Raising a kid in the U.S. was already expensive. Tariffs could add $1,000 to the bill.

The recent tariffs imposed by President Trump are causing a significant increase in the cost of baby essentials, making it more expensive for parents to raise children. The sweeping levies, implemented in April, are affecting the prices of crucial items like car seats and strollers, essentially acting as a tax on families. As a result, parents and baby gear makers are feeling the financial strain.

Natalie Gordon, the CEO of Babylist, a baby registry service, estimates that new parents and expecting couples could face up to $1,000 in additional costs per year due to tariff-related price hikes on baby products. The reliance on Chinese manufacturing for items like strollers, cribs, and car seats has led to import duties of up to 145%, further driving up prices for consumers.

In response to the growing concerns, advocates are urging the White House to exempt essential baby products from these high tariffs. Manufacturers are grappling with the impact of these levies on their products and are exploring options to mitigate the financial burden on families. The current situation has been described as a “baby tax” by Gordon, emphasizing the need for relief.

The escalating prices have prompted some parents to turn to resale platforms for discounted baby goods, leading to a surge in demand for pre-owned items. Shraysi Tandon, the founder of Kidsy, a re-commerce platform for baby and kids products, has observed a significant increase in prices across the board for baby gear. This trend contradicts the administration’s efforts to encourage higher birth rates, as families face mounting financial pressures.

As families navigate the rising costs, the potential for a carveout for baby products in the tariffs is being considered by President Trump. However, he has expressed a preference for a simpler tariff structure without numerous exemptions. In the meantime, expecting couples are reevaluating their budgets and seeking ways to cut expenses amidst the uncertainty surrounding the duration of these tariffs.

Overall, the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on baby essentials underscores the challenges faced by parents in providing for their children. The need for affordable options and relief from high tariffs is crucial in ensuring that families can afford the necessities for their little ones.