The short version
- Your device comes first. Baby profiles, activity logs, growth records, teeth, memories, reminders, photos and settings are stored in the app's local database on your phone. The app works fully offline.
- We do not collect, sell, or share your data. There are no analytics, no advertising, and no marketing use of your information — ever.
- Family sync is optional and off by default. If you enable it, your data is stored in your family's private cloud space so the other parent and caregivers can see it too. Only people with your family's invite code have access. If you never enable sync, nothing ever leaves your device.
What the app stores
- Baby profile details you enter (name, sex, birthday, optional photo).
- Activities you log (feeding, sleep, nappies, etc.) and any notes/photos.
- Growth measurements, teething records, memory-book entries and appointments.
- Reminders you create.
- Your app settings (units, theme). Settings stay on-device even with sync on.
Family sync (optional)
- Sync uses Google Firebase (Firestore, Cloud Storage and anonymous authentication) as its infrastructure. When enabled, the data listed above (except app settings) is copied to a private space identified by your family, and kept up to date across your family's devices.
- Devices join anonymously — no name, email, phone number or password is collected. The short invite code generated on your phone is the only key to your family's space; only devices that enter it can read or write your data, and codes expire 24 hours after they're created.
- Your data is used solely to provide syncing. It is never used for analytics, advertising or profiling, and is never shared with anyone outside the devices in your family.
- Leaving sync (Account → Family sync → Leave) stops sharing from that device. Data already on a phone stays on that phone.
Permissions and why they're used
- Notifications — to show running-timer status and the reminders you set.
- Photos / camera (optional) — only if you choose to attach a photo to an entry. Photos are copied into the app's private storage, and uploaded to your family's private space only if you enable Family sync.
- Ignore battery optimizations (optional) — so reminders fire reliably.
- Internet — used only for optional Family sync.
- Calendar (optional) — only when you choose "Add to phone calendar" on an appointment; the event is handed to your calendar app, nothing is read back.
Sharing and export
- Backup export creates a file (your data and photos) and hands it to Android's share sheet so you can save it where you choose (e.g. your own cloud drive or files). The app does not send it anywhere on its own.
- Pediatrician summary (PDF) is generated on-device and shared only through the share sheet at your request.
Children's data
LittleSteps records information about your child that you enter. It stays on your device unless you enable Family sync, in which case it is shared only within your family's private space. We never use it for any other purpose.
Medical disclaimer
LittleSteps provides general educational information and tracking tools only. It is not medical advice and does not replace professional care. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, and call your local emergency number in an emergency.
Your control
You can edit or delete any entry at any time, export a full backup, leave Family sync, or delete all data from the app (Account → delete), which permanently wipes the local database.
Contact
Questions about this policy: mylittlesteps.app@gmail.com