17 Best Baby Apps for New Parent Needs

Navigating the early days with a newborn can feel a bit like stepping into the unknown. While there’s no official handbook for parenting, thankfully, technology has stepped in with some outstanding baby apps to guide you.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or have been through this before, equipping yourself with the right tools can ease those unpredictable nights.

Why not get ahead of the curve and have the top baby apps on your device before your baby’s grand entrance?

Trust us, it’s a lot more comforting than scrambling for them in the wee hours of a sleepless night.

From personal experience with two little ones in the past couple of years, and insights from my close-knit group of friends who’ve welcomed about 15 babies among them.

I’ve compiled a list you can trust. So, let’s dive in! Here are the top baby apps of 2022, neatly categorized for your convenience.

What are the best baby apps for new parents in 2022?

• Best Daily Activity Tracker Apps
• Best Baby Feeding Apps
• Best Baby Milestone Apps
• Best Baby Photo Apps
• Best Baby Medical Apps
• Best Baby Sound Apps

Daily Activity Tracking Apps

When you’ve just welcomed a newborn into your life, it’s astonishing how many details you suddenly find yourself keeping tabs on.

From their eating and sleeping habits to diaper changes, it’s crucial to monitor all of it during the initial months.

Fortunately, there are baby tracking apps designed to simplify your journey.

1. Sprout: Baby Tracker:

Sprout stands out as an exemplary baby tracking app. Not only can you record your baby’s feeding times, diapers, and sleep, but it also covers health, medications, and more. An added feature that’s praiseworthy is the activity tracker, enabling you to jot down moments like tummy time and baths.

Its comprehensive medical section considers every detail—medications, symptoms, growth milestones, and immunizations. Plus, you can record doctor visits, which is handy for recalling specifics or for tracking patterns with future children.

While Sprout isn’t free, its value is undeniable. They offer various subscription plans, including a seven-day trial. You can opt for the “Short Term Care” at $6.99/3 months or their popular “Extended Care” at $9.99/year. Alternatively, a one-time payment of $29.99 grants you lifelong access.

2. Baby Tracker – Newborn App:

With over 157k rave reviews, this app speaks for itself. It enables you to record feeding (be it formula, breastfeeding, or expressed milk), diaper changes, and sleep schedules.

Additionally, it allows you to track other details like temperature, medications, and growth.

While the basic version is free, you can upgrade to a pro version for a one-time payment of $4.99, eliminating any ads.

3. Glow Baby: Newborn Tracker Log:

Glow Baby has garnered impressive reviews from mothers around the globe. It’s comparable to the previous apps in terms of tracking pumping, sleep, feeding, and diapers, but also includes the introduction of solids as your baby grows. Its growth charts are a nifty feature as well.

What sets Glow Baby apart is its built-in community feature, allowing users to pose questions within the app.

While it is initially free, syncing with multiple caregivers might require you to upgrade. The packages available are $29.99/3 months, $47.99/year, or a lifetime subscription at $79.99.

4. Cloud Baby Monitor: Monitor App:

Are you constantly on the move and frustrated with your conventional baby monitor? Cloud Baby Monitor is the solution! If you have a spare device like an iPad or computer, simply pair it with another device, and voilà – you have a high-quality baby monitor.

This app has been a revelation for many new mothers, including myself. It provides top-notch video and audio monitoring, coupled with noise and video alerts, ensuring you’re always connected with your baby.

Many have lauded its effectiveness, and it’s perfect for those moments when your baby is napping in a different room.

Best Baby Feeding Tracking Apps

Having a newborn can be overwhelming, especially with minimal sleep. Keeping track of your baby’s feeding schedule is vital, but using the “notes” feature on your phone can be chaotic.

Here are two excellent apps designed specifically for this purpose:

1. Baby Feed Timer, Breastfeeding

Purpose: Ideal for breastfeeding.

Reviews: Over 18,000 positive reviews.

Features:

• Track breastfeeding (distinguishing between left and right sides).
• Log bottle feedings.
• Monitor sleep and diaper changes.
• Night-time mode to avoid bright screens disturbing your baby’s sleep.
• Alerts to remind you about feeding times.
• Syncs with iPad and watch.

