Momming Must-Have Apps

Sometimes I wonder how moms like mine did it without the benefits of technology. Think about it. Today, moms have the ability to look up an insect bite their child may have gotten at the park, and identify the source, symptoms, treatment and so many other things that probably won't make a big difference; however, having the information at hand gives many parents peace of mind. I guess when we were little, parents like mine just waited to see what happened, and prayed it wasn't anything serious. I think sometimes we can certainly be too dependent on our technology, but I sure am thankful for having it when I need it. With so many apps and websites on the World Wide Web, how do you know which is best and which ones will only frustrate you more? These past two years of being a mom, I have tried many apps in hope of finding ones that would actually assist my job as a mom, and not just sit on my phone screen taking up valuable space. I noticed the other day that I consistently use certain apps, and I began to think about life without them. It wasn't a pretty picture because, like I mentioned,  I may have become a little too dependent on these such things. Nonetheless, I want to share them with you, and maybe you can gain some of the beneficial usages from them that I so have!  Momming is already a tough job, and any help along the way is greatly appreciated!!! I hope you, too, find these 6 apps useful, and maybe they will become your little assistants just like they are mine! 

1. Texas Children's Pediatrics App 
I'll start off with safety first. This app tells you everything you need to know about the health of your little one. As a new parent, sometimes you just don't know what the protocal is for a baby with a fever or as a seasoned parent you may not be able to identify the random rash that has sprung up on your toddler's back. Having this information at your fingertips and just a few clicks away is very reassuring, especially when you don't have a clue otherwise. One thing that I appreciate about this app is that it tells you specifically when you should call your pediatrician! When I became a new parent, I was tempted many times to call our pedi just to ask a question about the health changes our little one was going through. This app helped me see that not every sneeze or cough requires a doctor's phone call or visit. Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!  

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2. MammaBaby App 
Okay, this one literally kept my life on track when my little was a newborn until she was about a year. The beginning of parenthood can be exhausting, not only because of the lack of sleep, but because of all the things you have to keep track of and remember. Your pedi will want you to keep a record of the baby's feedings, whether by the breast or formula, and keep track of the baby's diapers (yes, in great detail too!). In this app, you can do it ALL, and its the easiest thing ever!! You will be able to log feedings, diapers, sleeping, growth, and it accumulates a summary for you that makes well-deck visits so much easier, especially for the sleepy parent who didn't write anything down. The breastfeeding timer was like a saving grace for me. Because of everything going on plus the lack of sleep, I sometimes forgot which side Lydia fed on last and for how long. This app is so good that when I clicked into the feeding page, it automatically reminded which tata to use first! How great is that!! 
This isn't just for breastfeeding mommas! You will find this useful for bottle fed babies and even when your little one is starting solids. I could go on and on about how wonderful this app is, but you should really try it for yourself! The only downside I can mention is that it is not free. Bummer! But it's only 3 bucks! Where else can you find an assistant for that price? 

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3. The Wonder Weeks App 
​This app is probably the coolest one I have ever seen, and after using it for two years, I am still unsure of how they get everything so accurate. For the first two years of your little one's life, they go through some major developmental changes, physically and mentally. It's just as hard for them to understand all these changes as it is for the parents, especially first timers. Your baby is unable to verbalize what they are feeling and going through, so this app basically lets you know what they cannot say. When a child goes through a new developmental period, known as a "Leap" in this app, they may be unusually fussier than normal or they may be more clingy than they were last week. Check out your Wonder Weeks calendar, which is based on their due date, not their birthday, and you will most likely see that they are in a "Thunder Weeks" period. This gives parents the ease  of mind they need in knowing that nothing serious is going on, and it also gives them a little more compassion for their growing and developing little baby. The saying, "Growing up is hard to do" is no joke! When Lydia would be in a "Thunder Week" the Hubs and I  would pack on the patience and get her through it the best way we could. Thankfully, after a "Thunder Week" there are "SUNSHINE WEEKS" where they get to show off their new skills and knowledge gained during their "Thunder Week." Thank God for the sunshine, right!! 
Unfortunately, this app is also not free, but you can pay as your baby grows. Each "Leap" is about a dollar, so you will end up paying around ten bucks by the time your chid is two. Not bad at all, and trust me, it's worth it! 

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4. Google Photos App
So this one is a given. If you are like me, just about every moment with your little ones are captured on your phone! The reason I got a new phone was to have more storage...just for pictures and videos! Of course there is extra storage for your cell phone, depending on what phone you have, but this app does SO much more than just save your precious moments! I love that I can click into the app, and see what the app has created for me! That's right! It puts photos and videos together to make super special things like collages, slide shows with great music and themes,  animation videos that are made from pictures combined together into a silly video, and it even helps me recall memories from the past by letting me know what happened on a certain day. You can edit these pre-made goodies with a few simple clicks. Want to share a photo or an entire photo album with your family and friends? You can do that too in very little time. 
 Most of all, I love this app because its EASY! From finding a photo from years ago or adding a song I like better to a slide show, it's incredibly simple to navigate and work which is a win for mom life! Plus, it's ALL free! Another free assistant to help make your busy life, manageable. 

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5. Venmo App
If you have ever needed a simple, quick and easy way to pay your babysitter or a friend for grabbing you lunch, here is your answer! I think everyone needs Venmo in their life! It's much better than other pay services because they don't charge you...for anything! It's another free assistant that comes in handy when you don't have the cash on hand to pay someone back. Check it out, and see for yourself, then spread the news so you can use it with all your friends and family members. Really though, one click and your babysitter is paid! How is great is that? 

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6. Amazon Shopping App 
Do I really need to explain this one? If you don't already have the Amazon Shopping App on your phone, GET IT NOW! There is so much goodness to say about Amazon, but I wanted to share this one with you because one of the most annoying things I come across as a mom is having to go to the store twice in one day with a toddler just because my mom brain forgot one or two items! I did this just the other day, and refused to load my little one back in the car, drive to the store, unload her and get what I left in the first trip (not to mention we are smack in the middle of potty training). So I just called on my little Amazon helper, and she (Yes, she) came to my rescue, The items I forgot were delivered THAT DAY!! Mind blown!!!! I know not everything is available just like that through Amazon, but before you go through the trouble of a second trip to the store, check with the app first, and you might be surprised what you find (and maybe for cheaper!). 
PS. I cannot wait to try getting my groceries through Amazon! Now that would be a momming win for sure! 

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I hope you find at least some of these apps useful to your busy life! I know they help me out a ton on most days, and each one has been worth the time and the little money I spend on them. Like I said, these apps have been my little assistants for the past two years of being a mom, and with another little one on the way, I can only assume that they will be working overtime in the near future!!
Comment below and let me know if you try any of them or if you have some of your own little helpers that make momming better for you! 
Oh yeah, I almost forgot! To help you get to know the apps a little better before downloading, click on each icon next to the app name! 

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