Dadpad launched on International Men's Day
Although becoming a new dad is incredibly exciting, it can also be a daunting and stressful time for many.
Babies don’t come with a set of instructions and it is sometimes difficult to know what to do as a new dad to help care for a new baby.
So, to mark International Men’s Day, NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is making the DadPad app freely available to all new dads and dads-to-be across in the county.
DadPad is an online app for new dads that can help them play their part in giving their baby the best possible start in life. In fact, DadPad has lots of useful information for anybody who is involved in looking after a new baby
DadPad was developed with the NHS by Inspire Cornwall CIC. It is packed full of information about what to expect and how dads can care for their baby.
Julian Bose, Director of Inspire Cornwall CIC, said: “The DadPad was created because dads-to-be told us that they needed to know what to expect and new dads said they needed information on how to care for their baby.
“We listened to what dads and their partners said and worked with the NHS to develop an app to complement our existing DadPad. The app has opened up a world of possibilities in getting up to date and local information out to the dads quickly and easily.
“We are delighted to have been given the chance to work with the team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Foundation Trust to be able to now launch this resource for dads and dads-to-be across the whole of Kent and Medway.”
Paula Wilkins, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway CCG, said: “When a new baby arrives home, it is usually a challenging experience and can put strain on any relationship. The stress can also impact on dad’s mental health especially if they don’t know what to do with a new baby or where to go for help.
“DadPad is a really useful source of information and support, which is why we have made it free for all dads and dads-to-be across Kent and Medway.
“If you know any new dads or dads-to-be, please mark International Men’s Day by encouraging them to download DadPad so they can get the help they need in playing their part in bringing up baby.”
The app covers topics such as:
- how to feed, hold, change and clean your baby
- how to survive without sleep and coping with crying
- getting to know your baby
- home safety and first aid
- looking after yourself and supporting your partner
- details of local support groups for new dads.
In fact, DadPad has lots of useful information for anybody who is involved in looking after a new baby.
To get the DadPad app, simply download it using Google play or the Apple App Store and access the Kent and Medway app by entering a local postcode.