How do I keep my baby on a sleep schedule while traveling?

Keep naptimes and bedtimes as close to your home schedule as possible. Practice the travel sleep environment at home before the trip so it is familiar. Use the same sleep routine, pajamas, and bedding from home to signal to baby that sleep is coming even in a new place.

How do I adjust my baby's sleep schedule for a different time zone?

Gradually shift baby's bedtime in the weeks before travel. Move bedtime 10-15 minutes earlier every 2-3 days for about 2 weeks when traveling to an earlier time zone. Do the reverse — keep baby up 10-15 minutes later — when traveling to a later time zone.

Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a stroller or swing while traveling?

No. The only safe sleep surface for babies is alone on a firm flat mattress on their back, free of toys and blankets. Strollers, swings, and car seats are not safe for extended sleep. Always use a firm travel crib or pack-n-play.

Should I travel at night with a baby?

Traveling at night can work well since baby sleeps during the journey and arrives refreshed. The downside is an exhausting first day for parents. If driving, partners can alternate napping and caring for baby. If flying, bring pacifiers to help with ear discomfort during takeoff and landing.

How do I get my baby to sleep in a pack-n-play or travel crib?

Practice at home before the trip. Put baby in the pack-n-play for naps in the weeks leading up to travel so the new sleep surface is already familiar. Bring sheets from home to recreate the familiar smell and feel of baby's regular sleep environment.

Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months?

Most experts do not recommend sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months. Infant skin is immature and sensitive and may react to the chemicals in sunscreen. Instead keep babies under 6 months in the shade, dressed in protective clothing with a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm.

What sunscreen is safest for babies?

For babies 6 months and older, the Environmental Working Group publishes an annual guide to the safest sunscreens for children. Look for products that avoid homosalate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone, which have endocrine-disrupting effects. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safer for infants.

Can I give my baby water in summer?

No. Babies under 6 months should not be given water. Their kidneys are immature and water can cause a dangerous electrolyte imbalance. Keep infants hydrated with breast milk or formula only. Watch for signs of dehydration including darker or less frequent urine.

What is the Water Watcher strategy for pool safety?

The Water Watcher strategy, recommended by Safe Kids Worldwide, designates one adult at a time as the active supervisor when children are near water. That adult holds a card and gives undivided attention to the children for a set time period, typically 15 minutes, before passing to the next adult. This prevents lapses in supervision when multiple adults are present.

What are the signs of drowning in children?

Drowning is often silent and subtle. Signs include the head tilted back to get air, mouth at water level, a vertical body position instead of horizontal, facing land, and a ladder-climbing arm motion. Children should never be unsupervised around water and an adult should always be within arm's reach of young children near any water.

How should I fence a backyard pool for infant safety?

Backyard pools should be fenced at a minimum of 4 feet high with self-closing self-latching gates. Install a pool alarm to alert you if a child enters the pool area. Inflatable or portable pools should be emptied after every use and stored upside down out of children's reach.

What should I pack in my hospital bag?

For the birthing parent: extra long phone charger, non-slip slippers, nursing pillow, two loose postpartum outfits, your own pillow from home, toiletries you like, snacks for both parents, birth plan copies, insurance cards and ID, and lip balm. For baby: a properly installed car seat, one going home outfit with no bulky layers under the harness, and a swaddle blanket with some stretch such as muslin or jersey. Bring a tote bag for hospital freebies — you will collect more than you expect.

What is the Infant Car Seat Challenge?

The Infant Car Seat Challenge is a hospital test required for babies born at 37 weeks or earlier before they can be discharged. Baby is secured in the car seat at the correct travel angle and nurses monitor breathing and oxygen levels for 90 to 120 minutes. Because preterm babies' airways can become constricted in a seated position, this test confirms baby can breathe safely during car travel. Babies who pass are cleared to go home.

Can my newborn wear a coat in the car seat?

No. Newborns and infants should not wear coats or bulky clothing under car seat harnesses. The bulk compresses in a crash and creates slack in the harness that reduces its effectiveness. Instead use a hat and a baby bunting bag that goes over the harness rather than under it to keep your newborn warm on the way home from the hospital.

What swaddle blanket should I bring to the hospital?

Bring a swaddle blanket with some stretch such as muslin or jersey fabric. As Karla Pablo RN of Let Mommy Sleep Southern California advises, muslin or jersey fabric wraps more snugly and stays secure longer than standard cotton blankets and allows baby's hips to move freely in a safe position. Bringing your own blanket lets you practice swaddling with it before you go home.

What should I leave at home when packing a hospital bag?

Leave at home: jewelry and valuables you would be upset to lose, heavily scented candles or diffusers which many hospitals prohibit and which can irritate newborns' airways, and too many items for baby since the hospital provides diapers, wipes, and swaddle blankets and you will be discharged within 24 to 48 hours.

What hospital freebies should I expect to bring home?

Most hospitals send families home with diapers, wipes, formula samples, a bulb syringe, nipple cream, postpartum mesh underwear and pads, and a large water bottle. You will also receive discharge paperwork, parenting handouts, and possibly a gift bag from formula companies. Bring a dedicated tote bag just for these items — you will have more to carry than you expect on discharge day.

Can dads get postpartum depression?

Yes. Postpartum depression affects fathers and non-birthing partners as well as birthing parents. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that up to 14.1% of men experience depression after the birth of a child, and other studies estimate that as many as one in four new fathers experience depressive symptoms in the first year postpartum. This is significantly higher than the roughly 5% rate of depression in men outside the postpartum period.

What are the signs of postpartum depression in dads?

Postpartum depression in dads often looks different from maternal postpartum depression. Rather than overt sadness, fathers may experience irritability or anger, withdrawal from family or social interactions, loss of interest in work or hobbies, fatigue or insomnia, increased alcohol or substance use, and feelings of worthlessness, failure, or disconnection from the baby. Because these symptoms differ from the classic picture of depression, paternal postpartum depression frequently goes unrecognized.

What causes postpartum depression in fathers?

Fathers and non-birthing partners experience biological and emotional changes after birth that can trigger depression. Testosterone levels may dip, sleep deprivation is nearly universal, and adapting to a new parental role creates significant stress. Risk factors include a personal history of depression, a partner who is also experiencing depression, an unplanned pregnancy, poor social support, and financial strain or lack of paid parental leave.

How is paternal postpartum depression treated?

Paternal postpartum depression is treatable. Early detection is key. Treatment may include a professional mental health assessment, therapy, and in some cases medication. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and social and family support also help. Because men tend to underreport symptoms due to stigma, normalizing the conversation and encouraging partners to check in with one another is an important first step. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, contact a mental health professional or call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Does postpartum depression in dads affect the baby?

Yes. Research shows that paternal depression in the postpartum period can affect child development. Studies have found that fathers experiencing depression by 8 weeks after childbirth have children at doubled risk of behavioral and emotional problems at age 3.5. Paternal depression has also been associated with reduced engagement in child-rearing and increased relationship conflict between partners. Early treatment benefits the whole family.

Does paternal postpartum depression apply to non-birthing partners of any gender?

Yes. Although most current research uses male pronouns, the findings and recommendations for paternal postnatal depression apply to non-birthing partners of any gender. Any partner who did not give birth may experience depressive symptoms in the postpartum period and deserves the same recognition, screening, and support.

Let Mommy Sleep

Sleep Travel Tips for Babies

July 4, 2022

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to derail sleep routines. With a little preparation at home and realistic expectations on the road, your baby can sleep well away from home and so can you.

updated, April 2026

Sleep Travel Tips for Babies: What to Know

Practice at home
Keep the same routine if you can
Don’t rely on strollers or swings for safe sleep
Slow down and stay flexible
Be ready when relatives question your parenting choices!

Practice at Home

Many times babies are not used to sleeping in a travel bed or pack-n-play. So, our night nanny team likes to suggest put baby in a travel bed for naps at home in the weeks leading up to the trip. Your child might think this new crib is exciting, so go ahead and get the novelty out of the way at home!

Keep sleep routines as close to home as possible to help baby feel secure.

Dress your baby in the pajamas/sleepsack/swaddle blanket that she’s used to.
If renting a full-sized travel crib from a hotel, bring bedsheets from the crib at home to recreate that familiar sleep environment.
Do the same sleep routine you do at home. Familiarity allows baby to know what comes next is sleep.

New places and not being at home is exciting for little ones. Remember that patience is your best tool to help your child get to sleep. They need time to explore The New Place and maybe get over being a little nervous outside of home

Try to stay on baby’s time.

If possible, try to keep naptimes and bedtimes as close to the same schedule as at home.
When traveling across time zones, gradually adjust baby’s bedtime in the days leading up to the trip so baby is on the time of your destination. You can do this by adjusting bedtime in 10 minute increments.
Some parents like to travel at night so baby can sleep and wake up in destination refreshed. If you’re driving, partners can alternate napping and caring for baby during the first day. If you’re flying, make sure to bring pacifiers to help with ear discomfort.

Travel Across Time Zones with Baby

When traveling across time zones, gradually adjust baby’s bedtime in the days leading up to the trip. This means putting your baby to sleep 10-15 minutes earlier every 2 or 3 days for about 2 weeks if you’re traveling to a time zone that is earlier. Do the reverse and keep your infant up a little later by 10-15 minutes in the weeks prior to traveling to a time zone where the time is ahead.

Some parents like to travel at night so baby can sleep and wake up in destination refreshed. This can lead to an exhausting first day of the trip for you. But if you can “tag-team” with your partner by alternating napping and caring for baby during the first day, then traveling at night could be a possibility.

Remember these Sleep Travel Tips for Babies Once You’ve Arrived…

No swings or strollers for infant safe sleep.

The only safe place for babies to sleep for extended periods is alone, on a firm flat mattress and flat on their backs.
Here are recommendations to create a safe sleep environment.

Slow it down.

Don’t expect to have a jam-packed site seeing schedule. All the new sights, sounds, and experiences are very stimulating and exciting for baby. Baby could get fussy if overstimulated and too exhausted.
Remember that sleep begets sleep. Keeping baby awake longer may work for one night or one nap, but fighting against baby’s natural rhythms leads to meltdown.
While it is nice to have alone time with your partner, caring for a baby can be even more exhausting than usual when traveling. Try not to stay up too late yourself!

Have Surprises Ready!

Part of travel is, well, the traveling. Extended times in the car, train or plane can get a little boring so be prepared with toys, books and snacks that your baby hasn’t seen before. It can be something simple from the dollar store; the novelty of a new toy will take up time and keep little one occupied. For a little while anyway!

Don’t forget about YOU

Be ready in case you hear variations of: “But he doesn’t look tired!” “Oh come on, a little (insert allergen/unsafe food) won’t hurt!” “You slept on the bed and you turned out fine!” Be ready with your come back, deep breaths and extra patience!

Weigh the options of accepting help, especially if you’re in the postpartum phase. If a well meaning relative looks after your newborn, therefore allowing you to sleep, that’s a WIN! You’ll get in a nap to maintain your immune system and energy levels.

Keeping Illness Away and Travel with Kids

Research your destination – Respiratory illness is a fact of life. Check any illness alerts at your destination before you go so you can be prepared and comfortable.
Masks -it’s never a bad idea to carry masks with you to use in crowded areas.
Sanitizer – Handwashing is best, but if you don’t have the opportunity to properly wash your hands, sanitizer is a good second option.

Even with all the preparation in the world, there is a chance that your baby’s sleep will not be perfect. Patience and the ability to go with the flow are just as important as guidelines and schedules. If our night nanny team can help you through the adjustment, please let us know. There are no minimum amount of nights needed to schedule, and short notice is our specialty.

newborns need sleep even when they don't look tired

breastfeeding newborns on demand is normal and should be encouraged

Alexa, Help With the Baby!

