Trade magazine Cosmetic Business has already highlighted that baby care products are ‘enjoying a growth spurt'.  "Parents are not only spending more money on baby care products, they are spending more time researching the products and ingredients, with advice on bathing their babies being sought from a variety of sources."  This, suggests Nursery Industry, is where retailers come in. There is so much conflicting information nowadays, with some sources suggesting that products marketed as ‘natural' may not be chemical free after all. When selecting products for retail, it is vital that you have a full understanding of how a product promoted as natural, organic or environmentally friendly is produced, so that customers opting to ‘go green' can do so with confidence.

Parents are not just concerned about the amount of chemicals present in their toiletry products, but in the clothing and bedding that they use too. The Organic Skin Care Directory has found that conventional cotton farming and its harmful effects are causing more concern among parents than ever before, prompting them to search for alternatives. After coffee, it says, cotton is the second most pesticide-saturated crop in the world. Irritations of the skin such as eczema, psoriasis and allergic rashes are occurring more and more nowadays, because of the invention of polyester and chemically treated fabrics. "Reactions of the skin such as itching and rashes are common in consumers who wear new items of clothing and it can take several washes before chemicals are totally stripped away," it warns.

If you buy organic baby clothes says The Baby Show, it means that particular clothing items such as hats, mittens, booties, soft wraps and blankets, cardigans and baby-grows are all made using organic cottons, eliminating the possibility of harsh dyes and bleach rubbing against your baby's sensitive skin.

Many parents also prefer organic bedding - it doesn't contain bleach or other strong chemicals that could irritate sensitive new skin. Organic products such as blankets, towels, mattresses and sheets can now be found in many retailers. What's more, according to Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products, toys made from sustainable sources, including renewable wood with water based finishes, natural and organic-cotton plush toys, and toys coloured with vegetable dyes instead of paint are among the latest toy trends.

Natural, organic and environmental products make great gifts, showing consideration for baby's health and the world he is to grow up in. Retailers would benefit from purchasing an organic range from informative manufacturers to inspire trust in shop and product, promoting green principles as the way forward.