Amsterdam has announced that for every child born in the Dutch capital it can plant a tree.

The city traditionally gave all new parents a present, which since 2007 has taken the form of a baby bathing towel, emblazoned with the motto ‘I-Amsterdam’.

‘We need a sustainable alternative,’ announced head of services Touria Meliani, a member of the GroenLinks green party.

So, from now on, new parents will be offered the choice of a comforter made from recycled ocean plastic and organic cotton, produced in Europe, or to plant a tree via the foundation Trees for All.

‘All parents will also have a congratulation card from the mayor on so-called living paper,’ she announced in a press release. ‘This is paper containing seeds so that you can grow flowers from it at home.’

The current bathing towel is considered un-eco friendly because it is made in China and because of the strength of the dye, it had to be washed three times before first use. In addition, the same present has been given for subsequent children, leading to a potential excess of towelling material, the city added.