Here you will find information to support new dads as you enter the world of parenting, and for all dads with children.
On this page
- New dads
- Parenting resources for dads
- Support for dads
- Support for single and separated dads
- Mental health support
- A Dad's guide to periods
New dads
Here are some websites and resources aimed at providing new dads with parenting information.
Think Dads - Dad's Pack
A guide with lots of helpful information to support all dads expecting a new baby, produced by Small Steps Big Changes for dads in Nottingham City.
Small Steps Big Changes covers Nottingham City, but this resource is available for all dads.
Download the Think Dads Dads' Pack
CBeebies Parenting
Relatable parenting stories, tips and advice, fun videos in the Dad Squad and quizzes to try.
Visit CBeebies Parenting
To Paternity and Beyond is a short series of humorous animations for new Dads. Set in an intergalactic maternity ward, and featuring midwife Al, who shares some wisdom about babies.
Visit To paternity and beyond (CBeebies Parenting)
Dads chat about all things parenting in Dad Life, and The Dad Squad take on daily parenting challenges in a series of CBeebies Parenting videos
Visit Parenting series to watch (CBeebies Parenting)
Becoming Dad: A guide for new fathers
Becoming Dad, is a guide for expectant and new fathers to help men make sense of what it’s like to be a father. It includes advice on looking after yourself, supporting your baby's mother, getting to know your baby, and what to do if you're struggling.
The guide was developed by the Fatherhood Institute in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation.
You can download a copy of the guide on the Mental Health Foundation website.
Visit Becoming Dad (Mental Health Foundation)
DadPad
DadPad is a guide for new dads developed with the NHS. The guide covers all the essential information a new dad needs; from how dads can support their partners to breastfeed, how to hold and care for a new baby, getting to know your baby, what to do when your baby won’t stop crying and more.
DadPad is available as an app.
Download DadPad from the AppStore
Download DadPad from Google Play
A 38 page wipe-clean printed guide can be purchased from the DadPad website.
Parenting resources for dads
Fatherhood Institute
Factsheets about things you need to know as a dad, from employment rights to supporting your child's eduction, can be found on the Fatherhood Institute website.
Visit Fatherhood Factsheets (Fatherhood Institute)
Family Man: Parenting strategies that work
Family Man is an online parenting program designed for dads and supported by Movember, the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health.
Interactive animations allow users to experience some parenting challenges, which then unlocks a parenting toolkit. There are also some articles to read with advice on what to do in different circumstances, from if your child is being bullied at school, to talking to your child about death.
Visit Family Man
Support for dads
Dad Matters
Dad Matters aims to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues.
Visit Dad Matters
DigiDad
DigiDAD is an online peer support community for young dads. The website has father friendly films, animations, podcasts, courses and even a chat function. There are opportunities to develop parenting skills, improve your relationship skills, learn first aid skills, focus on your mental health, and learn about support services.
Visit DigiDad
Dad Info
DAD info provides online advice and support for fathers. There are searchable articles for advice on a range of topics and a Dad.info forum where dads can ask questions on a range of topics.
Visit DAD info
Support for single and separated dads
Gingerbread
Resources to support single parents, and single parent families.
Support group and information for single dads.
Visit Single dads (Gingerbread)
Dads House
Helping Dads to be Dads. London-based charity that help single Dads with the practicalities of raising their children alone following, divorce, separation or bereavement.
Visit Dads House
Both Parents Matter
A charity dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and their wider family after separation.
Visit Both Parents Matter
Separated Families
Child focused information for separated families. Topics include coping with separation, how to tell your children, parenting apart.
Visit Separated Families.info
Mental health support
Find NHS advice and guidance to support you and your partner's mental health at Dads and partners (NHS healthier together)
A quick, simple and anonymous partner wellbeing check tool from NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare can help you find services and information to support you with your mental health and wellbeing.
Visit Partner wellbeing check tool (NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare)
PANDAS support service for Dads and Carers supports dads suffering from perinatal mental illness.
Visit Support for Dads and Carers (PANDAS)
#ANDYSMANCLUB is a men's suicide prevention charity breaking down the stigma of men's mental health, with peer-to-peer support groups across the UK.
Visit ANDYSMANCLUB
For more information on supporting your partner's mental health, visit our Mental health before and after baby page.
A Dad's guide to periods
An information booklet written to help Dad's to talk to their daughters, and sons, about periods.
Download a copy of the booklet at Period education for parents and carers (Hey Girls)