HAYNES Manuals have guided generations of men to change the oil filter on a Vauxhall Viva or swap the spark plugs on an Austin Allegro.

But the latest edition tackles two particularly temperamental makes and models: baby and toddler.

The manual is just the thing to involve car-mad dads in their children's upbringing. Soon, he will spend hours tinkering with them, looking for the leak. He may try his hand at fuel injection, and even buff up their chassis.

If, after all this, he still cannot guarantee his child's smooth and quiet running, he can always ensure the pram drives like a dream.

Updated: 11:40 Thursday, June 12, 2003