How research is busting antiquated myths about dads

Much of the research we read about babies involves studies of mothers and babies, with fathers often left out of the picture. But increasingly, researchers are including dads in their work and finding more about the ways everyone who cares for your baby plays an important role in their development.   

In 2014, Adrienne Burgess, CEO and head of research at the Fatherhood Institute, outlined five myths about dads, which (in most cases) are untrue.^[1]  

1. Dads aren’t involved.  
2. Mums are ‘naturally’ more able to care for children.   
3. Babies need one attachment figure.  
4. Only interactions between baby and one person matter.  
5. Dads' involvement doesn’t make much difference to babies’ development.  

In fact, when parents cooperate with each other, babies are more likely to develop the ability to pay attention to two people, looking from one person to another during interactions.^[1]   

In 2022, the Fatherhood Institute published the report, Bringing baby home.^[2] They found that in the year following birth, most biological fathers in the UK were involved in their baby’s care.   

They also found that high quality interactions between fathers and their babies were associated with positive outcomes for children, right up to adolescence. 

We know that babies need the people who care for them to notice what they need and respond to them – and that it will be made possible by this generation of parents who want to raise their children differently.^[3]  

If this resonates with you, think about what works for you and your family. How do you share caring for your baby? Do you each have time with your baby alone, as well as interacting together? Are there any ways you can make sure both parents feel as confident and involved?  

References:  

[1] Burgess, A. (2014) ‘Men, myths and babies: why and how new dads matter’. International Journal of Birth and Parent Education, 1(3), 27-31.   

[2] Burgess, A. & Goldman, R. (2022). Bringing Baby Home: UK fathers in the first year after the birth (full report). Contemporary Fathers in the UK series. London: Fatherhood Institute. 

[3] Davies, J. (2023, 2 January) More men want to be stay-at-home dads and better fathers. Why won’t politicians help them? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/02/stay-at-home-dads-father-shared-parenthood