physical, intellectual, social and sleep pattern guides for babies
through the first year. Your Baby’s Milestones (Android, $1.60) offers developmental
data on growing children until 5, along with the ability to add
notes and photos.
Measure
Sleep is critical-for everyone. To help the whole family duringtough sleep cycles, try White Noise by TMSOFT (iPhone/iPad and Android, $1.99). This app comes with 40 different background
noises to choose from, including the tested vacuum and washing
machine-you won’t even have to do housework to get the sleep
results you’re hoping for!
Soothe
Of course there will be fussy times, and these apps can act likea traditional rattle to distract your baby in a pinch. Baby Rattle Toy (Android, free) comes with six different rattle
styles and sounds. Baby Rattle Toy (iPhone, $1.99) also offers various sounds,
colorful graphics and vibrations.
Distract
