Are you thinking about starting a family? Here are some tips to help make sure your little one doesn't end up costing the Earth.
My colleague Jane Baker recently wrote an article called Can You Afford To Have A Baby?, outlining the main questions you should ask yourself if you're planning to start a family.
In How To Cut The Cost Of Having A Baby, Jane also examined all the state benefits you could be entitled to as a parent.
Several Fool readers have since put in requests for a third baby article - with money saving tips on how to look after your little one.
So here it is: a host of hints on how to save the pennies when you find out you're pregnant, when your baby is born, and in his or her early years.
Before the birth
When you fall pregnant, you could set up a new savings account and put any spare money into it for upcoming baby expenses. That way, you'll be better prepared to fork out for those unexpected extras when your child arrives.
In your excitement, try not to buy tonnes of baby clothes and equipment straight away. You'll probably be given lots of gifts by family and friends, and end up with two or three of everything!
Finally, talk to friends who already have children. Find out what items they found really useful - and what they could have done without. This should help you cut through pricey `gimmickry' and spend your money wisely.
When the baby's born
If you feel comfortable with the idea, make a present list (sort of like a wedding list) to avoid well-wishers all buying the same thing.
You could send the list with the birth announcement, or (if this feels a tad mercenary!) pass it round the family and friends who want to get a gift, so they can tick off what they've bought.
It's a good idea to include some really small items, so hard-up well-wishers can make a contribution without breaking the bank.
And if you're happy to be given used baby clothes and equipment, make sure you let people know. If you don't, people may assume you don't want their `cast-offs'.
Nappies
This thorny issue deserves a whole section to itself!
Reuseable nappies are, generally speaking, cheaper in the long-term than their disposable equivalents.
Estimates suggest you could save up to £600 using them on your first child - and even more if you use the same ones for your other children.
Many people, however, swear by disposables - greater convenience, no poo in their washing machines, and so on...
Reuseable: There are several types of reusable nappy and the price really varies - so you need to do a bit of research. For example, do you go for washable or disposable liners? (the latter cost around 2p each).
Turning down the temperature on your wash can really cut your costs: try washing fewer soiled nappies at 60 degrees rather than 90.
And if you choose washable liners that are quick drying, you can air dry them more easily - saving the pennies on the tumble dryer.
Finally, most local councils now offer incentives to parents who choose reuseable nappies. These include subsidised nappy kits or even cash to put towards nappy purchases.
The Nappy Lady website is a good place to find out more.
Disposable: It's worth bearing in mind that the same nappy manufacturers often make the leading names and shops' own-brand equivalents. So, before you plump for the priciest disposable around, `road test' some of the cheaper versions.
As usual, buying in bulk can also save you money, especially if you come across special deals like buy-one-get-one-free.
Finally, several big retailers run parenting clubs, and it's worth signing up to get at the coupons, deals and extra reward points on offer.
For example, with the Boots Parenting Club you currently get double points every time you buy certain baby products - including nappies - in store.
Feeding
If you're willing and able to breast feed, there's a real financial incentive for doing so. Bottle feeding a baby can end up costing hundreds, particularly if you also buy high-tech sterilisation equipment.
Breast feeding is (generally) the cheaper option - especially if you hire your breast pump temporarily or get one second-hand.
Try making your own baby food rather than buying it packaged. Once cooked and blended, freeze it in ice cube trays until you need it. This website should give you lots of ideas.
Clothes, toys and equipment
You can save a fortune if you get some of your baby stuff second hand.
Charity shops: ask nicely and the assistants may even put aside relevant stuff as it comes in - so you have a whole bag of baby clothes to choose from the next time you visit.
Freecycle:Free baby equipment is always coming up on this excellent recycling network. Again, you can put in requests for specific items.
Nearly-new sales: The National Childbirth Trust, for example, holds hundreds of these every year, all over the UK.
And of course, don't forget eBay, eBid and other auction sites. The `baby and kids' section of Gumtree is also worth a look.
Check out your nearest toy library. You can borrow all sorts of toys for a minimal charge - sometimes even for free - and it's a great way of finding out what toys your child likes before buying them yourself.
Good to know: For safety reasons, there is certain baby equipment that you should buy new.
For example, experts advise you should never buy a child car seat unless you know its full history - because if it's been involved in an accident, it may no longer be safe.
Hopefully, if you've made savings elsewhere, you'll have enough to spend on these things.
Sell it on: Remember - you can also make a bit of money back by selling your child's clothes, toys and equipment when you no longer need them.
Childcare
A good way to save money on childcare is to set up or join a babysitting circle with friends who also have young children.
By trading babysitting duties with each other, you could save £20 or £30 every time you want a night out.
A silver lining?
Look on the bright side - there really are ways your bundle of joy can actually save you money.
Imagine all the cash you save by giving up smoking... or cutting down on the booze.
And you're likely to have fewer foreign holidays and nights out on the town as well...
Good luck!