Stroller car seat combos are the ultimate 2-in-1 deal
Head to a baby gear shop and you’re guaranteed to find parents-to-be staring wide-eyed at all the stroller and car seat options. Even the most seasoned among us can be completely thrown off by the unbelievable number of choices in both aisles. This goes far beyond just color choices (although we agree that’s also important). There are some basic safety standards every stroller and car seat has to include, of course, but aside from those, the choices can feel endless. Allow us to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the stroller car seat combo that’ll make thing at least 50% easier.
Here’s a pro tip: opt for a travel system. This hero stroller + car seat combo is easy—well, easier—and means you just have to make one decision. Plus, buying a travel system is usually more affordable, which is always a bonus. When you’re buying the stroller and car seat together, you also don’t have to stress about compatibility or adaptors. Now, just because travel systems are easier, we never promised you don’t have any decisions to make. But, as always, we’re here to help.
Chicco Bravo Trio
Chicco USA
The Bravo Trio from Chicco is seriously popular, so if you've been boning up on your travel systems, there's a good chance you've already seen this one. So we'll make it easy on you: the Bravo Trio system is a complete winner. It's an A-frame carrier, travel system, and toddler stroller—this one grows with your kiddo, newborn to toddler (that's a major bonus). Oh, and it's a one-handed operation, moms. You won't be fighting with it in the parking lot, and it's self-standing and compact. Win, win, win. Chicco Bravo Trio ($449.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Corso Travel System
Chicco USA
Looking for years of easy breezy travel? The Corso's got you covered. It comes with four adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes—four. And if you're into a little bit of luxury, multi-position reclining seat, adjustable footrest, zip-extend canopy with mesh panel, leatherette details, and lots of extra storage make the Corso one sleek stroller. There's even upgrade options, which make for a collection of 3 different Corso models. Corso Chicco ($549.99—$749.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller Travel System
Chicco USA
Whether you're a serious jogger or just prefer a 3-wheel stroller model, the Activ3 system is a solid choice. It's super lightweight and easy to maneuver, plus the one-handed operation lets you fold it and lay it flat in the trunk without the struggle. Chicco Activ3 ($579.99)—Buy Here!
The Peg Perego Booklet
Peg Perego
The Booklet from Peg Perego is a parent favorite, thanks to its multi-position backrest, adjustable footrest, large basket ,and adjustable handlebars. It folds compactly and sits upright, for easy storage in small homes, closets, and cars. In this travel system, it's paired with the Primo Viaggio 4-35 car seat. The car seat base includes a built-in anti-rebound bar to maintain stability in case of a collision. The Peg Perego Booklet ($583.99+)—Buy Here!
UPPAbaby Vista Travel System
UPPAbaby
This combo, featuring the Vista V2 stroller and Mesa car seat, is pricier than the others on this list but does come with amazing extras like a bassinet, rain cover, bug net, and more. The biggest bonus? It can be adapted to carry three kids in different ages and stages. If you have another little one or are planning to expand your family soon, this is a smart investment. UPPAbaby Vista Travel System ($1299.98)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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“It wasn’t easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it. 👼🏼🤍👼🏼,” she wrote. “Happy Easter! 🐣🐣 Posting from pure Heaven. 🙌🏽”
Friends, fans, and colleagues quickly filled the comments with well wishes for Swank and her family.
“Aaaaahhhh!!!!! Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️,” wrote Viola Davis. Sharon Stone commented, “God bless honey This is the most extraordinary journey ever ❣️🌹so happy for you all.”
Swank hasn’t revealed many details about the new arrivals, but it looks like she’s enjoying her time with them, as she should.
Swank shared that she and husband Philip Schneider are pregnant—and expecting twins—when she appeared on Good Morning America back in October. “This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time and my next thing is I’m gonna be a mom,” said Swank. “And not just of one, but of two. I can’t believe it.”
The hosts of GMA shared in Swank’s elation, who has kept the secret for some time. “It’s so nice to be able to talk about it,” she says.
Not long after, she took to Instagram to share the happy news to her own audience with a sweet video revealing her baby bump. “Coming soon…DOUBLE feature! 👼🏼👼🏼,” reads the caption.
An hour later, Swank say down with LIVE with Kelly and Ryan to confirm the news. “I’m pregnant…with twins.” While chatting with the hosts, she admitted that twins means “double excitement.”
Swank and Schneider have been married for four years and the babies will be the first for both of them. While chatting with GMA and LIVE, she did not reveal her due date, but she did say she was far enough along to feel comfortable sharing the news.
