Useful baby apps for new parents

From when you’re rocking that baby bump to when you are in a groove as a new parent, there are many apps out there that can be useful.

Here are a few of the apps that I have found helpful as a new parent:

Rain Rain

Cost: Free with paid options

I use this app every night!

This app turns any phone into a sound machine and I use this as one of Evan’s sleep associations to help indicate that its nap time or bedtime.

Users get access to both free and paid sounds and songs, and you also have the ability to mix multiple audio tracks.

There is also a timer on the app if you wish for the sound to stop at a certain time.

Huckleberry

Cost: Free with optional subscription service

This is another app that I open daily. I use this app to track the baby’s sleep patterns. It also is great at reminding you when the next nap is!

You can turn on the notifications on your phone and the app will let you know when it’s time to put the baby down before he or she gets overstimulated.

I also find this app useful for tracking when I feed Evan, because I strictly breastfeed him. It can be challenging to figure out if he is getting enough milk.

With this app, I can see when I last nursed so I have a better idea of when I need to feed him again.

Huckleberry also compiles all of your information so you can get an overall picture of how many times a day you feed your baby, and how many times a day your baby sleeps - This is all free for users.

You can also choose to purchase a service where you can subscribe to a customized sleep analysis. For a monthly fee ($18.99), you can get personalized assistance on how to follow an ideal sleeping plan for your child.

Huckleberry gave me a free trial access to see what the paid service is like for this article.

I was given a very detailed comprehensive plan on how to work towards your ideal sleep situation. A detailed schedule was laid out for me, along with recommendations on what I should do over the next six weeks.

There is also an email available where users can ask questions if you want some clarifications on your sleep plan.

The Wonder Weeks

Cost: $3.99 with optional in-app purchases

Keep track of your baby’s mental development with this informational app.

Originally a bestselling book, the authors have now come out with an app that gives you a personalized calendar of the leaps and bounds that your little one goes through.

This app helps you understand all of the developmental changes that every baby experiences. You can also monitor when your baby is taking a leap so you can help them with their new challenges.

In-app purchases include an electronic version of the book. You can buy the whole book or a specific chapter.

BabyCenter

Cost: Free

I’ve been using this app since the beginning of my pregnancy. As it was my first time pregnant, I found this app made it easy for me to envision the fetal development that was happening.

Every week, the app would have details on how big my growing baby was inside of your belly, and there were also new and perfectly timed articles available every week explaining the different stages of your journey.

After the birth of your child, this app automatically updates into a parenting guide with tools for a new parent.

Pampers or Huggies

Cost: Free

If you’re planning on using disposables, the two most popular brand of diapers have an app.

I’m not usually a huge fan of reward apps, but since I figured I would be going through a significant amount of diapers, I joined the loyalty programs of both Pampers and Huggies.

For Pampers, you have to scan a code found on the bag that the diapers come in to get credit for your purchase.

The Huggies app requires you to take a photo of your receipt.

Both companies offer various rewards for purchasing their products.

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