The Best $5 We've Spent on Our Baby

Some people are quick to point out that babies cost a lot of money. Sure, daycare and schooling adds up, but so far, one of my favorite baby-related purchases was only $5. This purchase is also a time- and sanity-saver: the Baby Connect app!

While in the hospital with Monica, I was given a paper log to track her diapers, nursing, and pumping. It worked, but was a little inconvenient. During one of my last nights there, I asked one of the nurses for a baby tracking app recommendation. She told me about Baby Connect. Instead of researching more apps and winding up with analysis paralysis, I went with her recommendation and downloaded the app when we got home.

OMG, I loved it! With a few taps on my iPhone, I could easily log in diapers, nursing, pumping, and her growth. This has been extremely helpful when answering questions at the pediatrician: how many diaper changes per day, how often she was eating, and such. And let's be honest, sleep deprivation makes it hard enough to remember to shower, let alone remember which side to nurse on next.

The app also helps us figure out what Monica might need. When the afternoon fussies hit, it can be a bit of baby mind reading. Monica might be hungry, tired, need a diaper change, want some snuggles, or who knows what. Seeing when she fed or slept last can help us come to the solution much faster.

As we were getting ready for daycare, I began tracking her sleep as well. We follow Monica's cues on when she's hungry or tired, so the app has been helpful in telling daycare her patterns. At three (almost four) months, Monica's day looks a little something like this: wake up, diaper change, nurse, play, and once she's been awake for 1.5-2 hours, she's ready for another nap. Naps are usually an hour, but can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Lather, rinse, and repeat.

Now that I'm back to work, the app is extremely helpful in reminding me when I pumped last and when it's time to go again.

And let's be honest, as helpful as the app is, my nerdy self really enjoys watching the trends and analyzing the numbers and charts. Yes, it's a little depressing seeing the number if diapers we've changed, but I'm happy to see that the amount per day has decreased. I also really enjoy the pumping data. John likes to joke as I freeze milk and get bottles ready that it combines my two loves: being a mommy and inventory. This is from the kid that performed an inventory count of her Halloween candy ;)
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