Additionally, she revealed that both her grandmother and her husband’s grandmother was a twin. “We have twins in our lineage.” It looks like the duo have officially carried on the tradition!
The off-duty firefighter was actually involved in the accident herself, but stepped in to help a woman in need
Megan Warfield is both a career firefighter with Baltimore County and a Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Rescue & Marine (BQVFRM) member, so she knows how to handle an emergency. But even the 30-year-old, who was nine months pregnant at the time, didn’t see herself being at the center of a vehicle collision.
Warfield, who had been serving in an administrative capacity as she progressed through her pregnancy, was involved in an accident as a passenger one afternoon. On a recent appearance on TODAY, she recounted the situation.
“I started to climb in there with her, but then I was like, ‘What are you doing? You’re nine months pregnant,’” Warfield she says. “I ended up holding onto her to keep her in place because I wasn’t sure of her injuries at the time.
Warfield stayed by the woman’s side until Squad 213 could arrive to help extricate her from the vehicle, according to the BQVFRM Facebook page. Once the paramedics arrived (one of which was Warfield’s paramedic boyfriend), the firefighter finally decided to head to Johns Hopkins Hospital to get checked out.
According to TODAY, the accident ended up inducing labor and turned Warfield’s baby transverse. “I don’t know how I did what I did because the cramping was so bad,” Warfield said. “I must’ve just been running on adrenaline.”
From there, it was less than 24 hours until Megan welcomed her baby girl, Charlotte. Born on Oct. 4, she joins big siblings Ellie and Jameson.
Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Rescue & Marine took to Facebook to honor Warfield’s brave actions and said it best: “Since no good deed should go unrecognized, we wanted to highlight Megan’s heroic and selfess actions. Congratulations Momma Megan, Job Well Done”
The actress shared photos showing a cake with pink frosting, Pelphrey holding a baby onesie, the two kissing holding “papa bear” and “mama bear” mugs, a polaroid of Cuoco’s baby bump, and a slew of images showing positive pregnancy tests. It’s easy to say the duo both look elated.
Tom Pelphrey, of Ozark fame, also shared the happy news on his own Instagram account. “And then it was even MORE BETTER. 🎀🎀🎀. Love you more than ever @kaleycuoco ♥️🙏♥️”
Cuoco and Pelphrey first met at the Ozark premiere back in April. The became official in May and since then haven’t shied from sharing their love for each other on social media.
Now that the cat’s out of the bag (or rather, we know there’s a bun in the oven?), Cuoco is emptying her photo drafts like crazy to her Instagram Stories. Apparently, the mama-to-be experienced a fair amount of morning sickness and exhaustion, judging by the snap shots of her sneaking in naps in between film takes for her upcoming action film, Role Play.
Neither Cuoco or Pelphrey have revealed the big day––aka, due date––for when baby is expected. However, judging by the many posts since the announcement just yesterday, we’re guessing we’ll get to go along for the ride for months to come.
Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez are both mourning the loss of their son, a twin. “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness,” he writes.
The soccer star announced the news of Rodríguez’s pregnancy back in Oct. on Instagram and the couple would be welcoming twins this year. “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love — we can’t wait to meet you. #blessed.”
Ronaldo is already dad to to four-year-old twins Eva Maria and Mateo who he welcomed via surrogate in 2017, four-year-old daughter Alana Martina he shares with Rodríguez and 11-year-old son Cristiano Jr. from a previous relationship.
Support from the world has been sent out to Ronaldo, who currently plays for Manchester United. The team tweeted out their condolences on Monday in the wake of the news, in addition to several other clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
You have our complete love and support, @Cristiano ❤
Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro also sent out messages of love in an Instagram post. Translated in Portuguese, the caption read, “I love you and my heart is all there on this side, ”May God take care of everything and strengthen your path more and more.”
According to CNN, United released a statement that Ronaldo will not be playing in this week’s game against Liverpool. “Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.”
If you’re expecting twins, you may be wondering if there are certain considerations you need to be aware of that are different than those carrying singleton pregnancies. To help you address this, here are some common questions I hear from pregnant women expecting twins.
1. What are my delivery choices with twins? Is it possible to deliver without surgery?
In my experience, about 50 percent of twins are vertex/vertex (both head down) in the uterus. The next most common presentation is vertex/breech, with one baby head down and the other baby bottom down. The second baby can be delivered breech or turned by external cephalic version (ECV). Either option is reasonable. Twins can also both be breech, and I have delivered breech twins vaginally. Of these three possible presentations, the breech/vertex position is considered a poor choice for a vaginal birth because of the chance of locking chins. The pregnant women I’ve treated have not exhibited this presentation, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a C-section in such cases. So in most cases, yes — it is possible to deliver twins without a C-section, and even without an episiotomy.
