The best apps for mums
It seems like a million years ago we carried those phones that could only make and receive phone calls and text messages. Smartphones and tablets and the apps we can download to them have really changed the way we entertain ourselves and our children, as well as manage our day-to-day transactions.
With technological developments comes choice – and lots of it. Sometimes it can be hard to sort the wheat from the chaff.
Here are my top five mostly baby-related apps, but definitely let us know if you’ve got any of your own favourites. We’d love to give them a test run.
Sometimes you can be so tired you forget the rules for safe sleeping. At other times you might need a quick crash course. This simple but effective app makes it easy. It comes in a number of languages, for both iPhone and Android, and is a fantastic resource for new and expectant mums, grandparents or carers. Best of all, it’s free.
Part of me thinks I should pretend this is for my toddler, but let me be honest: I find cutting and colouring a cartoon figure’s hair on my phone so relaxing. Unleash your inner hairdresser by selecting a customer, choosing a tool and then snipping, colouring, washing, blow drying and decorating away. When you’re done you can take a snap and store it in your phone to show off your amazing creations at a later date. It costs $2.99 for hours of fun for all ages.
Life’s Little Treasures’ Premature Baby Journal
This fantastic app costs $4.49, but it does allow you to record all your baby’s medical progress in one handy spot on your phone. There’s also a journal section to record your feelings.
If you get a bit cranky picking up puzzle pieces all over the house or drive yourself nuts looking for the one piece that has gone walkabout then this could be for you. Tozzle ($2.99) is a puzzle app for toddlers that can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets. The choices are great for hand–eye coordination or even light entertainment for younger children as the finished pieces make cute noises. The end music, when the puzzle is complete, even has a mum throwing up her hands in celebration.
This is by far the most expensive app I own (it costs $5.99), but it is one I have just for me. Brought to you by everyone’s favourite writer Zoe Foster, it has a pocket load of beauty tips and tricks that suit even the most time-poor yummy mummy. In addition, there are super-helpful videos showing how to do a super-fast but oh-so-attractive up-do or everyday eye make-up. You won’t regret this one.