You can’t pour from an empty cup — and that’s okay.

As a new dad, your entire world has been re-prioritised. You are a provider, a protector, a partner, and a parent. The last person on that list is, almost always, you.

"Self-care" can feel like a selfish, indulgent word when your partner is exhausted and your baby needs you. We feel guilty for taking 20 minutes for ourselves.

Here's the truth: Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.

A dad who is burnt out, stressed, and running on fumes is a dad who is impatient, distant, and irritable. Taking time to recharge isn't taking away from your family; it's what enables you to show up for them as the best version of yourself.

Your family doesn't need a martyr. They need you.

Re-thinking "Self-Care"​

This isn't about booking a spa day (though if you can, go for it). It's about small, sustainable acts of maintenance.

It’s about finding 10-minute windows to reset your nervous system, so you can handle the 2 AM screaming (or the 2 PM screaming).

Simple, Achievable Self-Care Rituals​

• The 10-Minute Walk: When you feel your stress peaking, tag in your partner and just walk around the block. No phone. Just breathe in the fresh air and reset.
• The "Tap Out": Establish a code with your partner. "I need 15." It means, "I'm hitting my limit and need a break." Go to a quiet room, listen to one song, or just sit in silence.
• Hydrate: You are probably dehydrated. Go drink a full glass of water, right now.
• Move Your Body: You don't need the gym. Do 10 push-ups, 10 squats, or just stretch your arms over your head for 60 seconds.
• Stay Connected: Text a mate. Not about the baby, but about the game, work, or a stupid meme. Maintain a tiny piece of your old identity.

How ReadyDad Helps​

We built ReadyDad as a private space for you. The daily check-in isn't just about the baby. It's about you.

The app will ask you, "How are you feeling today?" and "What's one small thing you can do for yourself?"

It’s a simple reminder that your wellbeing matters. It gives you permission to feel overwhelmed and the encouragement to take 60 seconds to reset.

You are not a robot. You are a human being going through one of the biggest changes of your life. Take care of yourself.

Small acts of care build stronger teams — here’s how.

The newborn phase is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind. But for your partner, it’s also a time of intense physical recovery, massive hormonal shifts, and overwhelming responsibility—especially if she is breastfeeding.

It's easy to feel a little lost. You want to help, but you're not sure how. The single most common (and least helpful) question we ask is: "What can I do to help?"

It’s a great intention, but it puts the mental load of delegating right back on her.

Being an equal teammate isn't about "helping" your partner—it's about parenting with her. It's about being proactive, not reactive. Here are small things you can do that make a massive difference.

1. Be the "Primary Carer" of Something​

Don't just be the assistant. Own a domain. This frees up your partner's mental space completely.

• You are in charge of all bottle washing and sterilising.
• You are in charge of bath time, every single night.
• You are in charge of stocking the nappy station.
• You make dinner. Every night. (Even if "making" means ordering UberEats).

2. Manage Her Basic Needs​

Your partner is likely so focused on the baby she is forgetting to take care of herself.

• Water: Put a fresh, full water bottle next to her every time she sits down to feed.
• Food: She will be starving. Make her snacks she can eat with one hand. Cut up her dinner for her.
• Sleep: When you get home from work (or on your "shift"), take the baby and say, "Go have a nap for an hour. I've got this. Don't come out."

3. Be the Gatekeeper​

You are the protector of your new family. Your partner should not be stressing about house guests.

• Manage the visitors. Be the one to say, "Now's not a good time," or "We'd love to see you, but we can only do 30 minutes."
• If people do come over, make them useful. "It's so great to see you. Would you mind folding that load of washing?"

4. Watch for Burnout (and Listen)​

She might be irritable, weepy, or quiet. Don't try to "fix" her feelings. Just validate them.

• Instead of "It's not that bad," try "This is really hard. You're right."
• Ask: "How are you feeling today?" And then just listen.
• Give her compliments that aren't about the baby. "You are handling this with so much strength," or simply, "I love you."

ReadyDad is built to give you these reminders. A simple nudge: "Has your partner eaten lunch?" or "Ask her how she's really feeling." Small acts of proactive care are what build a strong, resilient team.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters — together.

