Kate's new child star

Kate Winslet is clearly revelling in her favourite role - motherhood.

Six days after the birth of son Joe, she took him for his first family outing in New York.

The star walked hand in hand with her husband, film director Sam Mendes, with daughter Mia perched on her shoulders for the five-minute stroll.

Little Joe remained resolutely asleep, protected against the bitter cold in his blue pram, for the brief jaunt.

Three-year-old Mia, Miss Winslet's child by ex-husband Jim Threapleton, giggled as they walked around the block in Manhattan's exclusive Chelsea neighbourhood.

The couple, who spent Christmas at a £1.5million rented townhouse while Mendes makes a movie in New York, are due to be joined by Miss Winslet's parents Sally, 58, and Roger, 63.

The pair, both actors themselves, are due to fly in any day now to see the latest addition to their family.

Earlier, Miss Winslet cuddled Mia as she spoke about her joy of the new arrival following Joe's birth at 8.30pm on Monday, December 22.

The 28-year-old star asked her daughter: 'What did we just have?' and the proud youngster replied: 'A baby boy.'

Miss Winslet added: 'We have had a little baby boy. His name is Joe Mendes. It was a natural birth in hospital and everything went well. He was actually a few days late. Everyone is doing great.'