Duolingo ABC teaches reading through phonics, letter tracing, sight words, and short stories - same game-like approach as regular Duolingo. Ages 3-6. Completely free, no ads, no subscription. Hundreds of bite-sized lessons that kids actually want to repeat. From the makers of the world's most popular language app.
The sleep course every parent group recommends - expensive but it actually works.
Baby Sleep AppsParenting Courses & Education
Taking Cara Babies is not an app. It's a set of online video courses by Cara Dumaplin, a neonatal nurse with 25+ years of experience. The newborn course (~$99) covers 0-12 weeks. ABCs of Sleep ($179) tackles 5-24 months. One-time purchase, lifetime access, 30-day money-back guarantee. Not cheap. But when you haven't slept in weeks and need a structured plan, this is what most parents reach for.
The only app that shows you exactly how to cut an avocado for a 6-month-old vs a 9-month-old.
Baby Tracking & Milestone Apps
Solid Starts is the go-to resource for starting solid foods safely. Free database covers 1,000+ foods with age-specific prep instructions and video demos. The app adds meal logging, allergy tracking, and a First 100 Foods plan. Not a general baby tracker - this is specifically for the terrifying "can they eat this?" phase from 4-12 months. If baby-led weaning scares you, start here.
Free, award-winning educational app for children ages 2-8.
Educational Apps for Kids
Khan Academy Kids is completely free - no ads, no subscriptions, no premium tier. Ages 2-8. Covers reading, writing, language, math, and social-emotional learning through interactive games, books, songs, and activities. From the nonprofit behind Khan Academy. If you're looking for one educational app to install and forget about paying for, this is it.