Cost: Offers a free 7-day trial. If you’re satisfied, the full version costs a one-time fee of $8.99. It’s a straightforward app without unnecessary extras, focusing solely on tracking feeds.

2. Pump Log

Purpose: Essential for those who are exclusively pumping.

Functionality:

• Record the start and end times of your pumping sessions.
• Log the volume of milk pumped each time.
• A unique calculator feature helps determine when you can stop pumping, based on your feeding goals.
• View trends about your overall pumping to address potential issues with your milk supply early on.
• Set reminders to pump, ensuring regularity.

Cost: The free version allows up to 50 session entries. For unlimited access, there’s a one-time fee of $9.99. It’s not a subscription service, which is a bonus.

Best Milestone Apps

Looking for a reliable way to keep an eye on your baby’s growth and development? Here are three apps that come highly recommended for monitoring baby milestones.

1. The Wonder Weeks

Topping charts from 2018 to 2020 as one of the best paid apps, The Wonder Weeks holds a special place in many parents’ hearts.

The app stands out due to its foundation in extensive research. It delves deep into the concept of “baby leaps”. Researchers behind this app discovered 10 pivotal leaps in a baby’s mental development.

The app provides cues to watch out for, explains the current leap your baby is navigating, describes the skills they’re picking up, and predicts when the next leap will occur, based on the due date.

At a one-time fee of $4.99, it’s value for money. Speaking from experience, I found it invaluable when my son exhibited unfamiliar behaviors, as it provided insight into the reasons and ways I could support him.

2. BabySparks – Development App

A boon for newbie parents, BabySparks stands out. Designed by experts in child development, it is packed with thousands of activities tailored for children aged between newborn to 3 years.

The activities are not just entertaining but also educative, evolving with your child’s growth.

First-time parent? Don’t fret! The app also provides parenting lessons. Topics range from potty training and setting boundaries to managing nap times. A quick look at the pricing:

• Basic (Access to activities, articles, lessons): $4.99/month or $29.99/year.
• Premium (Everything in Basic plus live and on-demand lessons): $19.99/month or $119.99/year.

3. What to Expect: Pregnancy & Baby Tracker WTE

Many expectant mothers might already have What to Expect app installed, keeping tabs on their pregnancy journey. But here’s the catch: it’s not just for pregnancy! The app is a treasure trove of information for your baby’s first year. It helps demystify those initial parenting days.

Features include “First Year” guidelines, a baby feeding tracker, and product evaluations. An added advantage? A vast community is at your fingertips, ready to share insights or answer queries as you embark on this parenting adventure. The cherry on top? It’s absolutely free!

Best Baby Photo Apps

Capturing every precious moment with your little one becomes an obsession once they arrive. If you thought you took a lot of photos before, wait until you have a baby! From monthly milestones to their candid giggles, every snap is priceless. For those looking to add a special touch to these memories, here’s a selection of the best baby photo apps:

1. Baby Story: Track & Decorate From Bump to Baby

Baby Story is a much-loved app among parents. It’s not just a photo editor; it’s a journey recorder. Starting from your pregnancy days, it lets you:

• Choose from 15 artistic filters.
• Decorate with over 400 artworks.
• Frame your baby’s snaps.
• Change backgrounds with “studio” backdrops to give a professional touch.

There’s a free version available, but for an all-inclusive experience, it’s priced at $4.99/month.

2. Precious – Crafting Memories

Another hot favorite is Precious. This app allows parents to:

• Chronicle their baby’s milestones.
• Add quirky artworks.
• Set imaginative backgrounds.
• Create heartwarming time-lapse videos.

Capture your baby in their natural element, and then jazz it up using the app. Although there’s a free version, to unlock all artwork and features, it’s $4.99/month.

3. Qeepsake

In the digital age, there’s something incredibly touching about physical photo albums. And wouldn’t it be perfect to gift one to your grandmother during the holidays?

