Do diapers drive dads to drink?

Men who buy nappies are likely to put some cans of beer in their shopping trolley to shore up their macho image, according to a supermarket chain.

Research by Tesco reveals a link between diaper and beer purchases by male customers.

Records show that fathers buying nappies are much more likely than other men to pick up a six-pack or two.

Tesco Clubcard manager Nick Green puts the trend down to the fathers wanting to prove they are still "real men".

He said: "Despite advances towards sexual equality, many men still feel embarrassed when they have to buy nappies.

"They fear people will think them hen-pecked husbands ordered by their wives to buy the nappies.

"Proudly placing a six-pack alongside the nappies sends out the message that the man is really a he-man."

It is also possible that the thought of what is involved in changing a nappy is enough to make all but the most determined of non-sexist "new men" seek solace in drink.

Another explanation is that because of their childcare responsibilities, fathers are less free to go down the pub and so are more likely to stock up to drink at home.