Congressional Analysis: Trump’s Tariffs Drive Up Prices for Common Baby Products, Causing Financial Strain
Recent weeks have seen an increase in the cost of certain baby gear, attributed to President Trump’s tariff policies, according to a congressional report. The Joint Economic Committee’s minority arm indicated that prices for five common baby items surged by 24%—an increase of $98—between April 1 (the day prior to Trump’s notable tariff announcement) and June 9. This analysis focused on essential baby products such as car seats, bassinets, strollers, high chairs, and baby monitors, utilizing data from Babylist, a baby registry platform. Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, the ranking member of the committee, expressed concern over the impact on new parents, stating that their budgets are already strained by the costs of raising a child.
The findings reflect the ongoing challenges faced by companies adapting to the changing tariff landscape. While some businesses strive to mitigate tariff impacts, others like Best Buy and Costco have already raised prices. Retailers such as Walmart and Target also indicated plans to increase prices on select items. The tariff effects are substantial for baby gear sold in the United States, as a significant percentage—97% of strollers and 87% of car seats—are produced in China.
The report tracked popular products on Amazon and noted that the Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat experienced the largest price hike at 44.8%. Other items reviewed recorded increases between 10% and 30%. While Newell Brands acknowledged price increases for Graco products, they clarified that promotional pricing during the data collection period affected reported figures. A broader analysis across 11 baby product categories revealed an average price increase of $400 between March 10 and June 3.
This additional cost translates to approximately $875.2 million for new households in the U.S. California parents face the greatest financial burden, with an estimated additional cost of $100.3 million this year, followed by Texas, Florida, and New York. Senator Hassan emphasized that the higher costs attributable to tariffs place additional strain on families, forcing difficult decisions for businesses regarding layoffs or price hikes.