That said, compiling an album is no small feat. I learned this the hard way when I tried to manually sort through 15,000 photos!

This is where Qeepsake becomes a game-changer. It interacts with you, prompting you to send in photos periodically. By the year’s end, you get a bespoke photo book – without the hassle.

Here’s how it works:

• Lite Version (Free): One question per week with access to a journal.
• Plus Subscription ($3.99/month): Up to two questions daily, along with a 30-page book.
• Premium Subscription ($7.99/month): Daily prompts with up to four questions, a 100-page book, and additional features.

Capture, decorate, and reminisce – these apps make every step a joy. Happy photographing!

Best Baby Medical Apps

Always remember, for specific medical concerns, it’s crucial to consult directly with your pediatrician. However, if you’re looking for general advice or insights, there are some reliable apps to consider.

1. WebMD Baby

WebMD Baby is equipped with health information that has been vetted and approved by doctors.

It stands as a valuable tool for parents who find themselves in situations where their child is unwell but are unsure of the immediate steps to take.

Isn’t it just typical? Little ones seem to come down with something often during inconvenient times – like the middle of the night or weekends when reaching out to a doctor isn’t instant.

Key Features:

• Get guidance when your child feels unwell.
• Monitor your baby’s feeding, sleep patterns, and growth progress.

2. Owlet Baby App

While the production status of Owlet is currently uncertain, this app has previously been a game-changer for many parents. It offers a comforting way to keep a check on your baby’s vital signs during the night.

Key Features:

• Track your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep.
• The app can be integrated with the Owlet camera for enhanced monitoring.

Best Sound Machine Apps

For new parents, I can’t stress enough the benefits of having a sound machine. However, there might be instances when you’re out, and either you forgot your device or it ran out of charge.

Don’t fret! That’s when these sound machine apps become your savior, offering the perfect white noise backup.

1. Spotify:

You probably have Spotify on your device already. If so, explore its vast collection of white noise tracks. It’s loaded with sound options – from calming ocean waves and soft instrumental music to gentle lullabies tailored for your baby’s peaceful slumber.

2. White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds:

Boasting over 93K reviews and a mention in the New York Times, this app is top-notch. It offers specially curated sounds designed to help your baby drift off to dreamland.

A fun fact?

My husband and I often use it when on vacation, especially when we miss the hum of our bathroom fan.

The free version of the app provides up to 8 hours of playtime. Though this might not last an entire night, I’d advise against leaving a phone in your baby’s room for extended periods.

If you’re keen on uninterrupted sound, the full version is priced at $49.99 annually.

Having a baby is an exhilarating experience!

And, in today’s digital age, there’s an app for that too! Here are 16 top-notch baby apps that I highly recommend for new parents.

Whether you’re expecting or have already embarked on the journey of parenthood, these apps can be a lifesaver.

They’re designed to simplify your life, reduce your stress, and offer assistance right when you need it.

What is a baby tracker app?

In essence, a baby app is a handy tool on your smartphone. Think of it as your digital assistant, providing essential insights about your baby with just one tap.

Gone are the days when you’d scramble for a pen and paper in dim light to jot down feeding or sleep schedules. With these apps, everything becomes seamless.

These apps are not just about recording feeding times or nap durations. They’re comprehensive!

From monitoring feeding, sleep, and diaper changes to keeping an eye on your baby’s growth, motor skills, and learning progression – these apps have got you covered.

Imagine having all this data and more right in your pocket. It’s like having a personal baby journal, but better! So, why not simplify parenthood with the best tools available? Your journey deserves it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s a recommended app for first-time moms?

We live in a world where there’s an app for almost everything! If you’re a new mom looking for help, numerous baby-tracking apps are at your fingertips.

The best part? Many of these apps let you share updates with family and friends, so everyone can stay connected.

Ideally, pick an app that helps you keep tabs on feedings, sleep patterns, diaper changes, and those precious milestones.

Is there a specific app to assist with newborn care?

Yes, indeed! Especially for newborns, it’s beneficial to have an app focused on feeding. This can be for breastfeeding, formula feeding, or even scheduling pumping sessions.