Oh, the joy of cute, cuddly, powder-scented babies. No matter what you do, you never quite feel prepared enough for being a parent, whether you are still expecting or you merely left your camera in the other room during your child’s first steps.
The iPhone can change at least some of the anxiety around having a baby, giving you a mobile resource for information, songs, games and even monitoring. When it comes to the iPhone, it just may be the best thing to happen to parenting since disposable diapers, breast pumps and bouncy chairs.
What’s in a name? Using iPhone apps before baby arrives
Still without a baby name? Here are 25,000 to choose from. The 25,000 Baby Names iPhone app has suggestions and name meanings for both boys and girls. The app, now free, is also available offline as well. The simple app is best used for quick access to the meaning of names you already have in mind.
The Baby Namer is a bit more inclusive, giving recommendations and first-middle name combinations to try out. For 99 cents, this streamlined process will give you a better idea of how a name fits with your surname and other family names.
Having the A+ Baby app on your iPhone means you are never without a mobile resource. From choosing a name to first aid and eating healthy, this $1.99 app can be especially helpful for first-time parents. Additional resources for things like maternity leave and expectant fathers makes this app a one-stop shop.
Expecting is an iPhone app that tracks the progression of your entire pregnancy. For $4.99 you can keep up with doctor’s appointments, store photos and notes, and update family with one-click calling. This app also comes with checklists and a contraction timer, turning your iPhone into a pregnancy companion.
Tracking and monitoring little tykes with iPhone apps
The Baby Monitor mobile app turns your iPhone into just that — a baby monitor. Place your iPhone beside your sleeping baby, if you do not mind giving up your iPhone for a while. Any noise will alert the app, sending a call to a number you designate. For $4.99, you can listen in to ensure your baby’s safety and give your iPhone a dual purpose.
If you would rather not give up your iPhone, connect it with your iSight webcam instead. The Air Cam Live Video app for your iPhone gives live feeds and motion-initiated video of your sleeping or playing baby. Videos are available remotely on your iPhone. Though pricey at $7.99, it may be a good investment for total peace of mind.
Total Baby is an all-encompassing application, hence the $4.99 price tag. With 11 different tracking channels, you can monitor feeding, sleep and diaper schedules. Add your own tracker for anything this app is missing. Total Baby supports tracking for up to six kids, with exportable data for backup and easy sharing.
Marking the milestones with iPhone apps
Baby Milestones is an iPhone app that makes sure you don’t miss a thing. From height and weight to first words and steps, this app combines media-sharing with activity-specific tracking. Graphs and tables are drawn up accordingly, with a desktop companion app for your computer. It’s well worth the $4.99 price.
Baby Scrapbook is a useful tool for organizing the media you want to share about your child. Automating much of the organization around photos and videos, Baby Scrapbook makes it easy to create shareable digital books. At $1.99, this is among the cheaper baby-related applications.
