Let’s face it, we need all the help we can get. Apps for dads can make fatherhood run just a little smoother.
Fatherhood is tricky, but technology can help. As our Dad Index makes clear, modern dads play a fundamental role in the upbringing of their kids, and are prepared to spend money on technology that will help.
And increasingly, dads are turning to apps to help with the minutiae of parenting, from scheduling sleeps to making tasty, nutritious kid-friendly meals. There are lots of useful apps out there. Here’s our pick of some of the best.
Quick tips for new dads (iOS)
New fatherhood pushes you in at the deep end. Apps like Quick Tips…can help you float. This app features hundreds of useful tips from real dads, written in a short, punchy, practical style (they realise you probably haven’t got time to read too much). There are also how-to guides on everything from changing a nappy to bathing your baby. When you’re in the swing of things, you can even submit your own tips.
This app features hundreds of useful tips from real dads, written in a short, punchy, practical style
Baby Monitor 3G (iOS and Android)
It’s easy to forget clunky baby monitors when travelling or staying over with the in-laws, so this handy app turns phones, tablets or computers into a video baby monitor. The app securely transmits live video from your child’s room to your device, and you can hear every cry and sniffle. Take peace of mind with you wherever you go.
Amazon Prime (iOS and Android)
However prepared you think you are, you’ll need stuff. You won’t always have time to get to the shops for it. So services like Amazon Prime are useful, especially the next day delivery on certain Prime items. (Other shopping apps are available, but next day delivery is a key feature).
myHummy (iOS and Android)
New parents (and indeed some not-so-new parents) are on a constant quest for a good night’s sleep. MyHummy may be able to help. You do have to buy a myHummy toy, which emits gentle white and pink noise that has been scientifically shown to help babies nod off. Apparently, newborns are three times more likely to sleep with a gentle hum of background white noise. The mobile app allows you to control myHummy remotely, so you don’t have to get out of bed to change settings!
Daddy Up (iOS and Android)
Daddy Up is a “field guide to pregnancy” for dads. It covers most of the essentials – pregnancy progress, baby size, checklist, journal and there’s even a built in contraction counter. Plus “wise words from seasoned dads who have been down this trail before.” It’s not everything you need, but it is a fun companion to pregnancy.
Baby Manager (iOS and Android)
Both new mums and dads have to keep track of loads of things, from feeds and sleeps to weight and growth. Some of it’s nice to know; some of it’s really important to know. Your fatigue-addled head will have trouble keeping up with it all, which is where apps like Baby Manager come in. This comprehensive package helps you with the mundane stuff so you can get on with parenting.
One You health and fitness (iOS and Android)
It’s tempting as a parent to focus all your energies on your child’s health and fitness and forget all about your own. These apps from Public Health England are not specifically designed for parents, but will help mums and dads stay active, eat well and give up unhealthy habits. They’re well designed and easy to follow, and your motivation should be easy: you’ve got a child – stay fit and healthy for their sake, if not your own!
Annabel Karmel: Baby and Toddler Recipes App (iOS and Android)
Yep, you have to feed them. Luckily Annabel Karmel – often considered the queen of baby and toddler food – is here to help. The app will help you prepare quick, easy and nutritious meals, with guides that help you every step of the way, including recipes, meal planners and shopping lists. It’s all there on your phone – so no more scribbling ingredients on an old receipt and losing it before you get to the shops.
Alongside the apps, don’t forget the good old fashioned way of reading the best books for dads too. It all helps on the journey!
