A new 'Dad Pack' has been created to help first time fathers in Cornwall.

The pack has been developed by Public Health Cornwall together with local dads, after some said there was not enough information for men about what expect as a new dad and caring for a baby.

The Dads’ Pack is being launched in June as a one-year trial, and will be available to all first-time dads across the county through their health visitor. 

The pack includes the ‘DadPad’ – 15 essential babycare topic cards in the style of a tablet computer. Topics include how to hold a baby, nappy changing and surviving without sleep, plus helpful tips and quotes from experienced dads. The pack also includes a foldable changing mat, feeding spoon and a baby’s bib made from a Cornish rugby shirt. The items come packaged in a handy sports-style bag for transporting all those babycare essentials on the go.

The resource has been funded by the NHS, Cornwall Council and the Safeguarding Children’s Board. It was created in partnership with Inspire Cornwall C.I.C, a specialist, local community interest company working with fathers.

A spokesman said: "The main messages from the dads were about how they wanted to be more involved in their partner’s pregnancy and the birth of their child. The pack is a way of supporting dads with information and a way of making them feel included. The outcomes dads want are that they feel part of their baby’s journey and feel confident to take more of an active part in their baby’s life.

"Ultimately the dads want to feel included, listened to and supported, and able to make a difference from the start. This pack will support them in being the best dad they can be.’"

Dave Sell, first-time dad, said: "I am looking forward to using the Dads' Pack. The DadPad will give me a clue as to how best to support Rachel [baby's mum] by giving me information at a glance. I know the bits in the bag will be put to good use."

The pack has been developed over the last 18 months with input from new dads, Dads’ Clubs run at Children’s Centres, Brook Young Fathers Project at St Austell, and the Probation Service. The project has already been praised by National Fatherhood Institute for its strategic and comprehensive approach.

Beth Beynon, Public Health lead for the new parenting resource, said: "We are really excited about launching the Dads’ Pack because we’ve worked closely with dads over the last year to ensure it’s relevant, practical and fun. The dads we spoke to were very clear about what they wanted from their pack; they didn’t just want another wordy leaflet."

The launch of the pack will coincide with new steps to identify and increasingly engage all dads-to-be in mainstream antenatal services. Alongside attending midwifery appointments and scans, all new fathers will be invited to their baby’s 28–35 week antenatal meeting, where they’ll have the opportunity to talk to their Health Visitor about the pregnancy, labour and caring for their newborn.

 Andrew Wallis, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: ‘As a dad myself, I know how daunting it is when you become a father. Information and support is not always easy to find, so I very much welcome the idea and launch of a Dads’ Pack. I only wish it was around when I became a dad."