Addicted to your smart phone?  If the answer is yes, you will be happy to learn there is a multitude of apps for baby care and breastfeeding.  The real question is…are these apps helpful?  For the answer, you may need to try one for yourself.

Apps track diaper changes, feedings, naps, baths, and medications.  Some apps even allow you to combine a picture of your partner and yourself to see how your future baby may look (usually this is a weird mixture of both of your features; mother-nature tends to do a better job).  

You may find tracking apps useful in the first week or two, as you adjust to parenting an infant. If you find an app helpful for remembering feeding times, then keep using it.  When it becomes more of a hassle to remember to log the feedings, then it is time to stop using it. It is much better to watch your baby and learn his cues rather than depending on a devise to decide when to feed him. 

Remember, your newborn didn’t read the book, doesn’t know how to tell time, or use a smart phone (which he will learn soon enough!), but he does know how to tell you that he’s hungry.  You just need to take the time to learn your baby’s language.

Apps may be especially helpful if you have a preterm baby, or one with some feeding problems.  Preemies often don’t do a great job of “telling” parents that they need to eat at first.  As he starts to gain weight, those feeding cues will become more obvious. 

A smart phone may be helpful when planning your busy life but don’t let the baby care apps dictate your newborn’s schedule.  Infants are notorious for changing things up, eating eight times one day and then six times the next, or pooping five times one day and none the next.  This is considered normal, especially if your baby is growing at the appropriate rate.  Getting too caught up in a daily pattern could cause you and your little one unnecessary stress.  Try to look at the bigger picture rather than just a day at a time. 

Remember, mothers have managed to care for their babies without the help of a smart phone for centuries.  So relax, enjoy your little bundle of joy, and turn off the smart phone so that you can give him your undivided attention. 

Love your baby care app? Tell us how it's helped you.