Q: I am having my first baby in three months' time and am starting to buy the things we will need. But I am a little worried and overwhelmed by the cost of it all. I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't want to pay over the odds for nursery and baby equipment, and it's making me feel like a failure already.

A: Rest assured, the vast majority of new mums are overwhelmed by how much it costs to equip a nursery and keep your little one feed, clothed and sheltered. Preparing for a baby is an expensive time and you are by no means a failure for wanting to keep costs low.

The good news is there are plenty of ways of saving money.

The first thing to do is ask around and see if any family or friends have anything to borrow or buy at a reasonable price.

Alternatively, it is worth looking at online auction or parenting sites, particularly for baby clothes. Many people now bag up their clothes and sell them as bundles online. There are lots of savings to be had and, as babies grow so fast, you may get lucky and receive a relatively untouched bounty.

Additionally, there are plenty of nearly new sales organised by parenting groups and associations. These offer everything from cots to pushchairs, meaning that there is no need to pay overinflated prices in the baby section of the department store.

Substantial savings can also be gained by opting for reusable nappies as opposed to disposable. It has been calculated that savings of £600 per year can be made, which includes factoring in the detergents, water and electricity required for keeping the nappies clean.

Finally, breastfeeding for as long as possible can ease the financial load, as can making your own baby food when the times comes to wean.

Are you pregnant and worried about costs? Did you manage to find a bargain as an expectant mum?