Life-Changing Pocket Magic – Apps All New Parents Should Give a Try!

Babysential Nov 08, 2023
77 People Read
Best Apps for New Parents

Dear modern-day parents,

The sleepless nights, the unpredictable schedules, the wonder of seeing your little one grow – while parenthood is a remarkable journey, it's not without its challenges. But here’s a silver lining. New parents in 2023 have quality of life-changing tools their predecessors would have envied – revolutionary parenting apps!

From the first flutter of baby kicks to the maze of sleep schedules, the journey of parenthood is nothing short of magical. And in this digital age, there's an app to guide you every step of the way. While exploring app stores can feel like navigating through a digital jungle, we've trimmed the hedges and present to you a list of top-rated ease-of-life apps for infants worldwide. We've broken it down in phases, when to best use them, and what they may be used for - making the choices a breeze.

1. Apps During Your Pregnancy

In the age of digital wonders, why leave the enchanting journey of pregnancy to mere monthly doctor visits? Think about it - from a tiny cluster of cells to a wriggling, kicking firecracker, your baby undergoes countless magical transformations inside the womb. Tracking these stages isn't just about satisfying your heartfelt curiosity. It gives expecting parents a sense of connection, anticipation, and preparation.

A baby development tracker app is like having a window into your womb, allowing you to witness and understand each little marvel. It's not just about knowing when your baby sprouts their first hair or finger; it's about forging a bond that starts long before that first cry. So, why not add these free development tracker apps during pregnancy to your parenting toolkit? After all, every bloom deserves an admiring audience. 🌱🔍👶

App: Preglife

Price: Free

When to use: For those nine special months

Preglife is an app designed to be a pregnant individual's faithful companion from those early days of baby's development to the final moments before birth. Crafted with new parents in mind, Preglife offers a comprehensive baby development guide that's both enlightening and reassuring. But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond tracking, the app is enriched with real-life stories, lending a sense of camaraderie, and expert advice, ensuring that every question gets a professional touch. For those embarking on the awe-inspiring journey of parenthood, Preglife serves as a digital handbook, answering queries, offering insights, and ensuring that every step of this beautiful path is taken with confidence and informed grace.

Alternative 1

App: Pregnancy+

Price: Free

When to use: For those nine special months

Pregnancy + is a popular and comprehensive free pregnancy tracking app that is designed to support expectant mothers (and fathers!) through those nine special months. Experience the magic of life through its detailed baby development tracker, offering week-by-week 3D visuals of your growing little one. Stay ahead and organized with the personal diary. Receive daily & weekly expert insights, handy tips, and health advice tailored for your pregnancy stage. And for those in the crucial stages, the kick counter & contraction timer ensures you're always in tune with your baby's movements and activity.

Alternative 2

App: What to Expect

Price: Free

When to use: For those nine special months

While Pregnancy+ mesmerizes us with its detailed baby development tracker, personal diary, and kick counter, What to Expect takes a more community-driven approach. The latter not only offers a development tracker but also shines with features like daily pregnancy videos and community forums where expecting parents can connect and share experiences. Preglife merges the best of both worlds, providing a comprehensive baby development guide while also integrating elements of community interaction, complete with real-life stories and expert advice. It's like a friendly intermediary, balancing individual tracking with collective wisdom. As each app caters to the evolving needs of every parent-to-be, your choice might hinge on your desired journey: an intimate exploration with your growing baby (Pregnancy+), a communal experience connecting with fellow parents (What to Expect), or a blend of personal tracking and shared experiences (Preglife).

2. App for the Big Day - Specific Purpose App – Contraction Timer

App: Storky

Price: Free

When to use: on or about the big day - only.

A contraction timer is like a trusty companion during one of the most exhilarating phases of pregnancy: labor. Here's why you'd want one by your side:

Imagine you're on the brink of meeting your little one, and your body begins its rhythmic dance of contractions. These contractions are not just signs that your baby is on their way, but they provide essential clues about the progress of your labor. A contraction timer app helps you record the length and frequency of these contractions, offering a clearer picture of how far you've come and what to possibly expect next.

This data can be invaluable for healthcare providers to ensure everything is on track. Moreover, for many first-time parents, the process can be a blend of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. Having a tool that brings some method to the seeming madness can be reassuring. It's like having a mini guide, offering insights and possibly even providing that gentle nudge to say, "Hey, it's time to head to the hospital!" In essence, a contraction timer app adds a layer of confidence to your labor journey, ensuring you're informed, prepared, and ready for the grand introduction to your baby.

Even if Pregnancy+ offers a built-in contraction timer, we'd still advise prospective parents to consider Storky as a dedicated contraction app. The streamlined interface of Storky ensures simplicity and user-friendliness during the critical moments of labor, eliminating potential distractions. Furthermore, such single-purpose apps might consume less battery, ensuring you remain focused solely on timing contractions without the concern of navigating through a multifaceted app or draining your phone's power. In the intensity of labor, simplicity and efficiency are key.

3. Apps for Decoding Baby's Dream Time - Sleep Tracking

Ah, the blissful sound of a baby snoozing, but wait—wasn't it just a blink ago that they were wide-eyed and playful? With days filled with adorable giggles, heartwarming cuddles, and the sheer joy of watching your little one explore the world, it's no surprise parents often lose track of time. Believe us, we've been there! The waking windows can be as elusive as a dream, and just when you think you've nailed it, your baby throws a curveball (or a toy!).

App: Napper

Price: Free to download (in app purchases needed to unlock all features - we chose "Unlimited Night Slumber +" to $39,99 per year)

When to use: From birth to around 3 years

Enter Napper – in all honesty our personal lifesaver in the haze of parenthood. The first couple of months we lost track of both wake periods and daytime naps. A baby generally sleeps 4-6 times a day and the naps lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Mistiming naps are not critical but everything gets a lot harder. Trust us, with Napper, you'll be one step ahead in the sweet symphony of sleep. 🌙💤👶

Napper not only helps monitor your baby's sleep patterns but also guides you through those tricky wake periods, ensuring your bub gets the right amount of rest. Because while playtime memories are golden, a well-rested baby (and parent) is truly priceless. Napper stands out in the realm of baby sleep tracking apps, primarily for its exceptional customizability and user-friendliness. Tailored to fit the unique rhythms of each and every baby, it effortlessly adapts to diverse sleep patterns while remaining incredibly intuitive to navigate.

4. Feeding & Nutrition: Serving solids – a culinary conundrum

Embarking on the delicious journey of introducing solids to your baby is like unboxing a mystery culinary set—exciting but filled with questions! Along with the right recipes, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. Check out our checklist on must-have equipment for introducing solids here to ensure you're fully prepared.

Sure, whipping up homemade baby food is a beautiful gesture of love, but in the whirlwind of parenthood, simplicity is key. We're all for the home-cooked goodness, but who has the time to ponder over intricate recipes? And the million-dollar question: when is the right time to introduce that avocado or sweet potato? Introducing solids is not just about the 'what', but also the 'when', and having expert advice in your pocket can make this culinary adventure seamless and enjoyable.

App: Solid Starts

Price: Free

When to use: From around 6 months to around 3 years

Solid Starts is not just an app; it's a game-changer in the baby food arena. What makes it a standout is its beautifully curated guidance, tailored for those crucial first bites. Navigating the world of baby solids becomes a cinch, thanks to its intuitive interface and expert-backed recommendations. Whether you're wondering when to introduce blueberries or seeking a simple yet nutritious lentil recipe, Solid Starts has you covered. The emphasis on easy-to-follow, time-friendly recipes means parents can confidently craft meals without the fuss.

5. Developmental Milestones: Celebrating Baby's Unique Progress

Just as every artist's masterpiece is distinctive, so is every baby's development journey—a beautiful, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring work in progress. While it's essential to remember that each baby is a unique individual, marching to their own developmental drumbeat, having a roadmap of typical milestones can be enlightening. While we'd never recommend over-relying on any guide (because hey, your little one might just decide to throw in a surprise or two!), being informed about these developmental markers can provide a comforting frame of reference, allowing you to celebrate each of their achievements while understanding the diverse ways they might unfold.

App: The WonderWeeks

Price: $5.99

When to use - from birth to around 18 months

This is our first non-free app recommendation but for a good reason. This is the nr. 1 baby app worldwide and we have enjoyed it tremendously. Stepping into the enchanting realm of The WonderWeeks is like receiving a beautifully illustrated guidebook to your baby's evolving world. Designed with meticulous research and a keen understanding of infant development, this app provides insights into each potential leap and milestone, offering parents a glimpse into what might be captivating their baby's attention.

What we truly did appriciate was that The WonderWeeks provided us with a blend of detailed information with a gentle reminder of the uniqueness of our child. It's a delicate balance of offering guidance while still emphasizing the importance of individual timelines. So, whether it's the thrill of a first step or the intrigue of discovering shadows, The WonderWeeks is there to guide, support, and celebrate each wondrous moment.

Alternative

App: BabySparks

Price: Free

When to use - from birth to around 3 years

BabySparks is a great free alternative and both are stellar apps guiding parents through the mesmerizing maze of baby development.

They may also be used side by side as while BabySparks offers a plethora of activities tailored to support your child's growth and milestones, it places a greater emphasis on daily interactions and stimulations. The WonderWeeks, on the other hand, delves deep into the intricacies of developmental leaps and provides insights into the cognitive advancements your little one might be experiencing. Both have their merits, but we had most benefit from seeking a more in-depth understanding of our baby's mental and emotional progress through The WonderWeeks.

Please keep in mind - overemphasis on milestones may cause unnecessary worry. So always remember that your baby is unique!

6. Medical Records, Growth Charts & Vaccination: The Modern Baby Book

Once upon a time, we scribbled our children's milestones and medical memories in worn-out baby books and folders, tucked away in drawers. Fast forward to today, and the era of digitization invites a smarter, more organized method.

With babies growing faster than you can say "pediatrician," having an app to store their medical information, growth charts, and vaccination records is like having a digital superpower right at your fingertips. Gone are the days of sifting through papers before every doctor's visit. And really, with all those baby photos hogging phone storage, wouldn't it be clever to keep vital records just a tap away?

App: The one from your local health service - trust in homegrown health

When it comes to choosing the perfect app for these crucial records, our advice leans towards the tried-and-true: opt for an app provided by your local health service.

Why? Firstly, local regulations and medical standards are already integrated, ensuring your records match what's expected in your region. Secondly, these apps often synchronize with local health databases, streamlining appointments and allowing real-time updates. Additionally, they're more likely to have information on region-specific vaccines and health programs, ensuring you don't miss out on vital health services tailored for your community. Remember, while global apps may offer fancy features, local health service apps are crafted with your community's specific needs in mind, marrying convenience with trust.

7. White Noise & Lullabies

You've swaddled, rocked, cooed, and even tried that peculiar dance routine found on YouTube —and yet, sleep remains elusive for your little one.

Enter the modern parent's magic wand: white noise! Think of it as the comforting hum of the universe, gently whispering to your baby, "It's time to drift into dreamland." While there's a cornucopia of machines, toys, and gadgets promising the perfect white noise serenade, often the most accessible symphony conductor is right in your pocket—your phone!

And let's face it, as your baby's eyelids get heavy, catching up on social media can wait. Now, before you dive into the vast app ocean, might we suggest a simpler solution?

App: Spotify

Price: You probably have it already

When to use (for white noise) - from birth to around 4 years (if needed)

Not only does it boast an extensive library of white noise tracks tailored for tiny dreamers, but its familiar interface and high-quality streaming make bedtime a seamless experience. Pair this with Napper to determine the ideal nap time, and you've got yourself a duo as iconic as bedtime stories and nightlights. So, here's to harmonious nights and restful naps, all just a play button away. 🌙🎶👶

Alternative

App: Sound Sleeper

Price: Free

When to use - from birth to around 4 years (if needed)

As mentioned you should be just fine by using Spotify's vast repository of sounds. However, we did find that there's a distinct charm to apps designed specifically for the purpose of lulling little ones into a peaceful slumber.

Enter Sound Sleeper, an app crafted with a baby's sleep needs front and center. Unlike a generic music platform such as Spotify, Sound Sleeper offers a curated selection of white noise tracks, each fine-tuned to mimic the soothing sounds your baby might have heard in the womb. From gentle raindrops to the calming hum of a fan, every sound is optimized for infant ears.

What's more, the app provides tracking capabilities, allowing parents to monitor sleep patterns and identify which sounds prove most effective for their cherubs. With its intuitive interface and baby-focused design, Sound Sleeper emerges as a formidable contender in the arena of sleep aids, offering parents a specialized tool in their quest for quiet nights and peaceful naps. 🌌🍼🎵

Note that by using Napper we found that we did not need to rely on white noise as much which has been great. Over-reliance on white noise might make it tough for some babies to sleep without it.

8. Honorable Mentions - App-tastic Gems you can Explore

Beyond the star-studded lineup of must-have apps, our parenting journey has led us to a few worthy contenders. While they didn't take center stage in our main recommendations, they've earned their moment in the spotlight. Here's a nod to these commendable apps:

Cloud Baby Monitor: Transforming your devices into an efficient baby monitor system, this app offers peace of mind without the need for additional gadgets. Although handy, we found it easiest to just rely on our traditional baby monitor wherever we went. Need help in picking the perfect baby monitor for you? Dive into our ultimate guide here. If you are ever without your monitor, simply being in close proximity to your baby is equally effective and you get to keep your phone.

Tiny Beans: A digital scrapbook for your little one's milestones, Tiny Beans allows for private sharing with loved ones. While apps of this kind offer incredible conveniences and heartwarming ways to chronicle our baby's milestones, always be diligent about the permissions you grant. Be wary of sharing baby photos or personal details on platforms without strong privacy settings. Remember, not every moment needs to be online. Sometimes, the best memories are those we safeguard in our hearts and in safe, private spaces. Tiny Beans is a modern-day memory keeper, but for some, tangible photo albums and memory boxes hold a charm that's irreplaceable.

Peanut: Navigating the ups and downs of parenthood gets a touch easier with this community-focused app, providing support and advice and might even make you a new mom BFF. While the shared experiences can be comforting, remember that every parenting journey is unique, and sometimes, personal instincts and close family and friends' advice resonate deeper. However, this is a great app for people who wants to connect with other parents in the same situation.

KidPass: Opening doors to a variety of kids' activities and classes, this app can be a treasure trove of experiences. However, while it may provide exclusive deals or discounts, some parents might feel the pinch of its subscription or booking fees, especially when budget-friendly or free community resources are available or you barely have time to try out those word-to-mouth recommendations. Secondly, while KidPass has been expanding, there's no guarantee that every region or city will have a comprehensive listing. Thus, while it can be a fantastic resource in supported areas, those in less-covered regions might find it less beneficial. Still, for urban parents seeking structured activities for their children, KidPass might just be the golden ticket.

Though they might not be our top-tier choices, these apps have added a touch of flair, convenience, and camaraderie to our parenting saga. They're worth a gander for any curious parent looking to expand their digital toolkit. After all, diversity is the spice of life, and the same goes for parenting apps!

Final Words

Even if we want you to embrace this pocket magic we do want you to keep in mind that it's essential to combine their insights with your parental intuition. However, it's 2023, and parents have the golden opportunity to merge the age-old wisdom of parenthood with the marvel of technology.

On that note, parenting in the digital era is a shared journey, and we'd love to hear from you! Whether you've stumbled upon a gem of an app that has simplified your parenting voyage or have feedback about the ones we've mentioned, your insights enrich our community. Feel free to contact us with your experiences. And if you're eager to keep abreast with fresh recommendations and insights, don't hesitate to subscribe. Let's navigate the wonders of parenting together, blending tradition with technology, and personal touch with the digital frontier.

Ready for more insider tips? Dive into our treasure trove of guides here:



  • Ensure your baby's safety with A Complete Checklist: What Items to Put in Your Baby's First Aid Kit.



For more in-depth guides, check out our posts on Breastfeeding 101: The Milk, The Myths, and The Must-Haves and The Ultimate Guide to Baby Monitors: Listen, Watch, Breathe Easy!