As any new parent will tell you, the arrival of a baby can throw your life into a whirlwind of joy, exhaustion, and endless to-do lists (diaper changes, laundry, dish washing, etc). New parents often experience what tech journalist Brian X. Chen refers to as having a “broken brain” in his March 20, 2025 New York Times article, “The Baby Tech That One Parent Found Helped the Most.” Chen's piece explores how the best tech tools are the ones that provide real, tangible support, easing the mental load of new parents—especially in the early days when memory and focus seem scattered. Enter HoopDee, an innovative app designed to take the mental strain off parents by managing and organizing the most crucial aspects of early parenting—breast milk and baby formula storage.
What is HoopDee?
HoopDee is a revolutionary app that simplifies the overwhelming task of managing breast milk and feeding schedules for new parents. It works by tracking the expiration times of bottles and bags of milk and reminders for when to freeze or discard milk. But what sets it apart is its intuitiveness. With its easy-to-use interface and clean design, parents can offload the mental burden of remembering every detail about their baby’s food.
Solving the “Broken Brain” Problem
Chen’s article highlights a simple truth: parents are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information they need to retain and manage when caring for a newborn. And this is particularly evident when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping. From tracking milk temperature to remembering when to pump next, it's a full-time job in itself. This mental overload can cause new parents to feel like their brains are in a constant fog.
This is where HoopDee comes in. By managing expiration calculations (and recalculations), how much is stored in one's inventory, what can be moved to a new location to extend its shelf-life, and when milk needs to be used or discarded—HoopDee takes the guesswork out of milk storage. This frees up mental energy for new parents to focus on their baby’s needs, and more importantly, their own well-being.
Key Features of HoopDee
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tracks fresh/frozen/thawed breast milk and baby formula calculates expiration times (and recalculates it when necessary like if the baby sips from a bottle or milk is moved) sends notifications when milk is expiring informs you if milk can be moved to the fridge or freezer to extend shelf life share your account with family members and caregivers so everyone is on the same page calculates how long your milk supply lasts
How HoopDee Enhances Parental Well-Being
One of the things that Chen points out in his article is that the best tech tools for parents are the ones that simplify their lives, reduce stress, and give them the mental space they need to focus on their child.
HoopDee embodies this idea perfectly. By offloading the cognitive load of managing breast milk and baby formula, the app allows parents to put their focus where it matters most: on their baby’s health and happiness. And, perhaps just as importantly, on their own well-being. With less mental clutter, parents can be more present for their child, and more rested, which leads to a healthier family dynamic overall.
The Bottom Line: Smart Tech for Smart Parenting
In his article, Chen shares the perspective that the most helpful technology is not always flashy or complicated but rather the kind that gets out of the way and does the heavy lifting for parents. HoopDee checks all the boxes. It’s simple, intuitive, and effective—giving parents back precious time and mental energy.
For new parents struggling with sleep deprivation, hormone shifts, and the pressure of juggling multiple responsibilities, tools like HoopDee are a godsend. It’s not just an app; it’s a tool for mental clarity and peace of mind during what can be one of the most challenging and joyful times in life.
So, if you’re a parent trying to navigate the challenges of feeding and milk management, or if you simply want a way to make your busy life a little easier, HoopDee may be the answer. As Brian X. Chen so aptly put it, the best tech is the one that helps parents manage the “broken brain”—and that’s exactly what HoopDee does.
Are you ready to give your "broken brain" a break? Try out HoopDee today and experience the peace of mind that comes from having one less thing to think about.
