Preparing for a new baby can quickly get expensive, which is why parents-to-be often search for sales, start buying essential baby items well in advance and rely on the generosity of friends and family at baby showers.
But now, thanks to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, the price of baby items could get higher than ever, straining budgets and making buying essentials even more challenging.
With potential tariffs going into effect in a matter of weeks, it could be time to start shopping now if you want to take advantage of current pricing on baby and infant gear.
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How tariffs could impact the price of baby and infant items
In his first 100 days in office, Trump quickly started implementing tariffs targeting countries including Canada, Mexico and China.
The biggest toll came in early April, when Trump implemented a 20% tariff plus a 125% reciprocal tariff on China. According to The White House, the 20% tariff was to address the fentanyl crisis.
Such steep tariffs on China spell trouble for anyone purchasing baby items, whether that’s parents or friends and family who will be buying baby shower gifts.
According to a LinkedIn post by ImportGenius, 97% of strollers and 87% of car seats sold in the United States come from China, meaning the price of these already expensive items is going to substantially increase.
Many other baby items also come from China. Expect to see climbing prices on cribs, nursery furniture, baby clothes, high chairs, toys, swings and more.
UPAAbaby has already acknowledged the tariffs, noting that updated pricing will go into effect soon across most of their products, though they have tried to absorb as much of the price increase as possible.
The tariffs will impact American retailers selling products from China, too. Products that retailers have already purchased before the tariffs were implemented should be unaffected, but once retailers have to buy additional goods, they’ll need to pay the higher tariffs, driving up product costs.
How tariffs could impact everyday prices
While tariffs are poised to drive up baby gear costs, they’ll have wider-spread effects, too. Northeastern Local News reports that even if Trump were to repeal the tariffs, they have a ripple effect.
Electronics, apparel and toys are likely to see some of the highest price increases from the Chinese tariffs.
The Center for American Progress reports that the average American household could pay approximately $4,600 more each year due to the tariffs.
If a retailer fully passes the cost of a tariff onto consumers, an iPhone could double in cost. Imported grocery items, like bananas, coffee and nuts, could rise in price by 10%.
Middle-class family budgets are already feeling the pinch from inflated prices, including higher food costs. If the cost of everyday goods rise, consumer spending could slow in other sectors, too.
As tariff prices make their way through the supply chain, consumers should start to see higher prices in mid-May. Some speculate that such prices could contribute to a recession.
Investor’s Business Daily reports that most shipments out of China to major United States retailers have stopped, and the amount of cargo that will arrive in the Port of Los Angeles next week will decline by about 35%.
Not only could the shipping decline lead to empty shelves, but it could result in domestic freight and retail layoffs that would also contribute to a recession.
Smart ways to shop around higher costs with tariffs on the horizon
(Image credit: Getty Images)
With potential higher costs on the way, it’s time to shop smart. If you anticipate needing products that will be impacted by the tariffs, such as baby items, try to buy them early before the prices increase.
That means you should be shopping now, if at all possible. Watch for retailer discounts or club deals at warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club.
Looking forward, try to buy products made in the United States if possible. Even these products may increase in price if manufacturers use raw goods or components manufactured in other countries, but the increases should be less than what you would pay for items fully manufactured outside of the United States.
Consider second-hand options for lightly used baby gear, like high chairs or cribs, but be cautious with any safety items like car seats. Car seats also expire, so they’re an item that you may just have to buy in advance of the price increases.
While the tariffs will certainly make buying baby items more expensive, planning ahead and shopping smart can help take some of the sting out of the price increases.
Stocking up on some of the larger, more expensive items you need could save you hundreds of dollars once tariffs affect prices, plus you’ll get the bulk of your shopping out of the way.