Highchairs and cuddles:

When New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to parliament after becoming only the second elected leader in the world to have a baby in office, her daughter will be allowed to cuddle with her during debates and swim in the pool.

Such access, almost non-existent even a year ago, spotlights a push by many countries to make their parliaments friendlier for children and their parents, as legislatures diversify and rules that can be surprisingly hostile to new parents are eased.

“I think we didn’t do a good enough job,” said Trevor Mallard, the Speaker of New Zealand’s parliament, who can be seen from time to time holding infants for members while he oversees heated debate.

“For mothers ... I just want to make it clear to them that we are going to be as friendly as possible towards their babies.”

Such steps aim to help boost diversity in parliament and accommodate a baby boom since last September’s election, when two women Labour members with infants took up their seats, while Ardern and the minister for women, Julie Anne Genter, announced their pregnancies early this year.

Experts say having a critical mass of female leaders whose children’s needs are met is crucial to ensuring more women run for office, since female representation has remained stubbornly well below half in most legislatures globally. (RTRS)