5 Useful Apps Every New Parent Needs
I always joke with friends that I lost a third of my brain after having each of my children. While I know my brain is most certainly intact, I sometimes feel like I’m losing my mind being a mum.
On any given day, I repeat what I say, I forget what I say, I don’t always think about what I say and the worst part is I have three little munchkins who watch EVERYTHING I say and will repeat it at the most inappropriate times.
I do wonder if my brain will ever be the same after having children. My brain is the most active part of my body. Truth be told, it’s often in overdrive, thinking of all the things to keep my cherubs clothed, fed and well…alive.
Thankfully, technology has come up with ways to help me be the best mum I can be to my girls, Even when I suffer from an unexpected brain-fart, and manage to totally forget something important!
Here are 5 useful apps for parents – especially for mums like me who need helpful reminders to make mum life a little easier.
Eat Sleep
Those first few weeks of being a mum can be deliriously exhausting. You’re lucky to know what day it is, let alone which boob you fed your baby on last. Eat Sleep is an app for mums that helps with the first few weeks from when your newborn arrives. The app tracks feeding, sleeping and nappy changes, which means you can get into a routine that works for both you and your bub. The app is available for Apple Devices only.
Baby Monitor 3G
Baby monitors can give much needed peace of mind so you can check on your baby while they’re sleeping without having to creep into their nursery. Of course, it’s also another piece of equipment you have to buy when preparing for the arrival of your baby. Now, you can use an app which does all the same things as your store-bought monitor. It works via Wi-Fi and 3G so you will never be out of range to check on your baby. The apps offer a video and audio monitor for iOS devices and Mac so you can hear your baby and see a live video to check what they’re doing. You can also talk to your baby remotely to help soothe them.
Today’s Parent, My Family
An app that’s available for Android and Apple devices, it gives a personalized guide to your child’s age and stage through the click of the app. Simply enter your child’s due date or birth date and the app will give a personalised newsfeed of information regarding health, food ideas, activities and news about your child’s development. It’s the go-to app if you want to know information about your child’s development for their age.
ACCC Keeping Baby Safe
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have an app that allows you to search for baby products to find out how safe they are for your baby. The app provides information about products that are of special interest to parents and carers including warnings and dangers so you can make an informed choice on whether to use that product with your child. If you want your nursery to be a safe place for your baby, this app is a must when researching products.
Save the Date to Vaccinate App
This app gives an immunisation schedule of the vaccinations your child needs and the age they should receive them. This app can quite literally be a lifesaver not only for your child, but also you as a parent to remind you when to book your child in to get vaccinated.
I could have done with this app reminder myself recently when my daughter turned four. I had been diligent with all her previous immunisations and gave a record to her Kindy as requested at enrolment. But after her fourth birthday, I had a message in my parent pigeonhole requesting an updated immunisation record. I told the Kindy manager I had already supplied this, but she reminded me my daughter needed her next immunisation as she had just had her fourth birthday. I couldn’t believe I had nearly forgot to book her in for her next set of immunisations. Unfortunately, my doctor hadn’t sent a reminder notice in the mail either. I could have done with the app on my phone to remind me to book her next vaccination. The app is available for Android, Apple and Window devices.
No matter what stage of parenting you’re in, there will be an app to help you. Embracing technology to help you parent is one way to be one step ahead of your kids, while also ensuring your kids are safe and healthy, which is every parent’s goal in the end.
