Expecting? Here's when major baby gear prices are going up—and how to save before they do
Let's be real: having a baby has never been cheap, but right now feels especially brutal for expectant parents. Between the everyday costs of raising a child and the new tariffs that have hit baby gear hard, strollers that used to cost $899 are now jumping to $1,200. And car seats? They're seeing average price increases of around 20%, while strollers are up about 25%.
More than 70% of baby gear sold in the U.S. is manufactured in China, which means virtually every car seat, stroller, bassinet, and changing table is now subject to baby gear tariffs as high as 145%. The result? Industry experts are warning of overall price markups of about 30% across baby essentials, and that's just the beginning. (Because surprise! Tariffs are paid by the consumer, despite arguments to the contrary.)
Here's the thing though: you're not powerless in this situation. (Frustrated? Sure.) With some smart planning, strategic shopping, and a few creative alternatives, you can still get the gear your baby needs without breaking the bank.
If you're hoping to beat the price increases, here's your timeline based on Albee Baby's tracking of brand announcements. Some brands have already raised prices, while others are still giving you a small window to shop at current rates:
Already increased:
Chicco: March 10, 2025
Doona: April 22, 2025
Valco: April 30, 2025
Britax: May 1, 2025
BOB: May 1, 2025
Silver Cross: May 1, 2025
Clek: May 1, 2025
Romer: May 1, 2025
Cybex: May 1, 2025
Larktale: May 1, 2025
Veer: May 1, 2025
WAYB: May 1, 2025
UPPAbaby: May 5, 2025
Bumbleride: May 5, 2025
Baby Jogger: May 11, 2025
Graco: May 11, 2025
Still time to buy at current prices:
Bugaboo: May 20, 2025
Joolz: May 20, 2025
Maxi-Cosi: May 28, 2025
Tiny Love: May 28, 2025
Thule: June 2, 2025
Stokke: June 16, 2025
Focus on safety essentials first. Car seats, cribs, and strollers should be your priority since these are legally required or safety-critical items. If you know what you want, shop soon to avoid the next round of price increases.
Consider timing with new safety standards. Starting June 30, 2025, all newly manufactured car seats must meet enhanced side-impact protection standards (FMVSS 213a). Here's what this means for your shopping:
Car seats made before June 30 are still completely safe and legal to buy and use
If you're fine with current safety standards and want to save money, consider buying before June 30 (Mind you, current standards are very rigorous!)
After June 30, you'll mainly find seats that meet the new standards on store shelves
These newer seats will likely cost more due to redesign costs plus ongoing tariffs
Check expiration dates. If you're buying early and storing a car seat, make sure the expiration won't arrive before your child outgrows it. Most car seats expire 6-10 years from manufacture date.
Look for warehouse club deals. Watch for retailer discounts or club deals at warehouses like Costco and Sam's Club before prices jump.
Consider U.S.-made alternatives. 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.
With new prices skyrocketing, buying used might seem tempting—and it can be a smart choice for certain items. But safety comes first, especially with gear that protects your child.
What's generally safe to buy used:
Clothes and blankets
Toys (check for recalls first)
Books
Baby carriers (inspect thoroughly for wear)
High chairs (check for recalls and missing parts)
Non-motorized swings and bouncers
What to approach with caution:
Car seats: Safety-focused gear like child car seats could be risky, as the item may have been previously recalled, have updated safety standards, or have structural problems that may make it no longer safe to use. Car seats also expire and you can't verify their crash history.
Cribs and crib mattresses: Safety standards change frequently, and older models may have been recalled
Strollers: Check for recalls and structural integrity
If you must buy safety gear used: Always check cpsc.gov/recalls to be sure it hasn't been recalled. Calling the manufacturer's customer service line is another good bet if you need replacement parts, instructions, or labels.
Red flags when buying used:
Missing labels or model numbers
Any visible damage or excessive wear
Seller can't provide manufacture date
Missing parts or instruction manual
'Too good to be true' pricing
Renting baby gear can help lighten the load when traveling with kids, but it's also becoming a viable option for everyday use, especially with prices soaring.
When renting makes sense:
You're unsure about a big purchase
You need gear temporarily (like for travel)
You want to try before you buy
Storage space is limited
Budget is tight right now
What you can rent: You can rent almost any type of baby gear, including bassinets, cribs, strollers, play yards, car seats, high chairs, toys, and bouncers. You can even find seasonal and specialty rentals like beach tents and outdoor blankets.
Top rental services:
: Over 450 independent quality providers in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and Canada. Insurance is included with every rental and they remove any recalled items immediately from the site.
: Been helping families for 20 years with delivery to hotels, Airbnbs, and homes
: Over 90 locations throughout the USA with over 25 years of experience
: Network of 500+ local providers ready to deliver baby gear globally
What to look for in a rental service: Check out reviews that other parents have left, especially making sure that the rented items arrived on time and in good condition. Check the company's website for delivery fees, cleaning costs, service charges, or other fees that can add up.
Local alternatives:
Facebook Marketplace and local parent groups often have rental options
Some children's stores offer rental programs
Baby gear libraries in select cities
The reality is that rising costs are putting pressure on families at one of the most expensive times in their lives. A 2025 survey from BabyCenter reported that raising a child in the U.S. today costs families upward of $20,000 in the first year alone, with 37% of expecting parents worried about finances and 25% saying they had decided to have fewer children because of the high cost.
Nearly 50 members of Congress have issued a statement opposing price increases on essential baby gear and asking Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work with the Trump administration on an exemption from tariffs for this lifesaving category. While we wait to see if policy changes bring relief, focus on what you can control.
Remember: you don't need everything at once. Start with the absolute essentials—a safe place for baby to sleep, a car seat to get home from the hospital, and basic feeding supplies. Everything else can wait or be acquired gradually. And there's no shame in asking for help, whether that's adding items to your registry, accepting hand-me-downs from friends, or renting gear short-term.
Your baby won't care if their stroller cost $200 or $800. What matters is that they're safe, loved, and have what they need. Sometimes in the face of challenging circumstances, that's the most important reminder of all.
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