I think it’s fair to say we could all use a little more time—and no one better understands this then new mamas. With an ever-mounting laundry list of errands and responsibilities, on top of the small task of raising a human, something inevitably falls through the cracks. Luckily, these days there’s an app for just about everything. With that in mind, I’ve put together my seven favorite apps that can help take some of those daily duties off your plate so you can focus on the important stuff… like taking a nap.
1. My Pregnancy and Baby Today
When it comes to pregnancy and infancy each week is so different from the next, which always leads to countless questions! Created by BabyCenter, this app is the go-to resource for many new and expecting mamas. From charting fetal development, offering healthy pregnancy tips and timing contractions to tracking newborn milestones and organizing all those adorable baby photos, this app is a must-have for busy moms navigating this new world.
2. Instacart
If you’ve ever tried to go grocery shopping with children, then you know…the struggle is real. I usually can’t even make it through the produce section before my daughter melts into hysterics (usually because I won’t let her throw avocados). Fortunately, those times are few and far between because this app has changed my life. It’s a grocery delivery service already available in most states and almost every major city! Not only can it delivery groceries to you within the hour, it also remembers all of your past purchases. And depending on where you live, it can even deliver wine! Basically…meet your new best friend.
3. Baby Connect
The first few months with a newborn can be pretty exhausting, and, needless to say, new moms don’t always have the mental energy needed to keep up! Luckily, this app will relieve some of that pressure. Baby Connect is a one-stop shop to log all your baby’s activity, from recording diaper changes and nap times to providing users a breastfeeding stopwatch and setting reminders. Best of all, it’s multi-user functionality allows you to share information with your partner, grandparents or caregivers! It’s a must-have app for mamas to stay organized.
4. ThredUp
Everyone warned you how quickly your new little person will outgrow his or her clothes, right? But you still bought a closet full anyway? Same. Enter: ThredUP. It’s an online consignment store that resells gently used clothing and accessories, including children and maternity! Simply enter your address and they’ll send you a pre-labeled shipping bag. All you have to do is fill it up and drop it off at your nearby post office, and wait for your check…so you can go out and buy more adorable kids clothes your child will wear once.
5. TaskRabbit
My husband has been promising to fix our hose for the better part of 2016. I think it’s safe to say that, at this point, the chances of that happening are slim to none. TaskRabbit is a service that connects users with local service providers to help them check off that ever-growing to do list. Whether it’s organizing your cluttered closet, assembling an IKEA bookshelf, packing for a big move, or even fixing a garden hose, TaskRabbit is an app that helps you get the job done (and helps me avoid “naggy wife syndrome”).
6. MomPumpsHere
The best $2 you’ll ever spend. If you’re a mama on the go, then you know how stressful it can be to find a mom friendly nursing room. With a growing list of more than 5,000 locations nationwide, Mom Pumps Here is an app that helps mamas find nearby lactation rooms for pumping or breastfeeding. It also offers tips, advice and health care information to mamas…and let’s face it, we could all use a bit more support.
7. UrbanSitter
My favorite advice to give any new mama? Get out of the house! But usually that’s easier said than done, until now. UrbanSitter is an absolute godsend that helps parents connect with nearby—and available!—babysitters and nannies. Leaving your child alone with someone is always daunting, so UrbanSitters always parents to get to know their childcare providers. You can read profiles and testimonials, see recommendations from friends in your area or within your social networks, and even search for sitters who’ve completed background checks. The goal is to afford new parents the opportunity for a stress-free childcare!
I hope these apps help save you just a little bit of time, because we all can’t be Beyoncé. But for the record, I’m pretty she has at least 25 hours each day. Just sayin.
This post first appeared on BeyondYoga on Nov. 3, 2016.
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