TOP APPS AND TOOLS
FOR FIRST-TIME PARENTS
First-time parents must quickly learn to adjust to a new
schedule and daily routine. Luckily, certain apps and other
tools are great for rst-time parents. They can help you to
set reminders to enforce the new schedule and build good habits
for your child. Here are the best ones to keep in mind:
Apps to Download
There are tons of task-specic apps available for ne-tuning your
organization as a new parent. Some are newer than others, and
therefore, offer newer and updated options for how and what
you do with the information you track.
For example, the nursing app, Baby Tracker, is a great way to
keep tabs on all kinds of feedings for your baby. You can track
and develop a sense of schedule for dirty and wet diapers, too.
The app even supports twins, as it streamlines sleep schedules
and feeding for easier day-to-day care. Ready, Set, Baby is
another great app for counseling and help with breastfeeding
and diaper changes.
Apps like My Baby Today by Johnson & Johnson or The Wonder
Weeks, which accompanies the cult-favorite book, are good for
tracking daily metrics and documenting milestones. You can
record height and weight as well as take photos and share them
with others, so you don't miss a moment of your baby's earliest
yearswhich are lled with fast-paced development. These are
also handy tools for creating an album of baby's best moments
throughout the year.
Finally, Cozi Family Organizer is a must-have for families. It allows
everyone to enter and schedule their events, deadlines, and
activities in one place, so everyone is on the same page. You
can also add meal prep and grocery lists which can be edited
and shared in real-time, so whoever is out at any given time can
stop by the grocery store to pick up those last-minute items.
Tools for Reminders
Some of the pre-installed apps on your phone might also be
your best friends. For example, alarms can be set as reminders
to keep you on track with pumping or nursing sessions. After a
few weeks with the alarm set, you'll nd the new schedule and
routine to be easy.
It's also a good
idea to keep a
note with a checklist
of all the items you
and baby need before
heading out. Remember to
keep a separate note with items
that need to be restocked in your
baby or diaper bag, such as wipes,
diapers and hand sanitizer.
Items to Have on Hand
Your diaper bag and personal bag for you and
your baby can become a lifesaver when you’re out
running errands and need to change a diaper, feed
your baby, or pump breastmilk. While diapers, wipes, baby
powder and a spare toy are no-brainers to keep on hand,
there are other items to keep stocked in the bag, too.
For example, Kindred Bravely recommends keeping a
portable phone charger around to juice up your phone
again, in case you forget to plug your phone back in after
a late-night or on-the-go nursing session. Personal care
products and bottled water should be kept packed for you,
and a spare change of clothes for baby is always good to
have for messes that happen while out and about. Keep healthy
snacks for you and baby on hand, too. You never know when
they might be needed.
Staying organized is all about nding a routine that works for you
and your family, so you can get everything done throughout the
week and leave more time to enjoy your new role as a rst-time
parent. With a few adjustments and some good digital tools and
apps, nding a new rhythm can be simple.
WORDS: Josh Moore
www.diaperdads.org
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/www.diaperdads.org