“Work smarter, not harder”
You know how it goes: no matter how tired you are, you make sure there are plenty of bottles made and ready for morning. Diapers and blankets are strategically placed around the house for easy access and less work. A place for everything, and everything in its place, especially when you’re towing a floppy-necked newborn. Your phone or tablet’s app store can be your greatest ally in your quest for efficiency.
Labor and Contraction Timer
Android; $0.99
iOS; $1.99
So, for this one, you don’t need to have a kid yet. But soon! Maybe… Wait, is that a contraction? Or is it just gas? Hint: if you can put on your makeup before you head to the hospital, it ain’t a contraction. Ask me how I know. This easy-to-use contraction stopwatch stores recent (possible) contraction, so you (or your significant other) can focus on OHMYGODTHISHURTSSOBAD.
Baby Timer
Android; $1.99
iOS; $4.99
With my first, I didn’t really need this. It would have been great, yes, but I didn’t need it. Before my second, I think I mocked this app — totally went in on it. We were so freakin’ cocky until we brought our newborn home and our lives collapsed into pure bedlam. Baby Timer tracks everything in your fast-paced life: time from baby’s last diaper change, when its time to eat, nap times. Everything.
White Noise Baby
Android; Free
iOS; $0.99
White noise is like a horse tranquilizer for mini-humans. They’re totally powerless to resist the sounds of gentle ocean waves, or babbling brooks, or even that obnoxious television static. After all, they were submerged in liquid for nine months, not hearing much but muffled talking and, well, the liquid. Its like going back home for them. Most swings have white noises pre-installed and so do many cuddle-time toys. But when the bassinet shakes in the middle of the night, and your precious little stinker lets out a not-yet-eardrum-perforating scream (um, weak lungs ftw?), grab your phone, but on some white noise, and go the hell back to sleep. Its 4 in the morning. No one needs to be up at 4 in the morning.
My Baby Today
Android; Free
iOS; Free
I couldn’t live without this one, as an overly worried new parent. Stupid hormones. Ugh. Anyway, this one customizes its offerings to the age of your child or children, only offering information you can use. With a tiny one, you don’t care about two years down the line — you care about making it through the day. My Baby Today links to tons of articles about illnesses (“Why is this kid’s scalp, like, peeling off?” Cradle cap, my friend.) and physical development. Check out handy development charts, suggestions on how to encourage certain skills, even what and how much they should be eating and napping.
