Only about three in five fathers take paternity leave, despite clear benefits for families and society. Campaigners are right to stress this, as they push for new entitlements to be added to the employment rights bill.
Time off helps dads and co-parents bond with newborns and builds habits that last. Mothers are more supported and less alone as they recover from childbirth and adapt to life with a baby, which for most includes the challenge of breastfeeding. Older siblings have another parent to spend time with and look after them. Last but not least, new babies gain the advantage of a second carer – which, as well as immediate practical effects at the time, can help to prime the adult for responsibility later on.
