Parenting Hack of the Year: High-Tech Outsourcing

It's a whole new world for babies born in 2017 — and for their parents. The tech industry has matured to a point where it can make a real impact on parenting.

For proof, look no further than the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, held in January, where family-centric gadgets dominated. Mattel's Aristotle smart baby monitor promises to comfort and teach your child. Memoo and Woobo will help streamline your kid's morning and bedtime routines. Octopus by Joy is a watch that teaches kids how to do tasks like brushing their teeth or packing bags independently. And from their smartphones, parents can access apps that help make parenthood easier. Take Winnie, which helps parents share and find crucial information about nearby kid-friendly places, areas to nurse, or easy-to-access changing tables.

New parents will also welcome Snoo, a self-rocking bassinet created by Dr. Harvey Karp, author of the wildly popular The Happiest Baby series of parenting guides. The bassinet has a mattress that produces white noise, and it rocks up to one-half inch each direction to lull a baby to sleep. Hidden microphones detect a waking baby and signal the cradle to respond with more sound and motion, just like parents would.

With Snoo coming in at $1,160, genius products like these can be out of reach for many. But the company does offer financing plans, and we imagine many parents will spring for something — anything — that helps them get more sleep.

This is number 10 in our 15-part series on 2017 lifestyle trends. Check out the entire Big in 2017 feature to find out what else will power your style, friendships, and home life this year.