An evaluation of popular websites for new parents has found that while many provide important information about postnatal depression, few have information specifically to help fathers whose partners may be depressed.

Report author, Dr Richard Fletcher from the University of Newcastle, said one in seven mothers suffered from depression after the birth of a child.

"This means that just as many fathers have a new baby, a wife or partner who is miserable, and very little support," Dr Fletcher, from the University's Family Action Centre, said.

"The internet is a low-cost source of information and support. However, knowing all about postnatal depression in general will not help you if your baby is crying in one room, your wife is sobbing in another, and you are trying to clean up and leave for work on time."

The evaluation contains three guidelines to help websites offer realistic assistance to fathers.

"Firstly, web material should use language and images that make it clear the information is for fathers.

"It is also important for websites to recognise the different aspects of a father's role - caring for the baby, for the mother and for themselves.

"Finally, web material should include opportunities for further information and interaction such as chat rooms, examples of real-life stories from fathers who have been in similar situations and links to research on key topics."

Dr Fletcher said the evaluation of information for fathers was not a judgement of the whole website.

"The organisations we evaluated have welcomed feedback on their websites and some are now adding more material to assist fathers.

"The hope is that organisations will continue to develop their websites so that when the evaluation is conducted again next year there will be plenty of father-specific support available," Dr Fletcher said.

The guidelines, along with the evaluation of nine prominent websites, are available from the Family Action Centre website and are published in the latest Australian Fatherhood Research Network Bulletin.