Baby tech

Today we were blessed by the arrival of our sixth grandchild! While Grandma was cooing over baby Eloise Marie, Grandpa was mulling over the question, “What technology is out there to help care for a newborn?” (I know, pathetic isn’t it? I can’t help it.) Well, here are some things I found.

• WebMD Baby App Yes, that hardbound medical reference book that we consulted so many nights while Baby wailed has been replaced by always-up-to-date, reliable, searchable online information. But wait! There’s more! Diaper Tracker: “Record the date and time of every diaper change, and note if the diaper was wet, dirty, or both. You can email each entry, generate a daily diaper change report, or see all changes in a calendar view.” WebMD Baby also features Sleep Tracker, Growth Tracker, Feeding Tracker, and Baby Book. Apparently new technology makes baby care so easy that one has time (and energy) to record such things.
•  The Why Cry Baby Crying Analyzer. What I would have given for one of these! Worth every penny of $49.99 if it really does “interpret the various reasons for why your baby cries and displays the answer on an easy-to-read LCD screen.”
• Withings Smart Baby Monitor. A bit pricy at $249.95, but this one does it all! Displays high resolution digital video on your smartphone (with pan, tilt, and zoom, giving you a view of the whole room). Digital quality sound from two “discrete” microphones. Night mode switches to infrared camera. Two-way talk. Plays seven lullabies, controlled from your smartphone. Emits a “soft and soothing glow,” with “rainbow mode.” Monitors temperature and humidity level.
•  Huggies TweetPee App. This clip-on humidity sensor will tweet you when a change is necessary. Only available in Brazil right now, one can only hope for a North American release soon.
•  Baby Changing App. Okay, just kidding on this one, but whoever develops it will be an overnight billionaire!

So, what apps would I recommend to precious Eloise’s mom and dad?

• Love App. Apply unconditionally.
• Prayer App. Use without ceasing.
• Hug App. No recommended limit.

Sorry, but the ones detailed above don’t even make the list.