We explored the impact of the Baby Buddy app on maternal self-efficacy and mental wellbeing. Also we aimed to understand when, why and how mothers use the app and any benefits the app may offer them in relation to their parenting, health, relationships or communication with their child, friends, family or health professionals.

This study is one of few that has investigated the effectiveness of a pregnancy and early parenthood app, Baby Buddy. The Baby Buddy app did not illicit a statistically significant change in the Tool of Parenting Self-efficacy scores from baseline to 3 months post-birth (adjusted OR 1.12, 95%CI 0.59 to 2.13, p=.730). Finding out about the Baby Buddy app from a healthcare professional appeared to grant no additional benefit to app users compared to all other participants in terms of self-efficacy at three months post-birth (adjusted OR 1.16, 95%CI 0.60 to 2.23, p=.666).

New technologies can enhance traditional healthcare services and empower users to take more control over their healthcare but app effectiveness needs to be assessed.