2. How common is it to have one twin delivered vaginally and one by C-section?
I’ve often said that birthing the first twin vaginally and the second twin by C-section is the worst of both worlds. I have never done this procedure. Management of the second twin requires patience, discernment, judgment, and luck. Of these, patience is the most important. A new mom who has a combination vaginal/C-section delivery will be more tired and sore, and will need much support at home to avoid depression. Recovery time will also be longer, from 4 to 6 weeks. To avoid the vaginal/C-section combination delivery, new moms need to know their options and discuss them with their doctor. If your babies are not vertex/vertex (both head down), what is your obstetrician’s comfort level with managing the delivery?
PRO TIP:Dads can play a big part in post-partum support. In my experience, dads attending prenatal visits and classes are more able and willing to help out after delivery. The father of the quads I delivered took an active part in caring for his babies. He told me he figured out that he changed 7000 diapers per month! Now that’s dedication and commitment.
3. What unique aspects of being pregnant with twins should I be aware of in each trimester? First trimester: Nausea, lack of interest in food, and risk of miscarriage are all higher during the first trimester. Second trimester: Risk of preterm cervical dilation and hypertension increase in trimester two. Third trimester: When pregnant with twins, preterm delivery is common in trimester three. With twins, 38 weeks is considered term.
4. Does giving birth to multiples lead to higher postpartum baby blues, depression, or psychosis?
A multiple pregnancy can have everything a single pregnancy can have, and have more of it. So yes, more baby blues, more depression, and for some, more post-partum psychosis are possible. Dads are most important. They are most available to help. Stay in touch with your care provider and ensure you have a strong support system of friends and family in place for the first few months after you give birth—especially those first few weeks.
5. Can you share tips for nursing twins?
First off, know that nursing twins can absolutely be done. Most often, nursing is simultaneous and each baby gets one breast. Nursing is wonderfully adaptive. The babies can be held like a football under each arm, with the head on the breast and the body and legs to the mother’s sides and back. Most importantly, don’t worry! About the only thing that wrecks nursing is worrying and thinking you can’t. If you think it can’t happen, it won’t. Until your milk production catches up, you may need to top off the twins’ feedings with formula. Please do not worry when providing your twins with a little formula. You are not bad or inferior. Your babies must eat and gain weight.
6. Giving birth to one baby carries some risks for mother and child. Are those risks the same when giving birth to twins?
Giving birth to twins offers more risks for everything. But in my experience, it’s not twice as much risk.
PRO TIP:Don’t smoke!!!
7. Can I maintain my pre-pregnancy exercise regimen when pregnant with twins? What modifications should I make, if any?
Maintaining your pre-pregnancy exercise program depends upon what your pre-pregnancy program was. I would avoid running five miles daily—or even one mile daily. Yoga would be better.
8. Do I need to eat more when pregnant with twins than I would with a singular pregnancy?
Although we kow the optimum weight gain for singleton pregnancies, less is known about multiples. My experience with twins indicates you should eat about 50 percent more than with single pregnancies, but not twice as much. Certainly you need the maternal volume increase, which will be about four pounds a month. There will be more amniotic fluid, more blood volume, more placenta, and more baby.
9. What should I do in terms of self-care when pregnant with twins?
Set your mind at ease by learning more about what it means to carry, birth, and raise twins. The more knowledgeable you feel, the more you will be able to advocate for yourself with your care providers, and navigate all the unique realities that having twins will present to you.
All pregnancies require an increased level of care and attention from expectant mothers. Carrying twins simply means a slightly higher level of due diligence on your part to protect your health and your babies’ health during pregnancy, delivery, and especially during their first few months of life.
Stay in touch with your care provider through each step of your journey, and don’t hesitate to ask these and other questions to help you incorporate the information into your unique pregnancy and birthing experience.
FUN FACT: With deliveries on one side of midnight and one on the other, I have had twins deliver on separate days, separate months, and even separate years (New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day)!
An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com
Natasha D'Anna: Mom of 3, which includes twin girls and a son, wife, NYC Influencer, Award winning Children's book author & ABA Therapist, sharing stories about a bonded lifestyle.
