Charity launches free parenting app with personalised daily content for fathers

Baby Buddy 2.0, which launched last week, is a new version of the NHS-approved pregnancy and parenting app, Baby Buddy 1.0, which has supported over 350,000 parents since 2014 to build their knowledge and confidence and signpost them to further support.

Parents receive bite-sized daily information, personalised to where they are in their journey. There are also over 300 videos featuring stories from parents, advice from healthcare experts and tools to help manage pregnancy and beyond. 

One of the new features includes a dedicated content pathway for fathers, written in collaboration with dads from all backgrounds, linked to organisations such as Future Men; the Fatherhood Institute; Dadvengers; Music Football and Fatherhood and Paternal Mental Health Support.

Scott Mair, an international campaigner and father’s perinatal mental health advocate, has worked closely with the Best Beginnings team to develop this. 

He said, ‘I speak to dads every day who are struggling with fatherhood because no one helped them to prepare. Many people can’t afford classes and some don’t know they need it, particularly young dads, and, as a result, their relationships with their child and partner can suffer.

‘The launch of Baby Buddy 2.0 means that every parent has access to free information that can help them on their own individual journey to raising their child.’

Research has shown that one in 10 new fathers suffer from postnatal depression and, just like expectant and new mothers, they need support.

Evidence shows that when fathers receive the recognition, information and support they need to look after themselves, they become confident in their role as fathers, strengthen their partner relationship and are better able to care for their family. This results in better outcomes for themselves, their children and their family. 

Mr Mair added, ‘If we, as a society, educate parents properly, we can reduce mental health problems and prevent relationships from breaking down.’

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