bao vs Glow Baby: which baby tracker is right for you?
Last updated
Quick answer
Glow Baby suits families already in the Glow ecosystem who like a community feed. bao is the quieter, ad-free choice: caregiver sharing is free (Glow needs Premium for a second caregiver), and so are allergen tracking, potty training, EC, and PDF and CSV exports.
Full disclosure: we make bao, so weigh our take accordingly. We've tried to be fair to every app here, and we say where another app is the better pick. Prices and features change; check each app's store listing before you commit.
At a glance
| Feature | bao | Glow Baby |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. Optional paid avatar packs; every tracking feature is free. | Free tier. Premium from about $60/yr; lifetime and family plans available |
| Ads in the free version | None, ever. Your data is never sold. | Its Google Play listing says it contains ads |
| Platforms | Android and Wear OS, iPhone app coming soon; the web app works on iPhone and desktop today | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, Android |
| Sharing with caregivers | Free for everyone you invite: caregivers (can log) or observers (view-only) | Adding a second caregiver requires Premium |
| Feeds, sleep & diapers | Yes: nursing timer with sides, bottles, pumping, sleep, diapers | Yes |
| First foods & allergens | Yes: foods tried, likes/dislikes, and a top-9 allergen exposure map | Logs solids |
| Elimination communication | Yes: opt-in EC tab that logs catches and misses | Not advertised |
Which should you choose?
Choose Glow Baby if…
- You already use Glow's other apps and want everything in one family of apps.
- You want a built-in parent community.
- You need a native Apple app today.
Choose bao if…
- You want to share with a partner or nanny without paying: Glow needs Premium for a second caregiver.
- You want no ads at all, and no Premium upsell for tracking.
- You want a top-9 allergen exposure map as you introduce solids.
- You want full exports: a PDF report and CSV of everything you've logged.
- You practice elimination communication or are starting potty training.
About Glow Baby
Glow Baby is a baby tracker and growth app from Glow, Inc., which also makes fertility and pregnancy apps, with a built-in parent community. It's made by Glow, Inc.; see their website for current plans and pricing.
About bao
bao is a free baby and toddler tracker made by aequitas labs. It changes with your child's stage, from newborn feeds and sleep to first foods and then potty training, and it's free for every caregiver you invite. There are no ads and we never sell your data. Read more in our guide to the best baby tracking apps.
Frequently asked questions
Does Glow Baby have ads?
Glow Baby's Google Play listing says it contains ads. A Premium subscription is available. bao has no ads in any version.
Is caregiver sharing free in Glow Baby?
No. Glow's help center says adding a second caregiver requires a Glow Premium membership. In bao, sharing with every caregiver you invite is free.
Can I export my data from bao?
Yes. bao exports a PDF report you can bring to your pediatrician and a CSV of your logs, free.
Sources
Glow Baby details checked October 2026 against: