Stir is mainly for single parents and people open to dating someone with kids. With features like “matchPhone”, which supports texting and calling, there are plenty of ways to connect on Stir.
The “Stir Time” function helps users coordinate their schedules, so they can meet up when they’re away from their kids. Users can also set up video chats with other members to screen them before meeting in person, which helps them protect themselves and their children.
A free plan gives you access to view and like profiles, and potentially get a message after lots of browsing. However, if you’d like to communicate with other members, you’ll need a paid membership.
Some users have mentioned that the app’s search functions are limited—for instance, you can’t search for users based on their religion or politics. However, others said they like the easy-to-use design and, of course, the ability to look at photos of cute people with their equally adorable kids.
Why we chose Stir: This app creates a space where single parents, who are often misunderstood, assumed to be too busy, or judged for the fact that their previous relationships didn’t work out, can connect with each other. The app also ensures that single parents don’t waste their free time wading through a bunch of profiles of people who consider children to be a dealbreaker.
Our experience: Stir is made by the same company as Match, so its profiles are also very inclusive. But the sign-up process is less intense, which we think is ideal for busy parents. We also liked that the specific profile prompts let us share things that we felt were important, such as our drinking habits.