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 for dads
- Support for neurodivergent dads
New dads
Here are some websites and resources aimed at providing new dads with parenting information.
Think Dads - Dad's Pack
This guide has helpful information for dads expecting a new baby. Small Steps Big Changes made it for dads in Nottingham City, but all dads can use it.
Download the Think Dads Dads' Pack (opens in new tab)
CBeebies Parenting
Find parenting stories, tips, advice, fun videos, and quizzes for dads.
Visit CBeebies Parenting (opens in new tab)
"To Paternity and Beyond" is a short, funny animation series for new dads. It is set in a space-themed maternity ward and features midwife Al, who shares advice about babies.
Watch To Paternity and Beyond (CBeebies Parenting) (opens in new tab)
"Dad Life" and "The Dad Squad" are video series where dads talk about parenting and take on daily challenges.
Watch Parenting series (CBeebies Parenting) (opens in new tab)
Becoming Dad: A guide for new fathers
This guide helps new and expectant fathers understand what it is like to be a dad. It gives advice on:
- Looking after yourself
- Supporting your baby's mother
- Getting to know your baby
- What to do if you are struggling
The Fatherhood Institute and the Mental Health Foundation developed this guide.
Download Becoming Dad (Mental Health Foundation) (opens in new tab)
DadPad
DadPad is a guide for new dads, developed with the NHS. It covers:
- How to support your partner with breastfeeding
- How to hold and care for your baby
- Getting to know your baby
- What to do if your baby will not stop crying
- Other essential information
DadPad is available as an app.
Download DadPad from the AppStore
Download DadPad from Google Play
You can also buy a 38 page wipe-clean printed guide from the DadPad website.
Parenting resources for dads
Fatherhood Institute
Find factsheets for dads on topics like employment rights and supporting your child's education.
Visit Fatherhood Factsheets (Fatherhood Institute)
Family Man: Parenting strategies that work
Family Man is an online parenting program for dads, supported by Movember. It includes:
- Interactive animations about parenting challenges
- A toolkit with parenting tips
- Articles with advice, such as what to do if your child is bullied or how to talk about death
Support for dads
Dad Matters
Dad Matters helps dads build strong family relationships and supports dads with anxiety, stress, and mental health.
Visit Dad Matters (opens in new tab)
DigiDad
DigiDad is an online support community for young dads. The website offers:
- Films, animations, podcasts, and courses
- A chat function
- Parenting and relationship skills
- First aid information
- Mental health support
- Information about support services
Visit DigiDad (opens in new tab)
Dad Info
Dad Info gives online advice and support for fathers. You can:
- Read articles on many topics
- Join the Dad.info forum to ask questions
Visit Dad Info (opens in new tab)
Support for single and separated dads
Gingerbread
Gingerbread offers resources and support groups for single parents and single dads.
Visit single dads (Gingerbread)
Dads House
Dads House is a London-based charity that helps single dads with raising their children after divorce, separation, or bereavement.
Visit Dads House (opens in new tab)
Both Parents Matter
This charity helps children keep strong relationships with both parents and their wider family after separation.
Visit Both Parents Matter (opens in new tab)
Separated Families
Find information for separated families, including:
- Coping with separation
- How to tell your children
- Parenting apart
Visit Separated Families.info (opens in new tab)
Mental health support for dads
Find NHS advice and guidance to support you and your partner's mental health at Dads and partners (NHS healthier together)
The NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare partner wellbeing check tool is quick, simple, and anonymous. It helps you find services and information for your mental health and wellbeing.
Visit Partner wellbeing check tool (NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare) (opens in new tab)
PANDAS supports dads and carers suffering from perinatal mental illness.
VVisit support for Dads and Carers (PANDAS)
#ANDYSMANCLUB is a men's suicide prevention charity breaking down the stigma of men's mental health. It offers peer support groups across the UK.
For more information on supporting your partner's mental health, visit our Mental health before and after baby page.
Support for neurodivergent dads
Read real-life experiences of neurodivergent dads
- David’s story: Parenting as a neurodivergent dad (PANDA)
- Autistic dad shares his struggles with being a parent (BBC News)
Neurodivergent parents
- Help for neurodivergent Dads (Divergent Dads) - practical guidance for neurodivergent dads
- Autistic Parents UK - support, resources, education and a community for autistic parents
- Neurodivergence in parenting (Ready to Relate NHS)
- Resource for Neurodivergent Parents and Carers (PANDAS) - free online resource for support neurodivergence and perinatal mental health
- How do I cope as an autistic parent-to-be and new parent? (DadPad)