June 10, 2022

updated June 11, 2022 – Smart home devices are hands-free which is already a huge value to new parents! But how can Google and Alexa specifically help with newborns and infants? Alexa, Help With the Baby! contains Amazon Echo skills for new and expecting parents.

We all know we can order food, set a timer and check the weather…so here are 6 skills you may not have known about to help with newborns, infants and toddlers.

“Alexa, Help With the Baby!”

Integrate with Amazon Prime:

Order diapers, groceries and other essentials for 2-hour or same day delivery. With delivery, you’ll never be without diapers, wipes, groceries and other home essentials. This means convenience, but also safety because you won’t have to bring your newborn out into crowds. This can be even more of a time-saver for parents with newborn twins and triplets.

Expecting parents can also sign up for discounts and coupons before baby arrives.

Play white noise…safely:

White noise, or reproducing the gentle “shhhh” sound baby is used to hearing in the womb, is a well known way to calm babies and help them get to and stay asleep. There are concerns however that white noise that’s too loud or too close to babies’ ears can harm hearing and speech development. Playing white noise via the Echo means parents can control the volume and duration of white noise.

Secure baby monitor:

The Echo Dot (audio only) or Echo Show (for audio and visual) can be purchased as companions to the main device and can moved from room to room for safe monitoring of baby’s nursery and other areas. Because the Echo is typically tied into your home wifi, hacking is rare, but for extra protection, families can password protect or even use fingerprint authentication to secure Alexa.

Just say, “Alexa, drop in on the nursery” to check in on your baby anytime!

Play music, jokes and stories of course!

Ask Alexa to play gentle chimes, dance-party music, kid-friendly jokes or even tell a story to help engage the whole family. We personally like this better than kids TV programming -or worse yet, the news!- droning on in the background of a home. No commercials and families can get moving, laugh and talk together without having to sit around the television.

Enable “Baby Stats”

Baby Stats is Amazon’s skill to track diaper changes, feedings, weight, pumping sessions and sleep. Breastfeeding moms never have to worry about forgetting which side baby last nursed on, and parents have all baby’s vital information ready for the pediatrician. This is another great one for parents of multiples! Baby Stats also stores this information so it can be shared by babysitters, nannies and anyone else caring for baby. Baby Stats can also provide a daily “kick count” and due date countdown during pregnancy!

Enable Alexa Routines

As it says on Amazon, Alexa routines “consist of a single trigger, which is the event which starts the Routine, followed by actions which are the things Alexa does during the Routine.” You can create Routine for Baby’s Bedtime for example. One way this could work is to say “Bedtime” and then Alexa will dim the lights and play soft music while you put on your infant’s pajamas and transition to the quiet of nighttime. When your child is older Alexa can be a bedtime countdown timer.

Do you have older kids? Read about keeping them safe while using iPads and other devices.

As with all electronic devices, experts warn that usage should be limited. In an NPR interview, Solace Shen a psychologist at Cornell University who studies how children interact with robots, said: “These devices offer more engagement and interaction than just passively watching TV, but that interaction is still impoverished compared to talking to a parent or teacher.” Shen says to treat Alexa as you would a tablet, with strict limits. If you have more Alexa tips, let us know!

Summer Safety Guide for Babies and Newborns

June 3, 2022

updated, April, 2026 – Summertime is full of outdoor fun! Before heading out to your favorite destination or even if staying close to home, take time to learn the basics of safety for babies and newborns.

Tips for Infants in the Sun

Newborn and infant skin is very tender and should be protected from the sun, but sunblock shouldn’t be used. Little ones often react poorly to the chemicals in sunscreen and can develop a rash or irritation. If your baby is younger than six months, it’s important to follow these essential sun safety tips for infants.

Most experts do not recommend putting sunscreen on babies younger than six months. Additionally, younger infants have a higher surface area to body weight ratio, putting them at greater risk when exposed to the chemicals. Plus, infants have immature, sensitive skin that can easily break out in rashes.

Essential Sun Safety Tips for Infants

Avoid peak sunlight hours (typically between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) to minimize exposure to harmful UV rays.
Keep baby in the shade by using an umbrella, beach tent or shaded stroller.
Dress baby in clothes that covers their skin and a brimmed hat. Tight weaves are the best. In other words, if baby’s clothing is sheer or see-through, it will not do a good job protecting the skin. Hats should have a wide brim to protect the face, ears, and neck.
Since younger babies have not fully developed sweat glands, be sure to constantly monitor your infant for signs of overheating. This is also part of Infant Safe Sleep.
Keep baby hydrated by offering breast milk or formula. Bring a cooler and follow safety instructions when storing liquids.
Remember, no water for infants age 6 months or younger; babies’ kidnys are immature, so giving water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which is very dangerous for babies.
Watch baby’s urine for signs of dehydration. If urine appears darker or less than usual, baby could be at risk for dehydration and should then be moved to a cooler location.

Which Sunblock is Safest?

For children age 6 months or older, the Environmental Working Group lists the safest sunscreens for children that meet its safety standards. This means these sunscreens provide adequate sun protection while avoiding ingredients linked to known health harms. The ingredients of concern are homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone. These chemicals have endocrine-disrupting effects, meaning that they interfere with normal functioning of the endocrine system, and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it.

Swimming Pool Safety

Backyard pools should be fenced at a minimum of 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, therefore preventing a child from getting in without an adult.
When using inflatable or portable pools, remember to empty them after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
Install an alarm so you’ll be alerted if a child wanders into the pool area.

Be Aware of Drains

Teach kids never to play or swim near drains or suction outlets. Public wading pools, in-ground hot tubs, or pools that have flat drain grates or a single main drain system are especially dangerous due to the intensity of the suction.
Replace flat drain covers with dome-shaped ones
If a pool or hot tub has a broken, loose or missing drain cover, err on the side of caution and don’t use it.

Swim Safety and Drowning Prevention

Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. Sudden drop-offs, currents and undertow are factors they need to understand.
Educate children to never go near or in water without an adult actively supervising.
Whether in a pool or natural body of water, make sure kids swim only in areas designated as safe because there are likely unseen dangers in those spots.
Everyone needs to know that water wings or pool noodles should never be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).

Drowning

Drowning continues to be a leading cause of death for children. Despite what we see in the movies and television, it is actually very subtle. The struggle to breathe is quiet, quick and several of the signs happen underwater, where we may not be able to observe swimmers distress. Children should *never* be unsupervised while swimming but knowing the physical signs of struggle in the water and drowning can help save lives.

These are the signs that someone is struggling in water:

Head tilted back in a position to try to get air
Mouth is at water level
Vertical Body; upright instead of horizontal
Facing Land; a drowning person is usually facing land
“Ladder climbing” – a drowning person looks like they are climbing a ladder

Give children your undivided attention around water; this means no phones!
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.
As SafeKids.org says, using the Water Watcher strategy if there’s more than 1 adult watching the children is an excellent idea. This means each adult has a scheduled amount of time to prevent lapses in supervision, ensuring adults know when it’s “their time.” Adults can decide to hold the card for any amount of time, let’s say 15 minutes each. The cardholder is IN CHARGE of supervision when they have the card; no phone, no other distractions. After 15 minutes simply pass it on to whoever is next. You can download a water watcher card below or even just print this one out.

water watcher card from safekids.org keeps infants safe — Download a Water Watcher Card

Are you expecting? You can get more newborn care tips like these by signing up for a Baby Basics Class with one of our Night Nurses.

Hospital Bag Checklist: Our Nurses’ Favorites

May 19, 2022

You have everything for your newborn…but what about you?! Hospital Bag Checklist: Our Nurses’ Favorites includes essentials and comfort items to bring to the hospital or birthing center.

Hospital Bag Checklist at a Glance

Item	For Who	Why It Matters
Extra long phone charger	Both parents	Keeps phone accessible from bed
Non-slip slippers	Birthing parent	Safety on hospital floors
Nursing pillow	Birthing parent	Practice with your own gear before going home
Loose postpartum outfit x2	Birthing parent	C-section or vaginal birth comfort
Toiletries you like	Both parents	Hospital soap exists but your own is better
Snacks	Both parents	Cafeteria hours don’t match hunger
Your own pillow	Birthing parent	Hospital pillows are flat
Birth plan copies	Both parents	One for chart, one for staff, one for partner
Insurance cards and ID	Both parents	Keep accessible, not buried
Going home outfit	Baby	Weather appropriate, no bulky layers under harness
Swaddle blanket with stretch	Baby	Stays secure, allows hip movement
Car seat installed before leaving home	Baby	Required for discharge
Tote bag for hospital freebies	Both parents	You will collect more than you expect

Hospital Bag Checklist: Our Nurses Favorites

For You

Bag for Hospital Freebies: A bag for your bags is essential! You’ll have lots of hospital freebies such as diapers and parenting hand-outs to bring home. Something to bring your discharge orders, pamphlets, formula and giant water bottle home will be helpful.
Insurance Cards and ID: Keep these accessible, not buried in a bag.
Extra Long Phone Chargers: You and your partner will be fielding LOTS of phone calls and taking millions of photos…don’t forget that extra long phone charger so the phone will always be within arms reach.
Your Postpartum Outfit: The newborn coming home outfit and carseat are all ready but don’t forget your own clothes. Loose clothing that won’t rub against your tender mid-section and has a bit of give while your body is in the postpartum phase is a must. For this reason, plenty of new moms choose to keep their maternity clothes for a while. If you’re breastfeeding, your new go-to clothing options are those that make nursing easy. Nursing tanks and loose shirts are perfect and nursing dresses are easy to pack, functional and -if you’re into being stylish- pretty cute.
Nursing Pillow – Take advantage of the lactation counselors in the hospital by using the same breastfeeding pillow you plan to use at home. If you’re formula feeding, you’ll likely still use a nursing pillow to hold baby. Bringing your nursing pillow with you can help you feel confident at home.
Your Own Pillow – Hospital pillows are flat! Bring yours from home so you can sleep better and also have a small comfort and feeling of familiarity in an intense situation.
Non-Skid Slippers: Just like our team does in the family home, be sure to have non-slip footwear for walking on those slippery hospital floors. This is for your safety and the safety of your precious newborn when being held.
Lip Balm: We all know that giving birth means staying hydrated! Remember to keep your lips hydrated after baby arrives as well. It’s a small comfort your body might really appreciate.
Snacks for Both of You: Pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration like nuts, protein bars, crackers or dried fruit. You may be cleared to eat during early labor and your partner also needs to eat, and the cafeteria might be closed when hunger happens.

For Baby

Car Seat- Installed Before You Leave Home : You cannot leave the hospital without a car seat, and hospital staff will check that it is properly installed. If baby is born at 37 weeks or earlier, they must pass the Infant Car Seat Challenge before discharge; after being placed in the car seat, nurses will monitor breathing and oxygen levels for 90 to 120 minutes with baby secured in the seat at the correct travel angle. Babies who pass are cleared to go home.

Going Home Outfit – Just 1 special outfit for baby is fine. Remember if it’s cold outside, your newborn cannot wear a coat in the car seat. A hat and then a baby bunting bag are safest to keep your newborn warm.

Swaddle Blanket — The hospital will swaddle your baby, but if you bring your own, you can practice with it before you go home. Karla Pablo, RN of Let Mommy Sleep Southern California reminds us to choose one with some stretch: Muslin or jersey fabric wraps more snugly and stays secure longer than standard cotton blankets, and allows baby’s hips to move freely in a safe position.

