Public relations companies are tremendously inventive when it comes to developing new ideas to promote their products and services.

All manner of things arrive through the post - many of which are about as much use as the proverbial chocolate kettle.

For example the other week we were sent a sample of a new cream to treat athlete's foot, along with a new preparation for haemorrhoids in the same package. I accept they are distressing conditions but I confess to having a chuckle trying to work out a connection between the two.

This week I was sent a Pampers Playtimes 'bikini style' chassis that features a high leg cut, low fitting front and stretch waist system and concentrated absorbent core - a new disposable nappy.

A child research expert is quoted as saying: "While I observed children wearing the nappies, I noticed that they were able to lift their legs easily when they were walking and crawling. They had excellent bodily freedom to move about, and as research has shown, movement is a major contributor to overall development."

The good doctor adds: "Extensive research showed that many infants who lack mental and physical stimulation, and even the freedom to move and play, do not develop properly. (It appears we have a new generation of what's being called Couch Potato babies) It ends with: "So the right combination of a great nappy and great toys can result in a happier baby with excellent development."

For once I was lost for words.

I've got a free nappy to give away to the reader who can come up with the best response to the research doctor's theories or a suggestion of what to do with the nappy.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.