The average family with 2 preschoolers spends over £6,000 a year on childcare. If you don't want to pay - or at least want to minimise the bills - what are your options?

Would you enjoy being a full-time, stay-at-home parent? If so, why not? If you and your baby are happiest with this arrangement, then it's the right choice for you.

Many parents feel pressured to return to work but so what? It's your life. You can always go back to the workplace later but you can't regain your child's pre-school years.

Working from home
You're with your baby round the clock but you're earning at the same time. You save on childcare, and work-related expenses like travel, lunch and business clothes. It's ideal for motivated, disciplined self-starters who won't miss the social buzz of work.

Friends and family
The number of grandparents involved in childcare has doubled in the last 20 years. But are your parents nearby? Are they fit, healthy and young enough? Are they happy to be unpaid childminders, or do they have their own plans?

Job-sharing or part-time work
Part-time work doesn't have to be low-skilled and low-paid. Job-sharing is increasingly acceptable, particularly at senior and managerial levels. At present, around 177,000 people job-share. That's less than 1% of the workforce but you don't know unless you ask! If you enjoyed a good working relationship before maternity leave, your old firm may prefer taking you back part-time to recruiting and training someone else.

• Your baby and your childminder
• What are your childcare options?
• Choosing a nursery for your baby