Let Mommy Sleep nurse packing hospital bag for baby's birth

What to Leave at Home

Jewelry, valuables or anything you’d be upset to lose. Lots of visitors, shift changes and all your attention on the new human in the room are not a good combination for keeping track of things.
Heavily scented candles, diffusers or sprays. Many hospitals prohibit them and newborns’ airways are also sensitive.
Too many clothes and items for baby – The hospital or birthing center provides diapers, wipes and swaddle blankets and you’ll be discharged within 24 to 48 hours.

Our night nurses also suggest continuing the hospital level of care at home with a 1 hour postpartum visit. Let Mommy Sleep RN’s partner with newborn care specialists to be sure the full scope of postpartum care happens for babies and their families. Schedule with us today.

Postpartum Depression in Dads: Signs, Risk Factors and How to Help

May 8, 2022

Paternal PostNatal Depression (PPND) affects up to one in four new fathers in the first year after baby’s birth. Symptoms often look different from maternal PPD and include: irritability, withdrawal and increased substance use rather than overt sadness, which is why it frequently goes unrecognized.

Note, updated April, 2026- Although most current studies use male pronouns, PPND research and recommendations also apply to non-birthing partners of any gender.

Postpartum mental health issues are the most common complication of pregnancy. Discussing Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety in mothers and birthing parents is becoming more accepted, but postpartum depression in men and partners called Paternal PostNatal Depression, or PPND, is also common but far less talked about.

What is Paternal PostNatal Depression?

A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that up to 14.1% of men suffer from depression after the birth of their child. This number rises when partners are also experiencing depression. Other research estimates that as many as one in four new fathers experience symptoms of depression during the first year postpartum. For comparison, depression in men outside the postpartum period typically affects about 5%, underscoring that this increase is significant and real.

While maternal postpartum depression is often linked to hormonal shifts, fathers and non-birthing partners experience biological and emotional changes too. Testosterone levels may dip, sleep deprivation is nearly universal and the stress of adapting to a new role can trigger or exacerbate depression.

Who is at risk?

PPND can happen to any father but there are also risk factors you should know about before baby arrives that may help identify PPND early. These are:

history of depression
partner who has depression
an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
poor family relationships and little social support
financial strain or lack of paid parental leave

Take note if you or your partner have these risk factors before baby arrives. Understanding these factors before the postpartum phase can help families recognize warning signs early and seek care sooner. Learn more at PPD vs. Baby Blues: Know the Difference

Recognizing the Signs of Paternal PostNatal Depression

Symptoms of PPND can look different from those of maternal postpartum depression. Rather than overt, persistent sadness, men may experience:

Irritability or anger
Withdrawal from family or social interactions
Loss of interest in work or hobbies
Fatigue, insomnia, or physical complaints without clear cause
Increased alcohol or substance use
Feelings of worthlessness, failure, or disconnection from the baby

Because of historic stigma, many men underreport these symptoms or dismiss them as normal stress. This is why normalizing the conversation and encouraging partners to check in with one another is essential.

How can PPND be helped?

Early detection and action is KEY, especially if Dad or Dad’s to be are under significant stress and are predisposed to depression.
As reported in the NIH study, men underreport their symptoms. There is still a perceived social stigma to depression so talking about it and normalizing PPND is helpful.
You can take this assessment to see if they should be evaluated by a professional.
For men at risk, regular exercise, proper sleep and family and social support helps. This includes Paid Leave as noted by the National Institute of Health.
A professional assessment by a mental health professional is also recommended.
For strategies to get better sleep, read Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

As Registered Nurse Elizabeth Hawkes has noted from her experience and research, postpartum mental health issues are 100% manageable with proper intervention and/or medication. Hawkes says, “It’s about time we include the entire family as one unit instead of only asking ‘How is mom?’ How is baby?'” For mothers and fathers, knowledge is power in managing postpartum mental health complications before they arise.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PPND or has thoughts of self-harm, reach out immediately for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit Postpartum Support International. And if you’re struggling with sleep deprivation, Let Mommy Sleep can help on short notice.

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