There is an old saying and one that has a lot of truth in it, 'babies cost a fortune.'

Most new parents are surprised at how cash-draining a new baby can be. How can such a small individual eat into so much of the family budget?

Fortunately the expenses do not have to be incurred all at once. Planned or unplanned you have nine months (give or take) to prepare for the event and make some plan to deal with the undoubted expense that a new baby brings. There are several steps that expectant parents can take to help cut down on some of the major expenses that are expected.

Baby showers are great blessings for an expectant mother, especially a first time mother. It's a time when friends and family members literally shower the newborn with presents. I've known many a mother who was embarrassed to take advantage of the situation and ask for what she really needed. Don't be! A decent shower can often cover most of the immediate baby layette needs.

The normal practice is for a close friend or relation to host the shower and in reality they want you to drop hints, or even ask directly for what you need, it makes their job much easier.

How far in advance? Well the simple answer is as far in advance as possible.

Start adding diapers to your regular shopping list and try to pick up one or two packages each week. At this point you've got to think size. Start with a pack or two of the newborn size and then sizes one and two. If you have a bigger baby you don't want to be stuck with lots of newborn size diapers that you'll never use. If the baby is "normal" size it is easy to buy newborn sizes while you need them and rest easy in the knowledge that you're already stocked up on the next sizes up.

You'll find that grandparents are usually delighted to help out with some of the major expenses like cots and nursery furniture. Maybe you have some relations or in-laws who no longer need baby equipment. If asked they'll probably be more than willing to pass good unused equipment on.

If a used crib, stroller, or playpen is in good condition, there is no reason not to buy it over a new one. A lot of money can be saved here.

There is one item I would not buy second hand and that's the car seat. Safety must always come first and unless you buy new there is no way to be sure that it measures up to current safety standards.

Plan and think ahead and you'll find that you can save serious money perhaps enough to open a college account, and it's never to early to think of that either.