Having twins is double the blessing. It is something that I like to remember rather than being overwhelmed with the thought of having two babies at one time. Now that we’ve shifted those gears; let me share some of the top items that have helped twin parents make life a little easier; especially when doing it alone. Here are the lists of gear needed as well as books that can bring you from day to night.
I wish that I could say that there is a specific rule book when caring for twins, But there isn’t. Just as it goes when having your singleton baby; It is all in the matter of nurture and what fits you comfortably. Journaling was a great way to mentally answer my own questions as well as keep notes and track of our daily routine. Movement was always a great part of our day, and still is. Lastly, call on your fellow twin mamas who laugh at the days that are upside down.
1
What to Expect When You're Expecting Twins
The twin parenting book of what to expect when expecting twins
$9.99
I loved reading through this book. Its a quick navigator and gives you direct references.
Whether you are new to the area or looking for a little support during these crazy times, a moms’ group can be a great way get out there and make some friends. Many offer online Facebook groups, meet ups, parenting classes and moms-only nights out so that you can change out of the yoga pants and get some adult conversation on the regular. Some are even dedicated to dads! Scroll through to find a moms group near you.
San Francisco
Golden Gate Mothers Group The Golden Gate Mothers Group is a San Francisco-based mothers group that focuses on moms and all things motherhood. With over 4,000 member, this group offers playgroups, helping hand resources and lots of other options to moms living in SF.
San Francisco Parents of Multiples The San Francisco Parents of Multiples Club is a non-profit organization formed to offer support to parents and expectant parents of multiples.
Black Moms of San Francisco This group provides a fun and relaxed space for black mothers of infants and toddlers to get to know each other. Working or stay at home moms and expecting moms welcome. Get togethers include picnics in the park, brunch at kid friendly restaurants, playdates, mommy and me yoga, baby music class and more are offered throughout the year.
Main Street Mamas San Francisco This group, which originated as the marketing and community arm of Sensible Sitters, now has a meet up space at Stonestown Mall and a robust community of over 13,000 San Francisco moms. The Facebook group is active—ask questions and receive support related to raising kids in SF. MSM has branched out to other areas of the Bay, including MSM Marin and MSM East Bay.
East Bay
iStock
Castro Valley Mothers Club The Castro Valley Mothers Club (CVMC) provides a supportive community to mothers with children of all ages, as well as expectant mothers. The Club offers playgroups, family activities, as well as monthly meetings and a newsletter.
First Time Moms—East Bay A group for meeting other first time moms. The group meets 2 to 3 times a week to chat, swap stories, get tips, and get out of the house. Activities include walks, park play-dates, lunches, happy hours, coffee, fitness for mommy and baby, as well as beauty and spa appointments.
F.U.N. Mothers Club The FUN Mothers Club is a volunteer-run non-profit open to parents and kids in Fremont, Union City & Newark. The club provides the opportunity to gain support, share knowledge, experience friendships and promote a sense of community for the members and their families.
Iron Horse Mothers Club The Iron Horse Mothers Club (IHMC) was formed to serve as a resource to mothers with young children in the San Ramon, Danville, Dublin and Alamo communities. The IHMC is a support network for its members with playgroups and great activities throughout the year for kids, moms and the whole family.
Mount Diablo Mother's Club The Mt. Diablo Mothers Club club is based out of Walnut Creek and serves Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Clayton and Concord. It is a social and support group for mothers and expectant mothers that seeks to form and strengthen friendships for you and your family.
Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa Chapter Mocha Moms, Inc. is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities. Mocha Moms serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership.
Parents, Resources and More (PRAM) PRAM offers many playgroups, classes, activities, outings and opportunities for Richmond-area parents to connect to each other and create valuable social and support networks.
Sol Mamas Sol Mamas are women from all backgrounds, of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels who share a love for travel, nature, sustainable living, community, natural health/wellness, and life. This group hosts mom and baby activities, travel excursions and retreats for women and events for friends and family.
Tri-City Mothers of Multiples Established in 1979, the Tri-City Mothers of Multiples is a group for women who have, or are expecting, twins, triplets or higher order multiples. The club offers emotional, educational, and social support to women in the Fremont, Newark, and Union City area, and beyond. Includes playgroups, a "Big Sister" program, lending library and more.
Alameda Family Collective The Alameda Family Collective connects Alameda families by providing resources and opportunities to learn, serve and be together. With a quarterly education series, ongoing special events, a platform for hosting playdates and family-friendly volunteer opportunities, there is something for every family.
