Apps First-Time Parents Should Download Before Baby's Arrival

Putting aside religious superstition that advises against buying things for a baby ahead of the birth, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Scrambling to buy things and putting together gadgets when you’re recovering from delivery and caring for a newborn is far from ideal. With that said the first thing you’ll want to do is put together and learn how to use any gadgets you’ve bought – before baby’s arrival. This includes bottle sterilizers, formula makers, smart bassinets like the SNOO, smart baby monitors like the Nanit or Miku, etc. Don’t assume that any of these are quick or intuitive to figure out, especially if you’re a first-time parents. Most gadgets will also come with apps that you’ll want to install and learn how to work with.

But that’s not all. There are a number of apps worth installing and familiarizing yourself with in your third trimester. They’ll make your postpartum life a lot easier! Here’s a look at some of the best apps first-time parents should download.

More Useful Apps:

Apps First-Time Parents Should Download Before Baby's Arrival

Baby Tracker

Baby Tracker is designed to help parents track baby’s daily habits, health and exciting “firsts” - think feedings (settings for nursing, formula, solids or any combination), diaper changes, sleep patterns and custom categories for milestones like baby’s first smile, first tooth or first step. It also allows you to add details and photos and share updates with friends and family.
Hatch Baby

You can use Hatch Baby with Hatch products or on its own. It's designed to help parents keep track of all baby’s important growth and health data including feedings, diaper changes and sleep. Parents also get insight into baby’s development with visual charts that summarize and explain patterns.
Kulala

Using sleep science Kulala says they provide the most up-to-date schedule, so changing sleep needs don't wreak havoc on baby's sleep. The app offers tailored sleep schedules from 0-6 years and there is a 1-month trial. They also sell a variety of accessories to help baby sleep such as a red light lamp.
Huckleberry

Huckleberry has a sleep timer - just start it when baby falls asleep and stop when baby wakes up. There's also a “sweet spot” function where you can set the number of naps that baby is currently taking and the app will calculate their next “sweet spot” time to fall asleep. It’s based on the number of naps and how long their previous nap lasted. Like the other apps mentioned there are also feeding and diaper functions as well as the ability to keep track of any medication your little one may be on, their height, body temperature and weight.
Contraction Timer

You'll want to have Contraction Timer handy for when labor gets going. Being sent home from the hospital because you're not dilated enough is no fun for anyone. The app will help to track your contractions and determine when it's time to go to the hospital. If you plan on having a home birth, the app will tell you what stage of labor you are in at any given moment.
Peanut

Peanut is a must-have from the moment you're thinking about conceiving to postpartum. It's set-up similar to Tinder in that it allows you to swipe right or left as it works to connect you with like-minded mamas in your area. If you're not interested in IRL meetings or virtual chats, it's also an alternative to Facebook groups with their community discussion feature where you can ask questions and seek advice.
Sound Sleeper

A white noice machine is a highly recommend buy for newborns. If you want to forgo buying one, however, Sound Sleeper, acts as a white noise machine and, when on 'Listen Mode,' it will automatically turn on the soothing noice when it detects baby crying.
The Wonder Weeks

The Wonder Weeks answers all your burning new parenting questions via hundreds of facts relating to your baby’s cognitive development. These facts are set up in the form of week-by-week updates.