Natural Parenting for Greener Living

And natural parenting can deliver a good many benefits for both you and your child.

This section of Greenfootsteps looks at natural parenting and explores some of the ways we can be green in our methods of childcare and the purchases we make.

Or is it worth putting up the investment to buy cloth nappies? Does your choice really make a difference to the environment?

What types of cloth nappies or diapers are available? Which materials are best for your baby? What are the environmental costs of each approach?

In my view, cloth nappies are both better for the environment and better for babies. But if you like or need extra convenience at times (such as for holidays and days out), then the choice of eco-friendlier disposables is improving.

For British readers I've also written a page on cloth nappies available in the UK to help you decide on the most eco-friendly option for your baby. (Helping you to keep down the nappy miles!)

Simple adjustments to your baby's diet can sometimes be very rewarding, resulting in a happier and less fretful child and a more peaceful time for you.

Skin care is also an important concern for parents. There is a lot you can do to ensure a healthy and beautiful skin for your young family members by using natural products and foods.

Sleep, too, is a big topic for many new parents. This section will consider ways to help your young children to natural and enduring good patterns of sleep.

There is now a burgeoning market in natural and organic bedding and clothing for babies and young children.

Here you will find some of the best options discussed and evaluated. Here's a look at some of the best eco-friendly Baby blanket material choices to help you decide what to buy - or make. And here's a page showing organic baby clothes - some of the very best choices available today to give your baby a greener start in life.

Seasalt is a great new site in the UK which has organic and ethically traded clothing for parents and kids. They are based in Cornwall.

More and more, green living is a lifestyle choice which offers many benefits - including better health and often less expense. These benefits can be experienced by parents and their children, too.

However, not all green consumer products are cheaper than their standard rivals. Sometimes the benefits are felt in the long run - because energy savings are made or because many eco-friendly consumer items just last longer; you certainly can't pass on your disposable nappies to your sister! But real cloth nappies can last through several children's infancies and wooden toys, for example, can last for generations.

Keeping your growing family supplied with food, clothing, warmth and entertainment can sometimes seem like a full time job. Some eco-friendly products and services can definitely help square the circle of family finances; others, such as supermarket organic foods, can leave you feeling emtpty-pocketed!

You may find some helpful ideas for reducing costs in Green Shift - Living Well on Less.

Working at home can be a great option for some parents. (No, I'm not talking about stuffing envelopes or hosting product parties!) If you would like a free course book for work at home mums, just follow this link:

Work at home mum's course book

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