Peninsula/South Bay
Gali Dotan
San Bruno Parents Club This supportive community is for all local families who want to make authentic connections, share resources, and have fun. Here, you will find yourself among fellow parents who truly get it; we are here to validate and encourage you during challenging seasons of parenting, and to celebrate your joy during the good times.
South San Francisco Mothers Club The South San Francisco Mothers Club seeks to nurture an engaging and supportive community for parents and expectant parents living in or around South San Francisco. They offer a private Facebook group, a swap, moms only events, playgroups, book club, volunteering opportunities and fun events for families.
Silicon Valley Twins & Triplets Established in 1971 as a non-profit, Silicon Valley Twins & Triplets (formerly Gemini Crickets) club supports families in the unique experience of parenting multiples (twins, triplets and beyond).
Parents' Club of Palo Alto and Menlo Park PAMP is the largest parent organization on the Peninsula and it offers member parents an on-line website for networking and sharing information, monthly newsletters, speaker events, playgroups, preschool fairs and family activities.
Burlingame Mothers' Group The Burlingame Mothers’ Club (BMC) provides mothers of children from birth through age five with support, information, friendship and community.
Coastside Mothers' Group The Coastside Mothers' Club (CMC) provides support to and a social network for families along the San Mateo Coast (from Montara to Pescadero). Members are both working and non-working moms, but fathers and all caregivers are also encouraged to participate in events and outings.
The Mid-Peninsula Parents of Multiples Club (MPPOM) The Mid-Peninsula Parents of Multiples Club (MPPOM) provides community, education and peer support to parents on the Bay Area Peninsula (Millbrae to Silicon Valley) sharing the joys and challenges of raising multiples.
The Pacifica Mothers Club The Pacifica Mothers Club provides friendship and support for mothers and primary caregivers of children from pre-birth through age five. Offerings include playgroups, Moms Night Out events, book clubs, home-cooked meals after a baby's birth and more.
The San Carlos Belmont Parents Club The San Carlos Belmont Parents Club mission is "Parents Helping Parents". The SCBPC offers age-based playgroups, speakers series, mom and dads nights out, family events (like picnics and museum days), children's outings, a babysitting co-op, in-a-pinch program when you need help most and so much more.
San Mateo Parents Club The San Mateo Parents Club (SMPC) is a community of parents with kids from birth to kindergarten age (or currently expecting) in San Mateo and surrounding areas who encourage friendship, support, and advice.
New North MOPS/MOMSnext These groups are a safe place for mothers to be authentic with their successes and their struggles, to be better equipped in the vital roles they play and to find their identity by journeying alongside one another. They provide educational/ resourceful videos, live speakers, arts and craft time for mommies and Mom Night Outs. They also offer amazing breakfast and childcare is provided for ages 5 and under. Sister locations: Foster City, San Francisco/Dolores Park and Alameda
Marin Mommies A group for Marin moms looking for playdates, friends to meet for outdoor activities, rainy day creative activities, mom's night out, shared support and information.
Corte Madera Larkspur Mothers Club The CMLMC aims to build a supportive community of mothers with young children in Corte Madera, Larkspur and surrounding areas by fostering friendships, encouraging learning and offering community events, mom or dad-only events and special interest groups.
Marin Dads Marin Dads has an online forum and monthly events including monthly dinner (no kids) and monthly weekend playgroup. It's a great way to get advice, meet other dads and be an active participant in your child's life.
Marin Parents of Multiples MPOMC is part of a national organization offering guidance to parents of multiples. Its mission is to provide educational, social and emotional support to parents before their children are born, as well as during the critical months and years that follow.
Novato Mothers Club The Novato Mother’s Club provides mothers with a supportive, nurturing environment, friendship and activities. Enjoy an online forum, playgroups, children’s outings, family events, mom’s night outs, a monthly newsletter and activities geared toward families of children from pregnancy and beyond.
The Petaluma Mothers' Club The Petaluma Mothers' Club is made up of caregivers with children through age five. They offer playgroups, monthly meetings and special family events for support, education and socializing.
Santa Rosa Mothers' Club The mission of the Santa Rosa Mothers’ Club (SRMC) is to provide an environment where mothers and young children can develop friendships and community, exchange information and have valued opportunities for social interaction with other mothers, children, and families.
Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples The Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples Club is a group of parents of twins and triplets who have come together for support, education, ideas-and, yes-fun! You may also join the group while pregnant and begin to receive the many benefits of membership before you deliver.
Southern Marin Mothers' Club The Southern Marin Mothers Club strives to provide a supportive, nurturing community for families to share meaningful experiences, fun and fellowship that strengthen family bonds.
