This application is based on research dating back to 1971, starting with Jane Goodall's studies on chimpanzees in Tanzania. It highlights that infants often experience periods of crying, clinginess, or crankiness, which are linked to their rapid mental development. Specifically, babies undergo ten significant mental leaps during their first 20 months, and although these leaps can be challenging, they are essential milestones that enable babies to learn new skills and grow cognitively.
The app, called The Wonder Weeks, provides a variety of features to support parents through these developmental stages. It offers a personalized schedule indicating when each leap begins and ends, along with automatic notifications to alert parents beforehand. This helps caregivers anticipate and prepare for these phases, making the journey of early parenthood more manageable and less stressful.
In addition to tracking leaps, the app helps parents recognize signals from their babies that indicate a leap is occurring. It also educates them on the new skills their infants are developing during each stage. To stimulate these new abilities, the app includes 77 interactive playtime games. Parents can monitor their child's progress in a personal diary, share updates and ask questions in the community forum, and watch videos related to parenting topics, fostering a supportive environment for new parents.
The Wonder Weeks app also offers practical tools such as a baby monitor with 4G wireless connectivity, providing insights into sleeping patterns. Users can connect their app with that of their partner to jointly track their baby’s development and participate in polls to understand common parenting experiences. Overall, the app aims to empower parents, build their confidence, and create a community where they can learn from each other, ensuring they feel supported throughout their child's early growth stages. Its popularity is reflected in its status as a best-selling baby app worldwide for many years.