Vouchers for parenting classes in England and Wales is not a "nanny state" policy, David Cameron has said.
In three trial areas, those with children aged up to five can get a �100 voucher towards parenting classes.
The PM has also announced a new NHS online information service for parents of very young children.
Labour said it had an "open mind" about the scheme, but it needed to be "value for money" and reach a "wide range of parents".
Defending the policy, David Cameron said: "This is not the nanny state - it's the sensible state.
"It's ludicrous that we should expect people to train for hours to drive a car or use a computer, but when it comes to looking after a baby we tell people to just get on with it.
"I would have loved more guidance when my children were babies."
He denied that a focus on parenting and childcare was a diversion from "big issues" like the economy.
The vouchers are now available from health professionals and on the high street through the chemist Boots.
The areas taking part in the pilot scheme, known as Can Parent, are Middlesbrough, Camden in London and High Peak in Derbyshire.
'Text alerts'
The government hopes to encourage demand for these kind of classes and "reduce the stigma of asking for information, advice and help with parenting."
In addition, the government is launching a new NHS online service for parents covering areas such as breastfeeding, nappy changing and post natal depression.
Expectant parents or those with a baby under a month old will be able to sign up for text and email alerts providing them with "regular, relevant and tailored" advice including short information films and advice from other parents.
Mr Cameron said he would have liked parenting lessons himself.
"I've got three, and the youngest is not yet two, and I still sometimes think I would love to have a bit more information about how to get them to do the things I need them to do sometimes," he told ITV1's Daybreak.
Shadow education secretary, Stephen Twigg said he would keep an "open mind" on parenting classes but said the government "has hit families with children hard" with cuts to tax credits and Sure Start centres.
He said: "Most importantly, any new scheme must be able to reach a wide range of parents from different backgrounds and provide real value for money."
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18114587#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
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