Croydon Council is launching DadPad – a new free app to support all expectant and new dads in the early months of parenthood. Launching today on World Sleep Day (13 March), the app has been developed with the NHS and is ready to provide fathers with practical, easy to understand support and guidance, when they need it.
The app covers the full range of questions and worries that come up in the first months of fatherhood. Baby basics are at its core: feeding, safer sleep, nappy changing, bathing and coping with crying. There is also guidance on building a strong bond with a new baby through massage, play and learning. A dedicated mental health section covers what to look out for in a partner and what to recognise in yourself, along with clear signposting to help.
The safer sleep content is especially relevant on World Sleep Day as it gives dads up-to-date, trusted advice on creating a safe sleep environment, available at any hour. The app also connects dads to local support groups and services in Croydon, and offers a way to ask questions and share experiences with other local fathers and health professionals.
Supporting dads alongside the app is a five part video podcast series, in which local dads speak honestly about becoming a father. The films offer reassurance to any dad who is feeling unsure or overwhelmed, and are available to watch now on YouTube.
The app and video series follow the Fathers and Male Carers Conference, which Croydon Family Hubs hosted at Braithwaite Hall on 26 February. The event brought together dads, professionals and community groups to share experiences and hear from speakers working in fatherhood support.
Today’s launch reflects Croydon Council’s commitment to making sure fathers are included in family support from day one.
Welcoming the new package of support, Executive Mayor Jason Perry said:
“Becoming a parent is one of life’s great milestones, but it can also feel daunting, particularly for new dads. We know that fathers have often been under-represented in maternity and early years support, and that is something we are determined to change.
“The DadPad app gives every dad in Croydon an NHS-backed resource they can trust, whether they need guidance on safer sleep at 3am or want to understand what their partner might be going through. The video series adds something different: real voices, real experiences, from local dads who have been where they are now.
“Every family’s journey is different. But by making support clearer, more accessible and more inclusive of fathers, we hope more dads across Croydon will feel genuinely confident and supported as they step into this role, alongside their partners and families.”
The DadPad app is available free to Croydon parents from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
