The design of Dad Central Ontario’s digital manual for new dads, 24 Hr Cribside Assistance, is in the format of an auto maintenance guide. Sections include:

• Performance
  • The Break-In Period
  • Fatherhood Role Benefits Mom: NEW Dad’s support for mom is more important now than ever before. “Different societies and cultures have always known that new mothers need to be cared for. Traditionally, this role was filled by grandmothers, sisters, and female neighbours and friends. Those support networks are not as available nowadays because new mothers often live far away from their own mothers and sisters. And female friends and neighbours usually work outside the home. That means fathers are now a very important part of caring for new moms.”
  • Hands-On Dad: NEW The best way to learn is by doing. Start with learning one skill, like bathing the baby, and build from there. “When a mother feels that she is carrying an unfair load or her partner isn't committed to the work of parenting it can strain the relationship. So becoming a hands-on dad who shares the work of parenting is actually one of the best kinds of maintenance you can do for your relationship with your partner
  • Parenting Differences: NEW “Having parents with different caring styles can be a useful (and normal) experience for kids as they grow up. However, parenting differences can sometimes lead to conflict that makes family life more challenging and creates tension in dad/mom relationships.” The manual offers tips for dealing with parenting differences and working towards common goals.
  • Understanding Your Child: NEW The Manual reminds dads that while, “You're probably looking forward to the day when you'll be able to play catch with your child or go skating, swimming or fishing together. Those days will come. But right now spending time with your child is all about hands-on care - diapering, bathing, holding, carrying and comforting. And those activities will help you make the early dad/baby connection that is the foundation for the great relationship and all the good times you want to have with your child in the future.” The Manual stresses the importance of touch to your baby, and reminds dads to give yourself time to get comfortable handling – for most people it takes time to build a strong connection and relationship.
• Fuel Consumption
  • Breast Milk
  • Dad’s Role (Part 1)
  • Dad’s Role (Part 2)
  • Average Fuel Consumption
  • Low Fuel Warning
• Safe Operation
  • Car Seats
  • Safety Tips
• Do-It-Yourself
  • Dad’s Guide to Burping
• Under the Hood
  • Diapering
• Dad’s Tool Kit
  • Your Tool Kit
  • 10 Things to do with your baby when there is nothing to do
• Fine Tuning & Fun
  • The Exhaust(ion) System
  • Will we ever have sex again?
• Troubleshooting
  • Breastfeeding problems
  • Is it Supposed to Look Like That?
  • Crying Mom
  • The Crying Game
• Aboriginal Dads
  • Aboriginal Men as Fathers: NEW “The role of the father is changing in Aboriginal society, just as the roles played by mothers and fathers are shifting in mainstream Canadian society.” This section looks at how aboriginal fathers, particularly those living in an urban setting, can adapt traditional roles to contemporary life. It also addresses the real issues for those aboriginal fathers who are trying to give their children something that they did not have themselves, “And at the same time, some men are dealing with mental health problems, addictions and other wounds resulting from the damage to Aboriginal families and culture in past decades. How are men dealing with these challenges? Some Aboriginal men have learned that they need to go on a healing journey in order to be able to become the fathers that they want to be and that their families need them to be.” Over the past ten years, there has been increasing recognition that supports are needed in order for the current generation of aboriginal fathers to move forward away from the historical damage done to many within their culture. “So if you are struggling with some of the issues discussed here, look for help in your community. Many Aboriginal fathers say that getting back to their culture has been an important part of their healing. You can be part of the turnaround generation of fathers who are forging new pathways to fatherhood for Aboriginal men.”

Father/Child Relationships: NEW “In traditional Aboriginal teachings, a child's spirit chooses both parents. That is a powerful idea for a father. It means that, even though you are not the one who gave birth to your child, your child chose you to be his dad. That creates both a responsibility and an opportunity to develop a relationship with your children and to be a positive influence in their lives.” Building a strong relationship with your child benefits both father and child. “People take many paths to learning how to live as healthy adults and nurturing fathers. Your path may be different from the paths of other men. That's OK. What is most important is that find your path and your way of learning, and to surround yourself with supportive people who can help you on your journey. “