Your little bundle can cost you. Here's how to avoid blowing your budget.

• When choosing your travel system try to chose a package that includes a car seat and includes a push-chair suitable from birth right up to toddler hood. There are some great packages on the market. Many will throw in extras such as cosy foot-muff and a good rain cover.
• Don't be afraid to buy second hand. Certain items like car-seats are not recommended second hand unless you can be certain that they were never in a car-crash but many work out very well. There are always several families selling good quality items of all price ranges. These items are used for such a short period of time and are therefore generally in very good condition.
• If a family member or friend offers to purchase you a gift “that you need” then take them up on that offer. Perhaps it is a cot mattress, baby changing bag or steriliser. You might feel cheeky giving them an idea but the reality is that they will probably spend the same amount of money on something else. People are usually much happier to purchase you something that will help you out.
• Buy things when they are on sale. This one may seem obvious but I purchased a travel cot and play-mat long before a travel system or car-seat, simply because they were on sale.
• Speak to friends and family who have had children. There are a lot of products on the market that you may not require. Advertising is very clever in that respect. Speaking to a mother might give you some perspective on what you really need.
• Incorporate items like nappies and wipes in to your weekly shopping for several weeks before your due date. This will put less pressure on your budget after the baby arrives. Having a stock of these items is also incredibly convenient.
• Try to embrace the idea of hand-me-downs. Babies go through a lot of basic items such as vests, sleep suits and dribblers. Having a bag of pre-loved items will save you money.
• While on maternity leave you may be earning less money. Perhaps you will reply on the state maternity benefit payment or a reduced salary payment. For this reason it is a good idea to put aside some money each month while you are in your regular employment. You will not regret this.