GREENSBORO, N.C. — There's a new artificial intelligence app feature called Parent GPT that can help answer your questions about being a parent. You can get it through the Oath Care app. You enter something like "How do I get my baby to fall asleep." Within about 15 seconds there's a detailed, easy-to-understand response based on scientific research. For example, here is the answer to “How do I get my baby to fall asleep?”:
“Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby develop good sleep habits. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make sure your baby's room is quiet, dark, and cool. White noise machines can help drown out household sounds.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine: Babies thrive on routines. Include activities like baths, books, and snuggles to help your baby wind down.
Helping Your Baby Differentiate Day from Night: During the day, keep the house light and active. At night, make it quiet and dark, even during feeds and diaper changes.
Encouraging Self-Soothing: To encourage this, put your baby down to sleep while drowsy but still awake. This helps your baby associate the crib with sleep.
Feedings at Bedtime: Feed your baby right before sleep. This will give them a full stomach, helping them sleep for longer periods.
Avoiding Long Naps during the Day: Try not to let your baby nap longer than 3 hours during the day to ensure they're tired at bedtime.
Remember, what works best may depend on your baby's age, as sleep patterns change as your baby grows. It can take time for your baby to establish a sleep routine. So patience is key.
These suggestions are supported by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Sleep Foundation. As for academic literature, "High Quality Bedtime Routines for Young Children: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial" published in The Journal of Pediatrics, is a great resource.
Remember that it's always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician if you're encountering ongoing sleep difficulties.”
Parent GPT will also link you back to the science that the advice is based around.
While artificial intelligence tools like this can be helpful, doctors have warned about other AI healthcare apps that you need to take them with a grain of salt.
For example, a Stanford doctor said: "I do think it has the potential to be so impactful, but at the same time we need to be careful. So it's really important that the first users national are doing so with a really careful and conservative eye."
In fact on Parent GPT, in the fine print, it says "AI isn't perfect. Answers are NOT meant to serve as medical advice and can be inaccurate." But a representative from the Oath Care app stresses: "Oath Care is the first and only doctor-endorsed community platform for parents, providing a crucial lifeline for families navigating the intricate maze of modern parenthood."
That's why Parent GPT also has a button you can press to consult with real-life doctors for a second opinion if you think an answer might be a little fishy. While the ParentGPT AI feature is free, the Oath Care app says "Members are prompted to opt for a $5 monthly or $48 annual subscription after making two community posts or to access exclusive benefits and discounts, while activities like reading, commenting, using ParentGPT, and the stress check-in tool remain freely accessible."
And if you want to learn more about common parenting questions, across the Triad all of our major hospitals like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Cone Health, and Novant offer in-person parenting classes.