Baby Tracking Apps: How They Impact Parenting Roles and Responsibilities
Parenting in the digital age has introduced a myriad of tools aimed at making life easier. One such tool that has gained popularity is the baby tracking app. These apps help parents record various aspects of their infant’s life – from feeding times to diaper changes. But are they helping or hindering parents? And do they subtly reinforce traditional gender roles? Let’s take a closer look.
The Rise of Baby Tracking Apps
Clara, a Melbourne mother, started her app journey with Flo to track ovulation. She then used What to Expect to monitor her pregnancy progress, Baby Tracker to log nappy changes, and Feed Tracker to record feeding times. Her mothers’ group introduced her to Wonder Weeks to follow developmental milestones. Clara’s story isn’t unique; many mothers are increasingly relying on these apps.
The Promise of Convenience
These apps are praised for reducing the mental load of parenting. Clara, for instance, found them empowering and said they made her feel more competent. A recent study highlighted that the ability to quickly access health information and social support via smartphones is incredibly valuable for new parents.
By logging detailed records, parents can identify patterns and routines, which offers a sense of control, especially during the often overwhelming early months of parenting.
The Dark Side of App Use
However, these apps aren’t free from drawbacks. The study revealed that some parents feel an increased sense of judgement and isolation. Older family members, whose parenting experiences predate smartphones, and partners who are less involved in caregiving, often question the usefulness of these apps. This can lead mothers to feel scrutinized and second-guess their choices.
Gendered App Design and Usage
Many baby tracking apps are designed with a focus on women’s bodies and experiences, which can further entrench traditional gender roles in parenting. Since mothers often start using fertility and pregnancy apps before the baby is born, they are more accustomed to using these tools. Fathers, or non-birthing parents, might not engage with these apps as deeply, perpetuating an uneven division of parenting responsibilities.
That said, these apps have the potential to facilitate more equitable parenting. For example, one father in the study accessed shared baby-tracking data to gauge how his partner’s day went. He used this information to take over childcare responsibilities in the evening, showing how thoughtful application of technology can support shared parenting duties.
Navigating Emotional Ups and Downs
The emotional impact of baby-tracking apps cannot be underestimated. New mothers are especially vulnerable due to the physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth and the challenges of establishing breastfeeding. Baby-tracking apps can magnify their emotional state, making each statistic feel like a measure of their parenting success or failure.
Health professionals often use feeding and diaper logs as markers of a baby’s well-being. For some mothers, this can lead to an unhealthy fixation on these numbers, further contributing to feelings of inadequacy if their data doesn’t align with established norms.
Using Baby Apps for Family Well-being
When used effectively within the family context, baby-tracking apps can be beneficial. Digital tracking is generally more convenient than traditional pen-and-paper methods and can be maintained for longer periods. Long-term tracking helps parents identify patterns and gain reassurance that their baby’s development is on track, even during challenging times.
The ability to share data between caregivers can also keep separated parents involved and informed. For instance, one father relied on app data to understand his baby’s sleep and feeding routines, allowing him to be more participative without needing to be constantly briefed by his partner.
Temporary Use, Lasting Effects
Most parents stop using baby-tracking apps once they feel confident in their routines, often around the nine-month mark. However, the habits and roles established during this period can have long-lasting effects on parenting dynamics. Being aware of how these apps can shape responsibilities offers an opportunity for parents to negotiate a more balanced division of labor from the start.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on the baby app bandwagon or not, understanding the benefits and potential pitfalls of these tools can help you make informed decisions about their use. They can be a helpful ally or an unwelcome critic, depending on how they are integrated into your parenting journey.
– SCY