Nice to meet you! My name is Ogamari.
I am a 37-year-old freelancer who gave birth to my daughter this May.
I usually work as a computer instructor, web production agent, and programming support under the title of "IT enthusiast.
In "Ogamari's BabyTech Together," I will introduce the baby tech that I, Ogamari, use on a weekly basis. Let's enjoy convenient and safe childcare together!
This month, I'm going to focus on Alexa, the subject that got me interested in baby tech and how to use it in a useful way!
What is Alexa?
Alexa is an artificial intelligence (AI) voice recognition service developed by Amazon, which is also known for Apple's Siri ("Hey, Siri!") and Google Assistant ("OK, Google").
Alexa is available on the Alexa app for smartphones and Amazon's Fire tablets, but if you want to use it for childcare, we recommend the Amazon Echo, a smart speaker that can be operated hands-free. There are two types of Amazon Echo: one with a screen and one without, and we use the Echo Dot model without a screen.
A friend gave it to me for my birthday a few years ago, but I could think of no other use for it than to ask the weather or the time, and I gradually stopped using it, thinking "I can look it up on my smartphone..." It had become a treasured possession (sorry, S-chan...).
However, after the birth of my baby, I realized that it was a treasured possession. I found that changing diapers, carrying a baby, breastfeeding, etc., "occupied both hands"...! That's when I remembered the existence of Alexa, which can be operated by voice alone.
Three recommended skills
Alexa has a variety of skills (like "apps" on a smartphone), but I'd like to introduce three features that are in heavy use in our home!
(1) Linkage with "PiyoLog
The reason I decided to make use of the sleeping Alexa was the childcare recording app " PiyoLog "!
Many of you probably keep a record of diaper changes and feedings in your childcare record apps, but you can't record them while you are performing the task because your hands are full, and when you are done, you may forget to record it.... But if you connect PiyoLog with Alexa, you can record with your "voice"!
Alexa, record 160 ml of milk in the PiYoLog!
"Alexa, record my pee-pee on the PiYoLog!"
Just talk to her and she records it in her PiYoLog!
My husband also uses Alexa to record while feeding and changing diapers, which is very helpful for both of us.
2) Play music on Amazon Music
I use it to put on "music" as much as I use it to record piyo logs. Depending on the situation, "Alexa, play ____!" I make various requests.
I have a large repertoire of music, including nursery rhymes, lullabies, and sounds to make the baby stop crying! You can also use your voice to adjust the volume and skip songs.
(3) Activate the robot vacuum cleaner
I bought the eufy robot vacuum cleaner during this year's Amazon Prime sale. This one can be activated with Alexa too! I'm sure there are many moms out there who think, "I'll vacuum while my baby cries! There are many other robot vacuums and other home appliances that can be activated by Alexa, so let's make our housework more efficient with the help of Alexa!
If you speak to them in a whisper...
When my baby was sleeping, I asked her in a whisper, "Alexa, play a lullaby..." And lo and behold! And lo and behold, Alexa responded in a whisper!
I know there are many situations when you don't want to make loud noises while raising a child, but Alexa is a great reader of the air!
That's how we utilize Alexa in our home! I hope you will all give it a try.
Next time, we will show you how to use Amazon Music for childcare.
Child of the Week.
He finally turned over for the first time...! I can't take my eyes off him with joy and anxiety.
OGAMARI (IT ENTHUSIAST)
New mother who gave birth in May 2010.
I'll do anything I can do with a computer! I do all kinds of work with my MacBook as my partner. My hobbies are watching comedy and bowling (I used to be a bowler, but I'm taking a break now that I've given birth).
https://ogamari.me/