Sometimes, between all those social media platforms, apps, and devices, it seems as if technology makes life a whole lot more complicated. But these picks do exactly what innovations are meant to: simplify, assist, and give you peace of mind.

YetYet Interactive iPad Case for Kids. This stuffed creature protects iPhones and iPads when they slip out of kids’ hands. Once you download the corresponding apps, the furry friend comes to life, playing tunes, eating pudding, and speaking like an alien. YetYet for iPad, $79.90; YetX for iPhone, 49.90, Toyota Creatures.

Sometimes, you—or one of the kids—really have to go. Before you drive out of your way to find a public restroom, track down the nearest one and see how others have rated its cleanliness. SitOrSquat: Restroom Finder, free.

Baked potato chips or pretzels? Use this app to scan the barcode of any packaged food item, and you’ll see color-coded analysis of each ingredient’s nutritional quality. Additionally, it will flag common allergens to save you from dealing with a nasty reaction to say, eggs. InRFood, free.

The dishwasher won’t empty itself, but your son isn’t first in line to chip in either. This app assigns stars for good work, and offers corresponding custom rewards—like an hour of TV-time or a few dollars of pocket money. Are those your kids rushing to clean up the playroom? iReward Chart, $3.99.

More than 50 animated stickers, eight pages of animated backgrounds, and a design-your-own section take the sticker book into the 21st century. Lazoo Magic Stickers!, $1.99.

No idea where to take the kids when you visit out-of-town friends? This app registers where you are, then lists kid-friendly parks, playgrounds, restaurants, museums, and indoor play areas in more than 28,000 locations. Mom Maps, $2.99.

To-do lists can be so rigid—but not this one. Put Things Off allows you to add tasks, sort them, star those that are most time-sensitive, and file others to be reminded of after a few days. Put Things Off, $1.99.

Speck. This kid-friendly, foam stand holds all versions of the iPad, so if you decide to pass an old model onto your children, they’ll be set to go. iGuy, $39.95. 

ICE. Organize emergency contacts, vital information such as allergies and medications currently taken, and your insurance card, and you’ll feel way better when your kids start walking around the neighborhood alone. ICE (In Case of Emergency), free.

ToyBytes. With recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine, and the Department of Health and Human Services, this app helps you plan nutritious meals based on your child’s development stage, even notifying you of potentially relevant recalls (free).

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