Observations & Interviews

• First-time Parent
  • The interviewee is a first time father who is 30 years of age. He did not prepare for parenthood through reading books or taking a class, but has had experience with small children by helping raise his younger brother, 10 years his junior. He and the mother are the primary caregivers for the baby with help from grandparents from both sides of the family. The main avenue for information about the babies comes from principally from asking the grandparents for advice; otherwise, he will simply use Google. During the interview, he mentioned an instance where he went out to get diapers for the baby because they were running low. However, in the time that he was out, the mother came home and noticed the same issue and subsequently left to get more diapers as well. As a result, they each returned home with a new box of diapers. While having a second box was not a terrible issue as babies go through diapers quite quickly, it was an unnecessary waste of resources in the form of both time and money.

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• Babysitter
  • The interviewee takes care of the baby often for limited periods of time. She performs the basic necessary functions, such as feeding, burping, and changing, but not all, e.g. bathing. The relationship to the baby in question is that of an aunt. She is not new to the role and responsibilities. Most recently, she's retaken the role since the birth of her youngest nephew who is 6 months old. Unlike before, however, she notes "I have to give a full status report on poop," due to the new-mom's concern over the child's health.

User Classes

The spectrum of baby caretakers:

• first-time parents
  • new to the role of parenting
  • perform all the responsibilities of baby care-taking

• experienced parents (e.g. second newborn)
  • experienced in the role of parenting (not their first time around, but they might be rusty)
  • perform all the responsibilities of baby care-taking

• nannies & other caretakers
  • not in the role of parenting
  • perform some of the responsibilities of baby care-taking for limited periods of time

Needs & Goals

1. Effectively support the newborn’s needs.
2. Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits for the baby.
3. Keep better track of essential supplies.
4. Keeping both parent and child healthy.