Are you a dad-to-be in Derbyshire?

New app launched to help new dads and dads-to-be with parenting skills in Derbyshire

A new NHS app is launched on Tuesday (30 March) to help Derbyshire dads be prepared for parenthood, with information at their fingertips on antenatal care, home safety, local support networks and much more.

The free DadPad app is an easy-to-use resource that has been developed by experts in children’s and families’ health at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.

Claire Scothern, spokesperson for children’s services at the NHS trust, said: “There’s lots of information out there for new mums but not so much for new or expectant dads. We could see, from working with families, that there was a demand for a handy source of help and guidance aimed at dads about how to care for their new baby, and what to expect.

“The DadPad app brings all those resources together and is tailored for dads living in Derbyshire. The aim is to give fathers the knowledge and practical skills that they need in order to provide their baby with the best start in life, look after themselves and support their partner.”

The app covers topics such as:

• Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby
• Surviving without sleep and coping with crying
• Getting to know your baby
• Home safety and first aid
• Looking after yourself and supporting your partner.

Its aim is to provide new fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.

Building a strong attachment will not only enable dads to better enjoy their new role but also contribute towards positive long-term social, health and educational outcomes for their babies.

The app also provides dads with guidance on how to support and seek help (when needed) for their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles, and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.

The Derbyshire health team worked with a social enterprise organisation called Inspire Cornwall CIC on the app. Julian Bose, director of Inspire Cornwall CIC, said:

“The DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions, and dads told us that there was important information that they wanted to be given on what to expect and how to care for their baby. We listened to what dads, their partners and health professionals asked for and combined it all in the DadPad.

“We are delighted to have been given the chance to work with the team at Derbyshire to be able to now launch this resource for dads and dads-to-be across the county.”

To find out more and to download the app, visit: www.thedadpad.co.uk/app.