April 20, 2011

Suzanne Wentworth, a nurse at Martha Jefferson Hospital, and her nursing students have been testing out new parenting applications on their smart phones. The students have researched a dozen applications to find out what they offer and how they can make caring for a new baby easier.

"There are ones that are interactive, document feedings or when your baby is going to the bathroom, or even ones that are educational," explained Katherine Corradini, a nursing student. Having a parenting application has other advantages as well, it can help parents to save money.

"If you've already invested in the smart phone or the touch, a lot of the apps are free. If you're going to take a child birth class and the book is $25, you could download an app," said Suzanne Wentworth. The phone makes information more accessible and saves parents shelf space.

"You can have multiple applications and they don't take up any more space," said Kelly Allen, a nursing student.

Wentworth says that parents will be more likely to look up information if it is right there in their phone. She adds the applications should not be considered a substitute for medical care or parenting classes.

"You never can replace being in front of a group, and seeing firsthand how to bathe a baby," said Wentworth. "The one-on-one is what makes a difference, but I think that [apps] could supplement."