In the often overwhelming world of new parenthood, a beacon of support has emerged from an unlikely place: social media. A viral TikTok and Instagram community, Daddies and Diapers, is transforming into a crucial lifeline for young fathers across the UK who are navigating the challenges of fatherhood.
Filling the Support Gap for Fathers
While new mothers frequently have access to a network of mum groups and playdates, fathers have historically lacked a similar dedicated space to share their experiences. This gap in support is precisely what four London-based Somali friends—Kamal Duran, AbuBakar Maxamed, Ilyaas Mohamed, and Abdulrahman Mohamed—sought to address. United by their shared journey into fatherhood, they launched Daddies and Diapers to create a platform of solidarity and practical advice.
The project was sparked by Duran's own difficult transition to fatherhood at age 27. Following his wife's traumatic birth, he found himself struggling silently. “I barely slept for weeks, and questioned whether I was doing enough,” Duran told Hyphen. “I felt invisible, like no one saw how much I was struggling, and I didn’t know who I could turn to for support.” Conversations with his friends revealed they all felt the same, leading to a collective “lightbulb moment” to build a community where their voices could be heard.
Rapid Growth and Unexpected Reach
Despite launching only a few months ago, the initiative has resonated powerfully online. The page has amassed more than 75,000 likes on TikTok, with its most popular videos nearing 280,000 views. While created for fathers, the content has also attracted a significant number of mothers—an unexpected but welcome development that the founders have embraced.
“Commonly, parenting can be segregated. It’s mothers on this side, fathers on that side,” Duran explained. “We need to bridge the gap and make a space where everyone can help and understand each other.” This mission aligns with research, such as that from the Family Hubs Network in 2024, which found many young fathers yearn for more structured support.
Destigmatising Vulnerability and Building Community
A core driver for Daddies and Diapers is challenging the stigma around male vulnerability. AbuBakar Maxamed highlighted that a lack of communication is a fundamental problem for many fathers, exacerbated by the perception that showing emotion is a weakness. “As fathers, we don't communicate,” he said. “That's our problem. There's no safe space to come and talk.”
The group's ambitions extend beyond social media. They are actively organising events, educational courses, and workshops, including sessions on life-saving skills for young parents. Their goal is to foster real-world connections and dialogue, balancing their faith with their outreach to all fathers. With their rapidly growing platform, Daddies and Diapers is proving that a simple online community can provide the essential support that modern fatherhood desperately needs.