These days, there are apps for just about everything—even pregnancy tips for men. While a pregnancy app specifically designed for people who can’t get pregnant might seem strange, these apps are actually very helpful for men who want to support their partners through the process of carrying a baby.
Here’s why you should download pregnancy apps if your partner is expecting a baby, plus recommended downloads to try out.
There’s a Lot to Think about during a Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be all over the map. Some moms feel great throughout their pregnancies and even get that mythical “glow.” Others suffer from near-constant morning sickness and find themselves uncomfortable during most of their pregnancy.
Expectant dads can use pregnancy apps to get advice and learn more about what their partner is going through. They’ll also help men prepare for the birth and support their partner through any health concerns that may come up during the pregnancy. These can include:
There’s a lot to think about during pregnancy, and expectant dads can do their part by getting educated and being prepared to help out in any way they can. The following are five pregnancy apps that dads can use to make life a little easier for expectant moms.
Known as “The dad’s field guide to pregnancy,” DaddyUp is designed to be a fun, informative tool for expectant dads. Besides the customizable preparations checklist, a journal to take down notes during the pregnancy, and a weekly progress report, the app offers dads “rugged” comparisons for the baby’s size at every stage (no more peach-sized babies!).
Dads can use DaddyUp to do their part and keep track of their pregnancy responsibilities in a fun, approachable way.
Feeling overwhelmed? Quick Tips for New Dads gets it. The app was created for new dads by the guys who have already been there and have wisdom and encouragement to share. The tips are bite-sized and easy to use, offering practical advice and ways to cope with the stress of being a new parent. Plus, you can post specific questions for other dads to answer!
Want to set your baby up for the best start possible? Of course, you do! With BabySparks, you can start learning about early learning and prepare for enrichment from day one. The app has a huge library of video activities for different developmental milestones that you can use to help your baby grow and thrive.
BabySparks adapts to your child’s unique needs, adapting based on their actual development and allowing you to track their progress. It’s a great program for bonding with your new baby while helping them achieve important milestones. The app is available in English and Spanish.
Based on advice from midwives but written by and geared toward men who are trying to help their partners during pregnancy, Who’s Your Daddy takes the mystery out pregnancy. With funny, straightforward advice, the app guides fathers-to-be through the entire pregnancy, offering tips and updates.
Pregnant Dad provides tips for each phase of pregnancy, even letting expectant dads know when it may be time to go shopping for larger bras. An appointment tracker, “survival” tips, and a birthday calculator are just some of the features Pregnant Dad offers. There are even built-in features for couples expecting twins!
Sharing the Responsibility
Today’s dads are more engaged than ever before. It’s a great time to be a father! Attention from both parents can help kids live happy, healthy lives. Since maternity and paternity leave can vary depending on a couple’s situation and more women today stay in the workforce after having children, it’s very important for both mothers and fathers to be involved in early childcare.
Sharing the responsibility and getting prepared for the birth signals your support and shows your partner that you care about her health and well-being. Pregnancy and parenthood is a shared responsibility—and seeking out knowledge via apps for expectant dads can help you prepare for your share of the responsibilities.
Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.
Suffering from a rare hereditary disease, Whitney Bleisner—who was unable to have a baby—believed she would never have kids of her own, until her twin sister offered to carry her baby for her.
Not only did Jill Noe step up to be a surrogate for her twin sister, but now at 29 weeks pregnant she also happens to be carrying a set of twins. Doctors suggested that Bleisner, who was diagnosed with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis type 2), a rare hereditary disease that can cause benign tumors along the nerves of the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body, use a surrogate, but the cost was too much to even consider.
Amazingly Bleisner’s twin sister stepped up without hesitation. “She’s always wanted to be a mom and her disease has already taken so much from her. I wasn’t going to allow (NF2) to take this opportunity from her, too,” said Noe. “She’s my best friend and I know she would have done the same for me. I really didn’t put much thought into becoming a surrogate at all. It just felt like the right thing to do. Our family is so strong and so supportive of one another, especially since Whit’s diagnosis in 8th grade.”
Later came the even more exciting news that, not only was the IVF successful, but it had resulted in twins. Being a twin herself, Bleisner explained that she understands the special bond between twins and she’s delighted that her kids will grow up with the same experience.
“Jill has been amazing during this whole process,” Bleisner said. “She lets me ask her all these weird questions, lets me touch her stomach; and it’s just amazing because this is the closest I could get to actually having the babies inside me.”
