Parenting: There's an App for That

Smartphones seem to make most aspects of life easier and more entertaining. So why not use them to help you out with your most important job - parenting? You already know that some apps keep your kids entertained while you're running errands or in the car. But a few apps help you organize kids' activities, get you to and from those activities, record precious moments, and keep kids happy and content. Sometimes babies and toddlers seem to have trouble filtering out annoying noise - think loudspeaker announcements - and get full-on cranky at the most inopportune times. If your little one needs soothing, then give the White Noise app a try. The free download includes calm sounds, such as waves crashing on a beach, crickets, thunder, a fan's whirring, and of course, white noise. The 99-cent download includes 40 sounds, including frogs and other natural sounds. If you're on the road with little ones who have trouble "holding it" until the next stop - and the thought of a grungy gas station makes you cringe -- then the Sit or Squat app is for you.