Dads Matter Too: Redefining Fatherhood in Baby’s First Year

The modern dad is doing more than ever before - soothing their newborns to sleep, babywearing on walks, and Googling how to swaddle a baby at 2 a.m. For new parents, especially in the whirlwind of baby’s first year, this shift in fatherhood is more than just refreshing—it’s essential.

At Nest Designs, we believe it truly takes a village to raise a child. And dads? They’re a vital part of that village. Whether you're a first-time dad learning the ropes or a new mom hoping your partner will become an active co-parent, this guide is here to help.

Dads are essential caregivers. An involved dad in a baby’s first year makes a huge difference, not just emotionally, but developmentally too. When dads are present and engaged from day one, the research shows that: 

• Babies show strong language skills and social development
• Babies sleep better due to lower stress levels in caregivers
• Dads who bond early report a higher level of long-term happiness with parenting 
• Moms experience lower rates of postpartum depression 

It’s not about being a perfect dad - it’s about being present, responsive, and emotionally available. The more involved dads are in diapering, feeding, making eye contact, holding baby skin-to-skin, and learning their cues, the stronger their bond becomes. Bonding is built in the small, everyday moments.

Babies don’t come with a manual, but being an involved dad and partner doesn’t require one. By showing up every day and night with consistency and care, you’ll get it in no time. Here is what involvement can look like in your baby’s first year: 

• Taking turns with nighttime feedings and diaper changes
• Wearing your bub in a carrier while going for walks
• Doing skin-to-skin contact 
• Reading a book before bedtime
• Being the go-to contact for daycare pickups or appointments
• Knowing your baby’s favourite swaddle, sleepwear, or white noise setting
• Taking on tasks without being asked

Nest Tip: Our buttery-soft sleepers and sleep bags make middle-of-the-night diaper changes a breeze and stress-free for any parent (so everyone gets a bit more rest). 

Postpartum mental health challenges don’t just affect moms. Around 1 in 10 dads experience paternal postpartum depression (PPD), and even more struggle with postnatal anxiety. And yet, it’s not talked about enough. Dads can experience PPD due to sleep deprivation, stress, or lack of support. 

Signs of PPD in dads can include:

• Feeling withdrawn or irritable
• Fatigue unrelated to baby’s sleep
• Difficulty bonding with baby
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Feeling inadequate or overwhelmed

Often, dads suffer in silence—afraid to speak up because they think they’re supposed to “be strong.” But mental health support isn’t weakness—it’s a form of strength. If you’re a mom, check in with your partner’s emotional well-being. If you’re a dad and not feeling like yourself, you are not alone—and you deserve support.

Sometimes dads want to help—but don’t feel confident or included. And sometimes moms (especially in the postpartum fog) might unintentionally “gatekeep” parenting tasks out of habit or anxiety.

Let’s shift the mindset to shared responsibility and mutual trust.

Co-parenting strategies that build connection:

• Use inclusive language: “We” are doing bedtime
• Let go of micromanaging—different doesn’t mean wrong
• Schedule weekly check-ins to talk about what’s working (and what’s not)
• Celebrate each other’s wins—big and small
• Communicate needs clearly—without criticism 

Your baby needs both of you. And your partnership needs kindness, grace, and a sense of humour.

New dads often carry quiet fears like: 

• “What if I hurt the baby?”
• “I’ll do something wrong.”
• “What if I can’t connect with my baby?”
• “Am I still allowed to feel overwhelmed?”
• “What if I mess everything up?”

These fears are natural and temporary. Confidence comes from showing up, one diaper at a time, one bedtime at a time, and one cuddle at a time. You don’t need to be perfect. Just present.

Here are ways a dad can boost their confidence:

• Ask questions, even if they feel “silly”
• Watch your baby’s cues and trust your instincts
• Give yourself space to make mistakes and learn
• Stay engaged, even when it feels hard

No one is born knowing how to parent—it’s something you learn, day by day.

Night wakings can be challenging, but sharing them fairly helps prevent burnout and resentment. It also deepens the bond between both parents and your baby. 

While no two families are the same, here are ways you can split nighttime duties:

• Take shifts by splitting the night into two chunks so each parent gets a longer stretch of sleep 
• Alternate nights or early-morning shifts by having each parent take full responsibility for bub one night, then get a full night off 
• Divide tasks like feeding, soothing, changing diapers, burping after feeds, or bringing bub to the breastfeeding parent and then handling the resettling after. 
• Split-sleep strategy where both parents wake up at night but one handles the early feeds (10pm to 2pm) and the other handles morning wake-ups. 
• Prep before bedtime. If one parent handles more night wakeups, the other can prep bottles or snacks for the night, fresh diapers and wipes, or a clean sleep space and soothing music. 

As your baby grows, your nighttime parenting strategy will change too. Make it a point to check in with each other weekly.

Whether you're a new dad figuring out how to soothe a 2 AM cry or a new mom learning how to share the mental load, you’re both doing something incredibly important. Every diaper change, midnight feed, skin-to-skin snuggle, and shared decision shapes the kind of family you're building together.

The definition of a great dad isn’t about someone perfect but someone who shows up, consistently. Someone who’s willing to learn. Parenting may not always feel balanced, but with open communication, shared responsibility, and a whole lot of grace, you can create a rhythm that works for your family.

You've got this—together.