High school pupils got a 48-hour insight into a world of sleepless nights and crying tots when they took home lifelike babies.

Six year 11 girls from Albany Science College took charge of the RealCare animatronic babies for a full weekend as part of their GCSE Child Development course.

The babies, which weigh 7lbs and are 21 inches long, require feeding, burping, rocking, nappy changing and their heads to be gently supported.

Within the baby, an electronic controller monitors the quality of care it receives, and reports the number of times each type of care was provided, as well as the frequency of wrong positioning and rough handling.

Food technology teacher Janice Roberts, said: "This was a valuable experience for the girls, the majority of whom want to work with children. The babies are very realistic.

"At the end of the 48 hours a computer print out is generated which shows how well the girls looked after their baby and gives students feedback on their performance.

"The girls looked tired when they came in on Monday morning, but they all enjoyed it and I'm sure they learned a lot about the attention needed to look after an infant."

Realistic head monitors detect unsupported heads and remind students that babies are fragile and must not be shaken.

If looked after properly, the baby emits a satisfied coo after each session to reassure the carer.

Charlotte O'Toole, 15, enjoyed the experience of looking after the simulated infant.

She said: "It was fun, but a lot of care was needed to make sure the baby was looked after well. Some of us used baby carriers and pushchairs to make it even more realistic.

"It was an interesting weekend and I think we all became a little bit attached to them."

The animatronic babies were loaned to Albany by the Pregnancy and Parenthood Association as part of a nationwide scheme. A further six girls from the school will be taking on the role of carer this weekend.