famous parents have joined the bandwagon to give exclusive access to their kids in return for seven-figure paycheques .

"Celebrities are archetypes for cultural phenomenon. There was a period when big actresses didn't want to have a child and have their bodies go out of whack, but that's shifted. It's become cool to have a baby. You can do it and still be a rock star," The New York Daily news quoted Dr. Judy Kuriansky, a psychology professor at Columbia University's Teachers College, as saying.

This wider cultural fascination with celebrity babies has been partly attributed to the weak economy, political uncertainty and a search for refuge and comfort

"It's reassuring when stars do things people can relate to, like having babies and changing diapers. It's an affirmation," said Kuriansky.

Published Monday, Sep. 29, 2008