4 money-saving tips every new mother needs to know

Newborns are demanding on your sleep and your wallet. But with this baby savvy advice, you can keep your baby happy, healthy and and maybe even down for just a little longer.

• About halfway through your pregnancy, start talking to friends and relatives with babies about what they have found most useful and what was a waste of money.
• Write a list of what you think you'll need at the outset and don't be tempted to stray from it.
• Save on large items such as strollers, baby carriers and cribs by borrowing them from friends whose children have outgrown them, or by buying them second-hand.
• You will be confronted with an enormous array of gorgeous babywear, but choose what's practical and good value — and accept offers of used baby clothes from friends.

• For the first two or three weeks, your baby will spend much of the time asleep, so undershirts and sleepers are the most practical.
• Buy a few undershirts and sleepers in the "newborn" size and some more in size "zero to three months" before your baby is born.
• Many people enjoy giving baby clothes as presents, but they usually buy the small sizes, which won't fit for long.
• Always choose one size ahead of your baby's actual age. When sales shopping, get clothes for the coming months.
• For some real bargains, head to nearly-new sales and second-hand babywear shops. Babies grow very quickly; you can benefit, as some items may still carry the original price tag, indicating that they've never been worn.
• Good deals can be had online. You'll find second-hand and brand-new designer and baby clothes being sold for next to nothing.

After you and your baby go home from the hospital, you are likely to receive promotional literature and samples of goodies for you and the baby. Once you're confident about the health of your baby, sign up for anything that promises money-off vouchers and free samples.

Buying a second-hand crib could save several hundred dollars. But check for these features and changes before buying:

• Make sure the crib hasn't been painted by the owner. The paint may be lead-based, which is toxic.
• The teething rail must be in a reasonable condition. They can be replaced, but make sure you can get the correct part before buying such a crib.
• Ensure none of the screws and bolts is missing.
• Slats shouldn't be damaged and no more than six centimetres (two inches) apart.
• The catches on the drop-side must be very secure, and the base properly fitted.
• Avoid cribs crib manufactured prior to 1986 as they won't meet current safety standards.

Note: New crib or second-hand crib, it is essential to purchase a new mattress. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths found that instances of crib death increase with the use of a second-hand mattress, especially if the mattress comes from another home.Be wise: improviseYou can make your own bassinet using a laundry basket or even a dresser drawer. As long as babies have a firm mattress and suitable blankets, they really don't mind where they are.If friends or other family members are due to give birth a couple of months before or after you, why not halve the cost of a bassinet by sharing one? But you will still need to buy separate mattresses.

From the moment you find out you're having a child, you'll be bombarded with information from everyone you know. But by knowing what advice to take, and what items you can grab, your baby's first few months will go smoothly and you could even save some money.