Child Care Solicitors

Wiltshire Council has developed a new online information resource to help new fathers bond with their babies and support their partners.

The DadPad is an online resource and has been designed by new fathers and health professionals to better equip fathers through the transition to parenthood.

Research shows that fathers have an important role to play in the early days of their babies' lives – both in supporting their partner and beginning to bond with their child.

However, less is known about fathers' needs and experiences during this time.

Over the last year, Wiltshire Council has worked with the National Social Marketing Centre to better understand these needs.

Fathers reported feeling unable to support their partners, mainly due to a lack of confidence, knowledge and emotional and practical skills.

Wiltshire Council’s DadPad offers practical information in bite-size chunks on topics such as feeding, communicating and bonding with their baby, how babies like to be held – and help for fathers as they learn to cope with less sleep.

New fathers can dip in and out of the online resource when they need to and obtain the information quickly and easily.

The DadPad will be promoted by maternity and health visiting services and Children's Centres.

Wiltshire Council corporate director Maggie Rae said:

“We've spoken to some first-time dads, who felt they would like more tailored information to help settle into parenthood and help them support their partner and baby.

"We think the DadPad will really help them – it's user friendly and is full of hints and tips to help new dads truly enjoy the experience of fatherhood, particularly in those early weeks and months; and give them a bit of support and re-assurance.”

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, Keith Humphries, added:

“Becoming a parent for the first time is a fantastic experience, but can be a daunting prospect.

“With a lack of sleep and a whole new way of life to adjust to, the DadPad is perfect for dads looking for some help and guidance.”

New father Craig Bain, 31, said:

“Throughout my wife's pregnancy, apart from taking part in workshops and classes, its difficult to know what to expect when you become a dad – so much of the focus is about preparing for birth.

“At times, it can leave you feeling a little useless and wondering where you'll fit in when the baby arrives – knowing how to support my wife and how to bond with my daughter have been the biggest challenges.

“It's difficult to try and find a one stop point of reference for help – there are many contradicting pieces of information on the Internet.

“To have some practical tips on what you can do – and having those all in a single place – would be a huge help.”

Wiltshire Council is asking for feedback from fathers using the DadPad website.

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers
Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide range of family law and child care matters, including advising parents on their entitlement to parental leave and maternity and paternity entitlements.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on children taken into local authority care, Section 38 enquiries and pre-proceedings meetings and Court of Protection cases.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – Duncan Lewis advises on family law and child care under UK law and Islamic law.

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert legal advice on family law and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.