According to some estimates the average cost of bringing up a couple of children in Australia from birth to age 20 is a whopping $500 , 000. That figure takes into account most of the costs involved in parenting including housing , transport , food , clothing , recreation and education.

Here's some “So You're Having A Baby!” tips from simplesavings.com.au's Fiona Lippey

• Time is money, money is time: In many cases Mums get to stay home with their baby until the money runs out and then they have to head back to work. The further you stretch your money , the longer you can afford to stay at home with your child. “I like to think of it as $500 saved equals one more week at home , ” Fiona says.
• If in doubt, go without : There are so many baby goods you just don't need. For example , instead of buying a change table , pop the baby on a towel on your bed , on the rug or on an old table. While the child is little they can't move and by the time they can move change tables are too dangerous for squirming babies.
• “Be wary of your nesting instinct. Pregnant woman's nesting instinct is very strong and while it's natural to desire all the latest gadgets and adorable clothes it adds up quickly and can be a real challenge to your finances.” Fiona warns.
• Pay cash: Ideally when buying your first car you should save up and pay cash. This may mean you'd have to go without some luxuries and use public transport while you save but it is worth it in the long run.
• Avoid the baby isle in supermarket: : Tinned and canned baby food is low in nutrition and can be expensive. Rice cereal is just rice. You can save yourself $20 per kilo by cooking , blending and freezing it yourself. It only requires a very good blender or food processor , a steamer or boiling pot , ice cube trays , and a few minutes of your time.
• Don't pay full price: Baby goods are one of those wonderful areas you never really have to pay full price. You can often find gently used gear in great condition on eBay or at second-hand stores.

  “Shopping online at eBay is a great way to find all sorts of bargains without having to lug your pregnant belly around baby store after baby store”.

  You can find strollers , bouncers , high chairs , new and used clothing and much more on eBay.

  “For safety's sake , take the opportunity to ask the seller as many questions as you need to assess the history of furniture or equipment.” Fiona says.

  You can also check buyer guides at eBay.com.au for product information and safety guidelines , and also Standards Australia and the ACCC.

• Remember don't go ga-ga:Be conservative and use a little common sense. Keep in mind that in twenty years , your baby will not remember whether you used name brand or generic nappies or bought his/her clothes at a bargain price online!

“You can buy virtually anything for your baby on eBay , ” says Queenslander Cindy Scholten. “I purchased 90% of our baby goods on the site and saved thousands!”

A treasure trove for brand new baby goods , eBay allowed Cindy to successfully kit out her first baby's nursery on a tight budget. “I bought Kira-lee's pram , bouncer , baby monitor , sheets and the majority of clothing on eBay at prices that were often less than half their original retail price.”

“Not to mention , eBay saved me from the arduous task of walking around the shops while heavily pregnant. Instead , everything I needed was delivered to my doorstep!”

Now expecting her second baby , Cindy is using eBay to buy her next batch of baby goods as well as sell unwanted items from her first pregnancy. “The Baby and Maternity category is hot on eBay! Many mums , like me , have a tendency to purchase too much for their little ones and babies will grow out of them quickly. So often , you'll find plenty of us offloading brand new items at great prices on eBay. It really is the best trading forum for mums and dads who are starting a family , ” says Cindy.