The DadPad app has been developed with local NHS teams – with feedback from real-life dads – to give new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support themselves and their partner, so that babies get the best start in life.
Learn the basics of baby care, and other key skills and knowledge for new and expectant dads
Find out about local and national support groups, services and organisations relevant to you as a new or expectant dad
Connect, ask questions and share experiences with other local dads and healthcare professionals
To find out whether your area of the country is covered by a DadPad app, please consult the map further down this page.
To find the download instructions for your app, please select from the drop-down list below.
Why do I need this?
As a new dad, it’s common to feel excited, but also left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The team at DadPad recognise the importance – to the whole family – of providing you with bespoke information on the practical skills and essentials that you need to become more confident in your new role. This will help you to not only feel included and involved as a parent, but also to become an active and engaged co-parent, alongside your baby’s mum.
What topics does it cover?
Health Visitor Team
Feeding
Holding
Crying
Sleeping
Changing nappies
Cleaning
Getting to know your baby
First aid
Parenting advice and support
Child development and milestones
Supporting each other
Looking after yourself
Legal information
What are the benefits?
Using the DadPad app brings many benefits, including helping and enabling you to:
Reduce your anxiety, by getting involved and gaining in confidence
Learn how to create a strong bond and healthy attachment with your baby
Build stronger family relationships by sharing the load and learning how to parent together
Recognise the signs of postnatal depression, and other common forms of perinatal mental ill-health, in both yourself and your partner, and learn how to get help early
Want to access the DadPad app for your local area?
Commissioners:
Want us to start a conversation with us about possibly commissioning the DadPad app for your area?
If you’re involved in providing support to new families during the perinatal period and would like to find out more about possibly commissioning the DadPad app to supplement this work…
It offers convenient, easily accessible support and advice to people who may be unable to attend appointments and can help identify when they need to seek extra support for their partner, with the aim of also making them feel less isolated or alone.
Lin Walton, Mental Health Commissioning Manager at NHS Devon CCG
4th March, 2019
Accessible support for dads
Having a source of information at hand gives fathers an idea as to what to do and how to address being a dad. There’s no manual – but there is a DadPad!
Errol Murray of Leeds Dads and Partners Peer Supporter of Leeds & York Partnership NHS FT
11th May, 2020
Well-structured and easy to use
I enjoyed reading it and thought it was informative and useful. Information was well-structured and you could ‘just read bits’. I was impressed with the quality and ease of use.
Expectant dad from Devon
1st June, 2022
Easy-to-read and informative
It is easy-to-read, informative, gives clear guidance and support on many subjects, and complements the many services and initiatives we already provide to help and support families.
Dr Lucinda Shawley, Quality Improvement Lead for Maternity at Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT
17th September, 2020
Brilliant resource
It is a brilliant resource and I recommend it to many of my families.
Health Visitor, York
7th October, 2022
Excellent for partners and families
DadPad is an excellent resource for partners and families and is a great addition to the excellent care and support that is provided by staff at Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Lucinda Shawley, Quality Improvement Lead for Maternity at Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT
Encourages positive parenting
The important role dads play in supporting their children and mums is often overlooked, so it’s great to see tools and resources which address this issue and encourage positive parenting.
Steve, dad and regular at Somerset Dads’ Breakfast Club
Absolutely fantastic!
The DadPad was absolutely fantastic; it explains everything in a really clear way, without being patronising…it was great to have a ‘definitive’ guide, with links to further information.