Fresh annual statistics from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kela, show that last year a good 70% of new fathers used their right to take leave to spend time with a newborn.
A decade ago only 55% of fathers took advantage of the opportunity.
Fathers living in Finland who take a leave from work to participate in child care are entitled to a total of up to 18 weekdays in up to 4 segments during the maternity or parental allowance period.
To qualify, fathers must have lived in Finland for at least 180 days before the due date and must be living with the mother of the child. Paternity allowance is payable also to adoptive fathers.