Frightened by the cost of having a baby? I used to be too. In fact I was so worried I noticed a few grey hairs. However, seven children later, I have got bargain hunting down to an art. The grey hairs are still there (my children tell me) but they dont seem to be getting any worse. My children have everything they need (or rather that I want them to need!) and at very little cost too. Im going to let you in on my secrets too.

First time Parents often want everything for their baby to be new. This can work out quite costly. Second time round many parents realise that the baby doesnt know the difference between new and nearly new and often prefer the savings that buying secondhand can bring. However, if buying new is a must there are still ways to find bargains.

For equipment its worth waiting for the sales if you can hold out - lots of retailers sell of old stock at half price. This is particularly true for pushchairs and prams since manufacturers change their colour schemes each season. Look out for end of lines where makes or styles have been discontinued. Remember that you have the same rights in the UK buying sale items as you do when buying full priced items.

Brand new nursery gear can also be found on online auction websites. Be careful to note where the item will be shipped from as some will come from abroad and watch those postage prices when considering your bid since hefty postage charges can make an item more expensive than buying in a shop. Also check with the seller if you can return unsuitable items. You also need to be aware that any aftersales service if the item breaks after a short time is likely to be non-existant. Try and pay by credit card if the goods are over 100 each as this will offer some protection.

There are plenty of websites online that also offer either past seasons and end of line nursery equipment and clothing but also some that just discount on current seasons stock. Selling online usually means less overheads and so retailers are able to pass the savings on to the customer. You will also have far more legal protection if things go wrong buying this way and also the chance to return any unsuitable goods for whatever reason.

If you dont mind buying secondhand then there are even greater bargains to be found. As well as the above options plenty of bargains can be found at car boot sales. Remember to check out any equipment or toys for broken parts or sharp edges and try and ensure the instructions are there. Also safety recommendations may have changed since the seller purchased the item and so its best to stick to items that have been bought recently and not stored in an attic for many years. Avoid used car seats as you can never tell if these have been involved in an accident or dropped and its also best to avoid electrical items too for safety reasons. If you hunt around though and go often then you will find that amongst the junk you will often find people selling baby gear that looks as good as new.

If you choose carefully then the cost of kitting your baby out drops dramatically. Try and work out what items you really need by asking other mums what they found useful and what items they bought and didnt use much. Then armed with your list of what you want you can set out in search of bargains!