Whether you are expecting your first, second or third child, there is always something new to learn about babies. Many parents these days are joining the new wave of ‘digital baby information seekers’, and are educating themselves as well as their babies.

As the variety of information available begins to expand, the type of content being developed is including more enhanced imagery and applications; and this is finding its way onto our day to day information devices.

Emergent software applications such as animation TD which is used to create animation tools of 3D characters are increasingly being adopted by game designers to present a much stronger ability to capture detailed gestures and movement of the virtual characters. When used, this software can enhance our viewing experience.

With the inclusion of shading and highlights on the texture of the characters, the finished product can often be as good as a real life. Some sites, for example ‘second life games’ promise their users an enhanced baby experience with an overall visual feel. A good use of props such as milk bottles and rattles, plus a range of skin colours, gestures and sounds can all be easily manipulated to enhance the experience of a virtual baby.

Gaming is allegedly outstripping the movie business and it’s not hard to see why. 70 per cent of Americans across the socio-economic spectrum play some kind of computer or video game; global gaming figures have reached a record high of 217 million. According to Bloomberg the new Xbox Live online video-game service has broken $1 Billion.

In today’s market, similar applications and creative techniques are being adopted in the mobile communications industry. And as long as many of us are able to access such information, our digital learning environment will encompass more than the fixed location environment such as home or office, to a more ‘on the go’ environment.

Just as depicted in real life, online baby games, imitate communications and gestures to help expectant parents understand how their baby will be trying to communicate with them. It is crucial when formulating a strong relationship with a baby to understand what those gestures mean, and current games on the market are now promising a much more fun, interactive and engaging way of learning about these gestures. In addition such baby games could empower parents by providing support and insights into their own relationships with each other.