Let’s be honest. You’re tired. You might be back at work, or you're deep in the cycle of feed-play-sleep (or lack thereof). "Bonding" can feel like another item on your to-do list, a performance you're supposed to put on.

But here’s the secret: Bonding isn't an event; it's a thousand tiny moments.

You don't need two hours of uninterrupted, educational play. You just need five minutes of being present. Your baby doesn't want a perfect dad; they just want their dad.

Here are simple, low-energy ways to connect with your baby at different stages.

Newborn (0-3 Months)​

At this stage, bonding is all about comfort, security, and senses.

• Skin-to-Skin: You don't need a special reason. Just take your shirt off, put the baby (in just a nappy) on your chest, and cover you both with a blanket. Do it while you watch TV or listen to a podcast. Your heartbeat, warmth, and scent are all they need.
• The "Dad Voice": Talk to them. Tell them about your day, your work, or the football game. Your deeper voice is distinct from their mum's and is incredibly comforting.
• Own a "Job": Make bath time your time. Or make the nappy change after their morning feed your time. Use that small window to make eye contact, smile, and talk to them.

Infant (4-9 Months)​

Now they are more interactive. They're learning about cause and effect, and they love your face.

• Floor Time: Get on the floor with them. You don't even have to do much. Just lie there. Let them crawl on you, grab your nose, and explore. You are their favorite climbing frame.
• Silly Noises & Faces: This is peak "dad joke" territory. Raspberry sounds, peek-a-boo, and ridiculously exaggerated expressions are pure gold. You are helping them learn about emotion and interaction.
• Narrate Your Life: Making coffee? "Look, here's the coffee machine. It makes a whirr sound." Unloading the dishwasher? "This is a plate. It's round!" It feels silly, but you're building their vocabulary.

Older Baby (10-14+ Months)​

They're on the move, and their little personality is shining through.

• Reading (The Right Way): Don't worry about finishing the book. Just sit them on your lap and let them turn the pages. Point at the pictures. "That's a dog! What does the dog say?"
• Shared Music: Put on your favorite (kid-appropriate) playlist and have a dance. Lift them up, spin them around.
• The "ReadyDad" Nudge: The ReadyDad app is designed to give you one simple idea like this each day, matched to your baby's age, so you don't even have to think about it.

It's that simple. Just show up. Be present. You're building a bond that will last a lifetime, one small moment at a time.

We built ReadyDad to make those early months easier, calmer, and more connected.

When I became a father, I was hit by two overwhelming feelings at once: an incredible, floor-dropping love for my new son, and an equally powerful sense of "what on earth do I do now?"

Fatherhood is amazing. It’s also isolating.

In the storm of the newborn phase, most of the support, resources, and check-ins are (rightfully) directed at the mother. As dads, we're often left on the sidelines, trying to be supportive while quietly dealing with our own anxiety, exhaustion, and identity crisis.

We ask, "How can I help?" We wonder, "Am I doing this right?" We feel, "I'm exhausted, but I can't complain."

That's why I built ReadyDad.

What is ReadyDad?​

ReadyDad is a private, AI-powered companion built specifically for new fathers. It's not another forum. It's not a 500-page book you don't have time to read.

It's a simple, non-judgmental space on your phone designed to help you navigate the first year of fatherhood in just a few minutes a day.

We focus on three things:

1. You (Self-Care): You can't be a good partner or father if you're running on empty. ReadyDad gives you simple, 60-second prompts to check in with yourself, manage stress, and remember to breathe.
2. Your Partner (Support): Move from "How can I help?" to proactive support. ReadyDad offers daily ideas to support your partner's recovery, understand what she's going through, and be a true teammate.
3. Your Baby (Bonding): Feeling connected to a newborn can be tough, especially if you're not the primary feeder. The app provides simple, age-appropriate bonding ideas that take minutes but make a huge difference.

Built for Dads, by a Dad​

I realised I didn't need more information. I needed the right information, at the right time, in a way that didn't add to my mental load.

ReadyDad is your private coach. It’s a place to ask the "stupid" questions. It’s a daily reminder that you're not alone in this, and that you're doing a great job.

Welcome to the team, Dad. You've got this.