First 12 Months

Just for Dad

The most important thing you can do for your partner and your baby is to be there! Find out if you are entitled to paternity leave by talking to your boss or Human Resource department. You may be eligible for up to two weeks of paternity leave to care for your new baby and support your partner and, during this time, you may also be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay. Statutory paternity only applies to residents of the UK - it does not apply in ROI.

Your baby needs contact with her dad as well as her mum, so get involved in any way you can. Volunteer for bathing duties, change her dirty nappies without being asked and, if your baby is being bottle fed or your partner is expressing milk, get up for your baby’s night feeds. This will help you and your new baby to bond, will relieve some of the strain on your partner – and will also earn you lots of brownie points!