Stoke-on-Trent City Council, alongside the NHS Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust and DadPad have launched a new resource for new dads and dads-to-be to get support and information.
The DadPad app provides relevant information for dads, as well as details for local support groups and service providers. It aims to provide guidance for new fathers for how they can develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills that are needed to help meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
Topics covered in the apps include:
- 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
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Health, Cllr Lorraine Beardmore, said:
“I am thrilled that the city council has been able to work with a team at DadPad to launch this fantastic free app in Stoke-on-Trent.
“The DadPad was created by listening to what dads, their partners and professionals asked for in relation to preparing for fatherhood, what to expect and how to care for their baby. Having this information can bring many benefits, including helping to improve the mental health of new dads and their partners across the city during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child.
“As well as providing general information to fathers and families, the DadPad has been customised to include local Stoke-on-Trent support groups and services, along with links to the Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory which is regularly updated.”
Cllr Dave Evans, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“As a city council, our aim is to provide the best start in life for all children in the city and the DadPad can help with this.
“By building confidence, helping dads engage with their baby’s development and be supportive co-parent the DadPad can help children and families across the city.”
