The DadPad - for First-time Fathers in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

An exciting new parenting resource is being re-launched across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in 2016.

The Cornish and Scillonian themed ‘Dad Pad’ recognises the important role dads play in bringing up their children and supporting mum.

Why the Dad Pad?

When dads across Cornwall were asked what would help them in their new role as a father, they asked for a ‘Dad Pad’. As babies don’t come with a set of instructions, they told us they wanted important information on how to care for their baby and what to expect as a first-time dad. We listened to what dads, their partners and professionals asked for and combined it all in this new ‘DadPad’.

What’s in the Dad Pad?

The Dad Pad - covering all the essential information dads told us they need to know and presented in a step-by-step, manual style so it’s easy to follow and understand.

It covers the following topics:

• Health Visitor team
• Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and dad’s role in breastfeeding
• Feeding, holding and handling a baby
• Caring for a crying baby and when the crying won’t stop
• Safe sleeping, surviving without sleep and sharing night time care
• Nappy changes, washing and bathing a baby
• Growing a happy family, playtime and learning
• Baby massage, bonding with your baby and child development
• Relationships and sex, wellbeing, your happiness and supporting your family
• Resources and where to go for extra support
• First-time dads – please tell us what you think!

As the Dad Pad is a resource developed for first-time dads, we would welcome your feedback. This will help us to ensure it’s a helpful resource, inform any changes and keep it up-to-date with what's important to local dads.

You can give your feedback at any time, but ideally we’d like to hear from you from 3-4 months after the birth of your baby. This will give you time to put your pack to good use and we’re sure you’ll have plenty to keep you busy before then!

You can do this by Speaking with your health visitor. Your child's 3-4 month review is a good time to do this, but you can do it at any time.

Further information

The Dad Pad doesn’t cover all parenting matters a new dad might want to know about. It aims to cover the topics dads in Cornwall told us were most important to them.

National sources of information and advice

• NHS Information Service for Parents – Start 4 Life
• NHS Tips for New Parents