Many of today's women appear to be depending on smartphone applications to prepare for pregnancy or the birth of a baby, and to take care of or even discipline their children.
Experts warn that parents shouldn't give smartphones to their infants to have them play games or watch videos because it could have a negative impact on their development and reduce direct dialogue between parents and children.
"Women today check and manage menstrual cycles and the most likely period for getting pregnant and gestation weeks as well as contraction cycles in smartphone apps," said Etsuko Arakawa, an official in Benesse Corp.'s Tamahiyo baby and toddler business division.