Newborn Baby

Newborn Baby

· Research reveals that two in three new parents find energy use increases with baby’s arrival.

· New parents spent over £70m on baby gadgets last year.

· E.ON offers tips and advice for new parents on how to control energy consumption (scroll down for top tips).

With the UK in the midst of a baby boom, new research from E.ON has revealed that two thirds of parents use more energy in the first two months of their little bundle’s arrival, with almost a fifth finding their energy use went up considerably.

The E.ON research highlights the changes new parents see in their energy use during baby’s first two months, including; four in 10 tumble dry more often; almost a third put on ‘significantly more’ loads of washing; new parents watch on average three and a half more hours of TV and listen to three more hours of radio a day.

Beverley Maguire, energy efficiency expert at E.ON, said: “New parents are faced with lots of additional costs, but one thing they may not consider is how baby’s arrival will affect their energy consumption.

“It’s clear from our research that the way families use their appliances changes significantly when a new baby arrives, and we want to ensure people have the information and advice they need to use energy as efficiently as possible to help them control their energy bills.”

With a new baby to look after, the last thing parents want to do is worry about how their new technology and lifestyle is affecting their energy use.

The findings uncovered the financial implications of the changing ways new parents use energy in their homes.

With over a quarter of new parents running up to three loads of washing a day, families could see their washing machine use add £30 to their energy bill over baby’s first 60 days.

With more time spent at home, new parents found that their home entertainment use increased too – by an average of three hours more TV viewing a day – with 26 per cent watching up to four hours more a day, with a cost implication of over £600,000.

The research also found that new mums are 10 per cent more likely to increase their TV consumption than dads in the first couple of months, with eight per cent finding that they watched it for up to six hours more a day. 

The radio was also used more, costing families almost £350,000 in these first weeks as one in 10 tuned in for up to four hours extra a day.

Beverley added: “With a new baby to look after, the last thing parents want to do is worry about how their new technology and lifestyle is affecting their energy use.

“But a change in family circumstances can be a good opportunity to review your energy tariff and make sure you’re on the best deal.

“And we’ve pulled together some simple steps to help new parents minimise the impact a new member of the family can have on energy bills.”

The findings also reveal the cost of new gadgets for parents, showing; baby equipment cost new parents over £70m in the last year; on average, new parents spend £700 on baby gadgets in the first two months after baby’s arrival; and more than a quarter of new parents use up to three extra gadgets each week, such as baby monitors and bottle sterilisers.

E.ON’s Top Tips for new parents:

1. A tumble dryer is one of the most energy hungry appliances in your home; cutting down on just one load a week could take around £30 off your electricity bill. If you can’t dry your washing on the line or use a clothes horse and you need to use your dryer, give your clothes a quick extra spin in the washing machine beforehand – they’ll dry much quicker.

2. Sleepless nights are an all-too-common feature for new parents, and the extra hours awake will mean the lights need to be switched on more. Try placing energy efficient LED night lights around the house so that you don’t have to use the main light at night;

3. When it comes to bath time, save energy and water by using a baby bath divider or small tub rather than the main bath – there’s no need to fill the whole tub. Getting the temperature right first time can also help save on using lots of hot water only to have to cool it down;

4. Why not rent or hire new gadgets and equipment instead of buying them? The NCT7 has a rental scheme for new baby necessities, which could save you money in the long run;

5. Ensure the room where your little one sleeps is fully protected against draughts and cold-air. Simple draught excluders can help keep them cosy without dialling up the thermostat. 

To find out more about E.ON’s simpler tariffs, to find its best deal and read about the customer rewards on offer, visit  eonenergy.com 

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