10 Smart Ways Moms Can Save Money on Baby Products, Groceries, and More
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If you’re a mom like me, nothing feels better than saving money on things you already planned to buy.
Whether it’s diapers, groceries, or that Target haul you didn’t technically need—saving money just feels good.
And let’s be honest, raising a family isn’t cheap.
This isn’t about clipping endless coupons or buying things just because they’re on sale. These are the real ways I save money as a busy mom, without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Every tool and tip here is something I actually use—no fluff, no filler.
Feel free to share your own tricks in the comments, I’m always looking for new ways to save!
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1. Save Money Automatically with Fetch
Fetch is one of my favorite apps for quick, effortless savings. You earn points just by submitting your receipts—whether you shop in-store or online. Link your email and Amazon/Walmart accounts, and the app will automatically find receipts for you.
No need to scroll through offers. Just scan or sync your receipts, earn points, and trade them in for gift cards from major retailers.
I’ve redeemed gift cards up to $50 this way, and I didn’t change a thing about how I shop.
Current Personal Earnings: I’ve saved up 70,000 points and am about to cash in for a $50 gift card.
Try it for yourself: Download the Fetch app and use code WVHW1F when you submit your first receipt for a welcome bonus.
2. Get Cash Back on Gas with Upside
If you drive regularly, Upside is a no-brainer. This free app gives you cash back on gas (and sometimes groceries and restaurants too).
Just check the app before filling up, claim an offer, and confirm after you purchase.
You’ll often see savings between 5¢ and 20¢ per gallon—and if you fill up frequently, that adds up fast. Bonus: You also earn rewards when you refer friends and family and some restaurants too!
Current Personal Earnings: I’ve earned $65 and already cashed out once.
Referral Tip: Use my code JEN7748 when you sign up to get an extra 15¢/gal cash back on your first gas purchase, and 10% more on your first grocery or restaurant purchase.
3. Use Rakuten for Online Shopping
Rakuten is my favorite way to save when shopping online—especially from my laptop. It’s a cash back platform that works with thousands of online retailers, and it’s totally free to use.
My favorite trick? I use Rakuten for travel bookings. Sites like Priceline often offer higher-than-usual cash back, and it can really add up when you’re booking hotels or rental cars. Just remember to start on Rakuten’s site or app before you make a purchase—that’s the hardest part to remember!
Even better, Rakuten has a browser extension that alerts you when cash back is available on a site you’re browsing. That way, you never miss a deal.
My Go-To Rakuten Strategy:
- Use the search bar to find your store (Target, Old Navy, Priceline, etc.)
- Click through from Rakuten to activate cash back
- Make your purchase as usual
- Cash back is deposited into your account every quarter
Popular Cash Back Categories I Use Rakuten For:
- Clothing (Gap, Old Navy, Athleta)
- Travel (Priceline, Expedia, Hotels.com)
- Home goods and gifts
Rakuten Tip:
You can also stack Rakuten cash back with store sales and promo codes. That means double the savings.
Comparison Table: Top Money Saving Apps I Use Weekly
| App | Best For | How You Earn | Personal Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch | Groceries & everyday receipts | Submit any receipt to earn points | Link your accounts for automatic points |
| Upside | Gas & food | Claim offers before purchase | Stack bonuses with monthly fill-ups |
| Rakuten | Online shopping & travel | Shop through Rakuten for cash back | Use it for travel bookings like Priceline |
4. Shop Baby Clothes the Smart Way at Gap
Gap is one of my favorite spots for baby and toddler clothes. The quality is great, the styles are timeless, and the fabric is soft for sensitive baby skin. But never pay full price—Gap runs frequent sales that make shopping here completely worth it.
Money-Saving Tips for Shopping at Gap:
- Have a Gap Card? Check regularly as you can get special deals and promo codes!
- Wait for their 40–50% off everything sales. They happen regularly.
- Combine that 40% off with the gap card discount for serious savings.
I recently grabbed baby clothes for 70% off retail just by stacking sales and using my card. It’s all about timing your purchases.
5. Save at Target with Cartwheel & the RedCard
Target is a household staple for most moms—and luckily, they make it pretty easy to save money if you know what to do.
Here’s How I Save at Target:
- Use Target Circle (formerly Cartwheel) through the app to get item-specific discounts
- Scan your cart before checkout and add offers with a single tap
- Pay with your Target RedCard to save 5% and get free shipping on online orders
The RedCard comes in both debit and credit versions. If you’re avoiding debt, stick with the debit version—it links directly to your checking account.
6. Stock Up During Target’s Baby Sales
If you’re buying diapers or baby essentials, Target’s baby sales are the perfect time to stock up. They often run promotions like “Spend $100, get a $20 gift card.”
Here’s how we maximize this deal:
- Buy bulk packs of Up & Up diapers (Target’s store brand)
- Stack with the RedCard 5% discount
- Use the $20 gift card for your next trip (because let’s be real—you’re going back)
Cost Breakdown Example:
| Item Type | Diapers Count | Regular Price | With RedCard & Gift Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up & Up Diapers | 880 Size 1 | $109.95 | $84.45 |
| Name Brand Diapers | 828 Size 1 | $137.97 | $111.07 |
We’ve used both brands and had no issues with Up & Up—especially worth it for the price.
7. Use Bulk Stores Like Costco or Sam’s Club
Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money—if you’re strategic about it. Memberships to Costco or Sam’s Club can pay off quickly when you’re buying household staples, diapers, wipes, snacks, and even some over-the-counter medicines.
Tips for Bulk Shopping:
- Compare unit prices with Amazon or Target before buying
- Only buy items you know your family will use before the expiration date
- Keep an eye out for seasonal deals (like back-to-school snacks or baby formula)
I like to compare prices online first to make sure the bulk buy is actually a deal. Sometimes, Amazon Subscribe & Save comes out cheaper—but not always.
8. Shop Secondhand with ThredUp
Kids grow out of clothes so fast that secondhand shopping is one of the best ways to save money while still dressing them well.
ThredUp is an online secondhand store with filters that let you sort by:
- Size
- Brand
- Condition (New with tags, Like New, Gently Used)
- Price
I use it to grab affordable everyday clothes and even high-end brands for less. My first order included three toddler shirts for under $10. I’ve also scored snow pants, shoes, and other seasonal gear for a fraction of retail.
Bonus: Download the app and get notified when there’s an extra % off sale—they happen often.
9. Sign Up for Email Lists
One of the simplest ways to save money—without downloading anything—is to sign up for your favorite stores’ mailing lists. You’ll often receive:
- Early access to sales
- Exclusive coupon codes
- Welcome discounts (usually 10–20% off your first purchase)
Pro tip: Create a separate “shopping-only” email address so your personal inbox doesn’t get cluttered.
10. Always Compare Prices Before You Buy
This one’s simple but powerful. Before you buy anything online (even if it’s already in your cart), do a quick search:
- Check Amazon to see if it’s cheaper
- Use Google Shopping to compare across retailers
- Consider bulk options at Costco or Sam’s if it’s something you buy regularly
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve saved just by spending 90 seconds double-checking.
Smart Moms Save More
You don’t have to sacrifice quality or convenience to be a money-smart mom. By stacking discounts, using cash back tools, and shopping strategically, you can make a big difference in your monthly budget.
Try a few of these tips this week and see what works for you. And if you’ve got a go-to app or strategy I didn’t include, send it my way—I’m always looking for more ways to save.
