ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews what is known about fathers taking leave. Although studies are limited, there is growing evidence that taking leave has the potential to boost fathers' emotional investment in and connection with infants, with the potential to transform infant life. Paternity leave (taken around the time of a child's birth) and father-targeted parental leave schemes are expanding rapidly across the world. In addition, in attempting to understand the impact of parental leave policies there are important macro- and micro-level methodological considerations. At a macro level, parental leave is a black box of diverse arrangements which vary both within and between countries despite common nomenclatures. In the ecological context of early childhood and parental employment, the quality of life infants experience is made up of a complex set of processes and resources. The issue of breast feeding highlights how specific national leave policies can simultaneously invest in children's health while also addressing gender equity and father involvement.
