So why aren't more parents choosing reusuable or at least less ‘processed' disposable nappies? Sometimes economic factors play a part but not in nappies. Cloth nappies are certainly cheaper, no question at all. But there's something about our modern lifestyle that makes us disconnect at this point with our babies' needs. We'll go green when it suits, but real nappies are just a little too much effort. Or are they? Not once you get into it. In fact they are so much more hygienic because you simply have to flush the yucky bit away down the loo - where sewage should be, and not leave it in overflowing dustbins. More on nappies in the next issue.

Cotton, wool and now bamboo are great natural fabrics for our babies. They allow air to circulate so bedding, clothing and of course nappies are so much healthier. Natural mattresses made from horse hair or coconut hair (coir) are also superb because not only are they comfortable and hard-wearing but they are produced using fewer if any chemicals compared to others and their temperature-adjusting qualities are useful to babies whose own abilities in this department are not yet perfectly worked out.

The skin is the body's largest organ and babies and children's skin is super sensitive. Eczema and asthma are on the rise, so are allergies in general. Doctors speculate that the increased use of chemical products in the home and over-cleaning are to blame. But this doesn't help cure the problem. Irritants in washing powder, cleaning products, toiletries, clothing and food aggravate such conditions, and anything that dries the skin out such as parabens makes it worse. Living with a child with severe allergies is a living nightmare and effects are felt by the whole family. Natural products to this market, largely sell themselves so there is always a strong and loyal market for natural and organic baby goods.

What's interesting and absolutely fundamental to going green with a baby is the premise that parents who choose an environmentally friendly product care more. They care on two levels: Personally they care about their baby and have made a conscious decision to shield him from as many unnecessary chemicals as they can. As an extension of this they also care about the world their baby will be growing up in, and are wanting to support companies that trade ethically in an attempt to stem the destruction of our planet.