Having a baby can be an expensive business if you’re too proud to buy second-hand items, or accept gifts, or hand-me-downs.

However, according to babycentre.co.uk it’s possible to save up to 90 per cent on most of purchases with a bit of second-hand know-how because second-hand doesn’t have to mean second best.

As well as jumble sales, car-boot fairs, eBay and Gumtree, there are also littlie-specific ways to bag serious bargains.

The National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale is excellent for picking up pre-loved items, and there’s one coming up on April 26 at the Oxford Spires Academy (top tip – volunteers get first pick of the crop so email nearlynewsale.oxford@nct.org.uk if you’re interested in volunteering).

Whilst a bit of a rugby scrum at times (though heavily pregnant ladies get priority viewing) these sales are a goldmine packed to the rafters with every baby-related item you could ever imagine. From bundles of bibs to high-chairs and prams many items are virtually unused, and some are brand new.

Then there’s the brilliant Oxon Babies,Toddlers & Cool Kids Sale Site on Facebook, which with almost 5,500 members makes for a fantastic resource for finding bundles of clothes, toys, nursery furniture, and pretty much everything in between all on your doorstep.

That said, it’s advisable to swot up on the current child safety symbols (http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25007161/child-safety-symbols) in order to sleep soundly knowing that any new-to-you second-hand purchase conforms to safety standards. Pay particular attention to pushchairs (look for the British Standard sticker BS 7409), car seats, mattresses, baby bouncers and walkers, breast pumps, mains-powered electrical items and of course toys.

Only ever buy a second-hand car-seat if you are certain it hasn’t been involved in an accident that might compromise the materials that made it safe.

At the end of the day, many a mickle makes a muckle isn’t a bad adage for any littlie to grow up by!