THE arrival of a baby brings great joy, sleepless nights - and money worries. Little Leo's appearance means Tony and Cherie Blair know all about the first two. But with the salaries of a Prime Minister and a top barrister coming into Downing Street, they are unlikely to be fretting about how to make ends meet.

However, there is good news for those of us on more mortal salaries. Bringing up baby needn't break the bank.

It is easy to spend thousands of pounds on the latest addition to the family. Equally, it is perfectly possible to kit him or her out within a tight budget.

The first thing to realise is that a thriving second-hand market for baby clothes and accessories exists. Infants grow so quickly that they are rarely in an outfit long enough to wear it out.That means second hand clothes can look as good as new.

Ask friends with older children if they have baby things that they no longer need. Another good place to look is the classified ads in the Evening Press, where a bargain can often be found.

Baby Bonanza is a shop on Front Street, Acomb, York, specialising in selling second hand things for babies and children up to about four years old. When owner Sarah Froggatt was expecting her first child she found the prices for infant clothes and accessories a nasty shock. So two years ago she started the shop. People bring in items and she sells it on their behalf for a commission. "We get a cross-section," Sarah said.

"The most popular things are the designer labels like Poppy and the French labels.

"Also Next and Marks & Spencer are extremely popular, and the supermarket clothes like Asda and Tesco are popular."

Prices start at £2.50 for a romper suit up to about £6 or £7 for an M&S embroidered dress. "You are looking at under half price," said Sarah.

However, if you are determined that your child is as fashion-conscious as you are, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, near York, boasts a number of shops selling discount designer babywear. Expect discounts of at least 30 per cent for buying last season's new outfits.

Vecopri is a store that imports children's wear by Kenzo, Timberland, DKNY and Elle. A Kenzo baby outfit costs around £12 to £15.

French shop Petit Bateau infants' underwear prices range from £2 to £6 and daywear from £4 to £25. Meanwhile, clothes stores such as Ted Baker, Paul Smith and Tog 24 have introduced children's ranges.