BACKGROUND:
Many mothers use breastfeeding apps for information and to document breastfeeding during the first year of life. It remains unclear to what extent these apps adhere to health app quality principles and whether their content aligns with current guidelines.

OBJECTIVES:
To systematically analyze, evaluate, and synthesize German-language breastfeeding apps with regard to their features, quality, and guideline conformity.

METHODS:
Breastfeeding apps were identified through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Included were free German-language apps providing information on breastfeeding during the first year of life. A criteria-based dual-review process was used to assess app characteristics, guideline conformity, and quality. The German version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) was applied to evaluate user engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality, and subjective quality. Selected current guidelines were used to assess conformity. A tabular-narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS:
Seven breastfeeding apps met the inclusion criteria. While some demonstrated predominant to full guideline conformity in several areas, others lacked essential content on topics such as initial latching, onset of lactation, milk transfer, and manual milk expression. Quality ratings varied significantly across the five MARS dimensions. Some apps showed high usability and information quality, while one app displayed considerable deficits in user engagement, functionality, and informational content.

CONCLUSIONS:
Breastfeeding apps vary substantially in both quality and content. Their use should not be uncritical and is ideally supported by midwives.

KEY MESSAGE:
Breastfeeding apps can complement counseling — however, their quality and guideline adherence differ considerably. Poster session 2 (Group A)