Going through pregnancy is an exciting yet daunting time for parents-to-be. But for new dads, it’s easy to feel a bit lost and even left out amongst all the mum-centric advice, podcasts and reading material. In fact, 69 per cent of new dads in the UK feel like a spare part during pregnancy and labour.
While there are a lot of generic pregnancy apps to download (with many, again aimed at mums), there are also some great apps specifically for dads, covering pregnancy and beyond and providing dads with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support both themselves and their partner.
Here are our top six apps to download, pronto.
DadPad
Developed in conjunction with the NHS, this new (and in progress) app has been rolled out as part of the UK’s Maternity Transformation Programme’s Better Birth’s Strategy. Simply select the area that applies to you to open up your DadPad and find out more about being a new dad with features such as getting through the first few months and washing and bathing your baby.
Cost: Free
Download on App Store and Google Play.
Dad Natal
One of the most popular apps for dads, with the Dadnatal app you can access a community of dads who are at the same stage you are as well as those who have been through it and can offer advice plus courses and guides on the journey to parenthood, sleep and mental health. We love the addition of licensed therapists and medical professionals available to assist with your mental health as you adapt to becoming a father.
Cost: £4.99/month or £39.99/year
Download on App Store and Google Play.
The Big Daddy
Created by new parents NHS doctor Chris Deutsch and wife Georgie, this humourous app helps dads visualise how their baby-to-be is growing with fun, contemporary size comparators (think maki rolls and martinis than plums and peaches!). You can also make the most of doctor-approved articles on important topics such as postnatal depression and the dad’s
role in labour.
Cost: Free but users can upgrade with a one-off in-app purchase of £1.99 to unlock the full app.
Download on App Store.
Daddy Up
Daddy Up is a handy tool for upcoming dads with more fun, and - as they describe it - 'fewer dainty details.' Dubbed a field guide to pregnancy, it includes weekly information about your partner, rugged weekly baby-size comparisons, a journal log and even a contraction counter.
Cost: Free
Download on App Store and Google Play.
Quick Tips for New Dads
One to download once your little bub is (or to swot up on beforehand!), Quick Tips for New Dads combines stress-busting tips (obviously) with how-to guides and - our favourite part - The Weird Stuff Nobody Tells You.
Cost: £1.79
Download on App Store.
Freya Surge Timer
When your partner's contractions kick in, she'll need some help keeping track of how often they happen and how long they last. Enter Freya, a hypnobirthing-friendly surge (contraction) timer which will do exactly that. While mum might be a little occupied, use Freya to help coach you both through each contraction with simple breathing techniques and positive affirmations, calming visualisations and guided relaxations in between.
Cost: £2.49
Download on App Store and Google Play.
After some parenting books for dads too? Check out the best books for new dads and dads-to-be.