Here are eight innovative devices that can enhance the pregnancy experience or help new parents bond with their baby.
PRENATAL MUSIC
Hearing is the first sense that connects baby-to-be with the big world outside. The specialised BellyBuds speakers gently adhere to your baby bump and allow you to safely play memory-shaping sounds directly to the womb.
Whether it’s a soothing tune or a bond-forming voice message, BellyBuds is a safe and effective first step in connecting with your soon-to-be bundle of joy. Price: US$39.99 (RM164.28) at Amazon.com
SMART SCALE
Expectant mums can make use of the Pregnancy Mode on this QardioBase smart scale to keep track of their health and the baby’s progress through each semester with charts and a photo diary.
Mothers-to-be can view their body data on its dedicated mobile app and share it with family members. As it has automatic multiple user recognition, the QardioBase is also perfect for the whole family. Price: US$132.57 at Amazon.com
DIGITAL JOURNAL
Track and document your pregnancy week by week, from bump to baby, with the Bumpfie pregnancy app. Its built-in BumpCam transforms daily photos of your growing belly into a fun time-lapse video to share with friends and family, while weekly updates help you follow your baby’s growth.
Use the journal feature to add your maternity photography and audio memories. Free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
HEARTBEAT LISTENER
Hearing your little one is a blessing you can enjoy in your own home between doctor’s appointments. Take a quiet moment for just the two of you without leaving the comfort of your bed.
Using the non-invasive technology rather than ultrasound technology to hear your baby’s heart makes Shell completely safe to use for both mum and her baby. Price: US$69 at Webshop.bellabeat.com
KICK MONITOR
It is important to learn your baby’s movement pattern so you are able to report any changes to your doctor. Designed by an obstetrician to help decrease the risk of stillbirth, KickTrak makes keeping track of kicks and movement easy and convenient.
Starting at 24 weeks, use KickTrak to record and store the time it takes for your baby to complete 10 movements including kicks, rolls, jabs, and turns. Price: US$10.99 at Amazon.com
EARLY LEARNING
It’s never too early to start educating your little one, and the Baby Plus Prenatal Education Tool gives tots a leg up by starting in the womb. Its curriculum is a series of 16 naturally derived sounds that resemble a mother’s heartbeat.
The BabyPlus sonic pattern introduces the child to a sequential learning process that strengthen a baby’s early cognitive development. Price: RM869 at Babyplus.com.my
POCKET NANNY
The Itzbeen Pocket Nanny is a great aid to every new parent. It is a multi-purpose digital timer tool designed to help remember the basic details of baby care. It keeps track of when baby last napped or ate or had a diaper change, so tired new parents don’t have to rely on their memory.
It features four timers that count up with a touch of a button, including a miscellaneous timer for medications, and a host of other helpful features. Price: US$19.99 at Amazon.com
BABY TRACKER
For parents, the stress and worry comes with having an infant. The Owlet Smart Sock will help new parents watch over their baby while they sleep.
It uses clinically-proven technology to track infant’s heart rate and oxygen levels, and will notify with lights and sounds if something appears to be wrong. Real-time wellness data can be viewed via Owlet’s app. Price: US$299.99 at Amazon.com