We all know that becoming a parent isn't easy and is costly too.
And before signing up to parenthood, there is no manual that exposes everything, including the extent of the costs involved.
New research by a parenting club, Emma's Diary, has found that new parents spend an average of £11,498 during the first year of a child's life and it is mums who account for most of those costs, accounting for 70 per cent of household spending.
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The outgoings naturally do not stop there, with the average spend in the UK £1000 - £2000 during pregnancy and then throughout the child's lifetime.
Though the figure is huge, when you add everything up from cots to Moses baskets, bottles, bottle cleaners, nappies, clothes (the list goes on), it is no wonder it soon stacks up.
Especially now that 'trendy' pushchairs and prams from Bugaboo to iCandy can cost as much as £800.
Not forgetting the sought after baby bouncers by Babybjörn that can cost as much as £140.
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And of course there is so much new technology out there, new parents may feel under pressure to purchase everything.
From the video link baby monitors that allow you to actually see your child rather than just hear them whilst they're meant to be sleeping and the machines that bring your bottles up to the exact temperature appropriate to be given to your baby instantly (no more waiting at 3am for it to cool down).
And we haven't even mentioned the personalised products.
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One third of new mums will happily pay a higher price for personalised products - it is cute after all.
So it really is no surprise everyone is splashing so much cash.
If you can avoid the pressure of consumerism though and think carefully about your spending, there are ways to cut costs.
From creating a spreadsheet to budget and keep track of spending and using the calculator from gov.uk to work out your statutory leave and the pay you'll be entitled to when baby arrives.
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Another top tip is to speak to other parents who can advise which products give bang for their buck and which are a waste of space.
Lastly, registering for the NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate for free prescriptions and dental care is something you should definitely take advantage of.
It will all help when costs start to rack up.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels