Android apps for the soon-to-be father

As a soon-to-be dad, Im happy to see Android catching up with iOS with its useful app offerings for future parents. We published a list of great Android apps for new and soon-to-be parents just last year, but as I await the emergence of my very own little un, here are few apps future dads will cherish.

BabyBump Pregnancy Free

OK dads, this app isnt just for expectant mothers. Any prospective father should make the effort to learn more about what their pregnant partner is going through and how their child is developing. As well as daily info, images and tracking tools, BabyBump even includes weekly information specifically aimed at fathers and a dad-only community forum. Personally, Ive discovered all the info this app offers is of value, and the pro version of the app is worth spending the extra $2.99 on because its contraction tracker could come in handy when your wife/partner is close to delivery.

50000 Baby Names FREE!

Confession: my wife and I picked out a couple of names already, but I still get worried some dreadful celebrity will name their daughter the one that weve chosen! This app keeps things simple and offers a boatload of potential child names with meanings and origins included. You can sort them by popularity. For those who dont feel like trawling through the list, just hit the random name button and see what emerges.

New Dad - Pregnancy For Dads

If you insist on being one of those fathers opposed to women-centric pregnancy apps, at least theres New Dad - Pregnancy For Dads. Admittedly, I found the info contained in this app a little feeble compared to BabyBump, but it does have a slightly more informal, humorous edge which some may enjoy. Personally, Id suggest cutting the gender roles for a while and supporting your wife or partner in any way you can.

My Pregnancy Today

Dads should definitely not be put off by the title of this informative app from the experts at BabyCenter. My Pregnancy Today can help you feel more prepared for your babys birth by analyzing pregnancy day-by-day. It includes checklists, a nutrition guide and useful videos that help parents learn more about fetal development. Sure, the app is clearly aimed at moms-to-be, but good dads will definitely find plenty of useful info here to help support their partners.

WebMD or iTriage Health

While more general in scope, there is no denying that apps like WebMD and iTriage Health are welcome additions to your Android app arsenal. They will never take the place of a properly-qualified OB/GYN or pediatrician, but the health information they offer is still useful to have on hand in an emergency. Both apps include things like drug interactions, symptom checkers and even first aid essentials.

Read all about it

While there arent a huge number of dad-based apps on Android, there are still plenty of pregnancy-based ones, and thats what counts. However, your Android smartphone or tablet makes for a great e-reader, too. The Google Play Books store offers titles like A Guys Guide To Pregnancy by Frank Mungeam ($10.99), My Boys Can Swim! by Ian Davis ($9.99), and my favorite (which Id recommend purchasing in physical book form),Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden ($12.99).

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