New dads and fathers-to-be in Walsall will be able to pick up plenty of parenting tips thanks to a new app being launched this week through the Health in Pregnancy (HiP) service.

The DadPad app was developed and piloted by the Inspire Cornwall CIC (Community Interest Company), working with the NHS.

It was created following feedback from dads who said they would benefit from having useful information on a range of topics such as coping with a crying baby and home safety.

In Walsall, the HiP service will launch the free app this Wednesday 2 August between 9am and 2pm at the Walsall Connected centre outside the Antenatal Clinic at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Diane McIntosh, Clinical Lead for HiP, said: “Our team will be available on launch day to speak to new dads and dads-to-be about this app which we think will be really helpful for them.

“Support has been traditionally aimed at new mums – and it’s important this continues – but dads need somewhere they can raise any niggles or concerns, ask questions and hear about the experiences of others. Being a new parent is a wonderful thing, but it does come with responsibility and worry, which is completely natural.”

Topics covered within DadPad include:

• An overview of the Health Visitor Team and the appointments that parents will have
• Baby basics including feeding, sleeping, holding, coping with crying, cleaning and bathing baby and changing nappies
• Ways in which dad can help to build his bond with his baby, including baby massage, communicating, baby swimming, play and learning
• Core information on perinatal mental health for dad – what to look out for in his partner, and what to look out for in himself, as well as advice on supporting each other and their relationship
• An overview of other key topics, including child development, legal information and important further sources of parenting advice and support

Diane added: “We look forward to seeing people at the launch where we’ll also have freebies to hand out and prizes to be won. The DadPad is a good conversation starter for those of us working within services that support parents so that we can offer relevant advice and reassurance.”

Call 01922 423252 or 01922 423265 for more information.