Yummy Mummies go green!

WHY IT IS LOOKING GREEN IN NAPPY VALLEY

Nappy valley has gone green. According to statistics released today yummy mummies are trading in their designer kit for wooden toys, washable nappies and organic clothing.

The survey commissioned by Green Baby, eco-friendly friendly retailer, questioned 600 mums nationwide and discovered that 82% of new mums have become greener since having a baby; with 74% resolving to give their child an eco-friendly upbringing until they leave home and 19% will for at least the first five years of their child's life. The biggest motivation was helping to save the planet (69%) and combating childhood health problems, like eczema and asthma (15%) was the second most popular reason.

In fact giving a child a green up-bringing is more important than enrolling them in a good school and setting up a child trust fund. Although providing a secure family unit is still the number priority for 69% of mums.

According to the survey, the biggest barriers to going green are expense (22%), availability of eco-friendly products (23%) and lack of information (18%). 75% of mums complained that antenatal classes provided little or no information about how to give your baby a 'green start in life' with only 9% admitting they were given lots of advice.

Other interesting findings from the report include:

• Mums living in London are the greenest - 26% have become a lot greener since giving birth with 19% using washable nappies, 24% opting for organic bedding and 25% preferring to use natural toiletries. Parents in Scotland and Wales are slower off the mark with only 7% of mums in Scotland using washable nappies and 3% in Wales.
• Mums living in London are also most likely to buy organic food (22%) and cook their children's meals from scratch. Mums in Bristol and Bath favour using a combination of jars and homemade food (32%) whereas mums in Manchester and Liverpool prefer using jars.
• Although mums are conscious of ensuring their baby has a green start in life they are less strict about their own lifestyle. 30% admitted that their lifestyle wasn't green but their baby's was, 15% are green 50% of the time and 11% said they tried to be green.
• There still remains a gap in knowledge about fair trade - 23% of respondents claimed they didn't understand enough about it, 62% said it was important to them and 15% claimed it wasn't.

Comments Jill Barker, founder of Green Baby, "It is really encouraging to see mums are making the effort to give their babies an eco-friendly start in life. Being green should be a way of life for all the family and is a resolve that should not be put off until tomorrow."

Says new mum Sophie, "Having a baby made me look seriously at the world I was bringing her into. Giving your baby a green upbringing doesn't have to cost the earth. Whether you share toys with friends, swap to washable nappies or take family holidays closer to home every small action counts and helps to make the planet a healthy place for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

For new mums wanting to give their babies a green start in live here are some top tips:

• Babies grow out of clothes so quickly so make use of hand-me-downs from family and friends. If you are splashing out on clothes buy organic cotton. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops in the world - organic cotton will ensure that there are no pesticide residues which can end up on your baby's garments and skin.
• Try washable nappies instead of disposable ones. They are easier than you think and even using one a day can make a huge difference to the amount of waste you throw away. It will save you money too - disposables for one baby's nappy-wearing life cost £1,250 compared with the £550 life cost of washable nappies.
• Holiday in the UK, or if you are tempted to go abroad book direct flights. If you stay in a hotel leave heating and air-conditioning off when you leave the hotel room and hang up towels up for use again.
• Skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs almost 60% of what you put on it. Read labels and choose toiletries that you would be happy to put inside your babies body. Opt for natural or organic products.

For more tips on going green and giving your child a healthy start to life, buy Jill Barker's book 'Baby green caring for your baby the eco-friendly way'.

Green Baby is the only retailer on the high street selling all eco-friendly baby products. A favourite with celebrities, including Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Samantha Morton. Green Baby is a must visit - stocked with 100% organic cotton clothing, aged 0 - 5yrs, environmentally friendly nappies, organic skincare, and natural nursery products it has something for everyone.

For more information click onto greenbaby or call 0870 240 6894.

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