Whether it's maternity gear, nursery equipment or the newest baby bible, we'll keep you up to date with the latest developments in the pregnancy and baby world

Dads left in the dark
Fathers are feeling left out of their partner's pregnancy and are being left with feelings of inadequacy on how to look after their new baby according to research by Pregnacare, who are launching a series of courses to address this problem

The study questioned 1,168 new fathers and fathers-to-be to find out their feelings on pregnancy. The results were so conclusive that Pregnacare (the No.1 pregnancy supplement) is launching the UK's first Dads and Pregnancy (DAP) courses to cater for men who want to find out more about dealing with their partner's pregnancy and childbirth.

A huge amount of men (71 percent) stated that whilst pregnant women receive an abundance of information and guidance on their impending baby, fathers-to-be are simply expected to know how to deal with the forthcoming birth with little guidance or help.

Ante-natal classes for men?
Although men can attend ante-natal classes with their partner, almost half of the men (49 percent) surveyed really don't enjoy attending prenatal classes and 37 percent of them won't attend ante-natal classes at all.

GP, Dr Alasdair Wright commented, 'It's important that men are educated so they know what to expect from the partner's during and after pregnancy, and that they feel well prepared on how to care for their new baby.'

The DAP courses will cater for all those men who want to learn more about pregnancy but don't know where to turn for information.

The first class will take place in London on Monday 22nd November. To register for a place on the course, telephone 08451 309 616 (charged at local rate) or log onto the website

The Breastfeeding Lounge
A new survey from Mothercare proves that mums like Sex in the City's Miranda, who manage to juggle babies and shopping, just don't exist on this side of the Atlantic

Following extensive consumer research, Mothercare is to launch Breastfeeding Lounges within some of their stores. The retailer aims to create a haven on the high street and has designed a private space specifically to soothe breastfeeding mums juggling shopping and hungry babies. The Breastfeeding Lounge features comfy seating, water coolers, calming colours, and specially-selected music.

Says Liz Day, Mothercare's mother mentor and healthcare expert, 'We are a shop about mums and babies. Listening to our customers and staff demonstrates that your love of shopping doesn't stop just because you have a child. We hope we have provided a solution for mothers who are nervous of being stranded with a hungry baby and nowhere to go.'

To locate your nearest Breastfeeding Lounge call Mothercare customer service on 08453 304030.

WhyCry?® - the baby cry analyser
Like all parents, we are fascinated by everything our baby does, so a gadget that claims to interpret each squeak was extremely tempting. The options are actually pretty limited - hungry, tired, bored, stressed and dirty nappy just about covers it, so if you were expecting to discover your baby's grave pronouncements on top-up fees, you're going to be disappointed.

At first glance, it seems like the crying analyser really can make looking after your baby easier. Your baby cries, the analyser tells you why, and you provide whatever is needed. The only problem is that a baby's cry is cleverly designed to take up all your attention, so it doesn't occur to you to consult the machine to find out what's wrong. Also, our baby, Asa, is two months old now and, after many sleepless nights, we now have a good idea what his cries mean.

That said, it is interesting to see how the analyser works and it's reassuring to realise that much of the time he isn't really upset, just a bit bored or tired.

Obviously, a gadget shouldn't replace parents listening to and working out what their baby wants - these are the first 'conversations' you're having with your child and it's important you learn how to listen properly. On the other hand, it's fun seeing if you're guessing right and, besides, Homer Simpson had one, and you couldn't wish for a finer example of parenthood.

WhyCry?® is available direct from Blissful Babies Ltd who can be contacted on 01903 889520 or via their website

£65.99 plus £4.05 insured special delivery