Here’s how the prices of diapers, formula, and other baby products have changed in the face of tariffs

Baby items already come with a hefty price tag – in fact, BabyCenter recently added up all of the commonly purchased items and expenses for baby’s first year and found that they come to $20,384. 

If you’ve been following the news about the new tariffs placed on imported products, you’re likely concerned about whether they will make baby items even more expensive. Here’s what we know so far. 

Some baby gear has gotten more expensive since the tariffs took effect

BabyCenter regularly tracks the prices of common baby items – including diapers, formula, strollers, and car seats – to measure how much they cost parents at any given time. Here’s how these prices have changed recently: 

• Diaper and formula prices have remained relatively stable, changing less than 3% in the past week.
• Nuna just got pricier. The popular car seat and stroller brand upped its prices by about 10%, and the increase is likely here to stay, says Linda MahonOpens a new window, owner of children’s store Three Littles in Washington D.C. “They announced these updated prices when tariffs were still at 54%, so I would not be surprised if we see additional price increases in the future [now that tariffs have gone up further],” she adds.
• Uppababy will get more expensive soon. If you’re eying one of Uppababy’s travel systems, you’ll want to buy it before May 5. That’s when prices will go up between 20% and 30%, Mahon says, to reflect 145% tariffs. “Uppababy has saidOpens a new window that they remain hopeful that they will be able to lower the prices if tariffs are rolled back, but it will ultimately depend on how much damage is done to the supply chain and how much inventory needs to be ordered while the current tariffs are in effect,” she explains. 

Even if you’re not in the market for high-end baby gear from Nuna and Uppababy, expect to see similar changes across more brands soon.

“Something I have been hearing is that these specific brands are luxuries and no one needs them,” Mahon says. “The reality is that all products manufactured in China will be seeing steep price increases, including more affordable options – 87% of the car seats that the United States imports every year come from China, and there is no way for them to be imported without these tariffs as there are currently no exemptions for baby products.”

What’s being done to stabilize the price of baby products?

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is currently urging the Trump administrationOpens a new window to create an exemption for certain baby products to keep these essential items affordable for all families. Dozens of lawmakers are also calling for this exemptionOpens a new window, citing BabyCenter’s own data on the already high costs for new parentsOpens a new window in their baby’s first year. 

If an exemption is made, this wouldn’t be the first time: In 2019, car seats, high chairs, play yards, and some additional nursery gear were excluded from a tariff proposed on Chinese imports. Tariffs were also lifted on imported baby formula as part of the 2022 Formula ActOpens a new window in response to the national formula shortage. 

“We remain steadfast in advocating for the exemption of essential baby products, like cribs and car seats, from tariffs to ensure their affordability and accessibility for American families,” Lisa Trofe, executive director of the JPMA and JPMA Cares, tells BabyCenter. “The death of even one child due to the unavailability of affordable life-saving baby products is one too many.”

BabyCenter reached out to the White House to ask if the current administration is considering an exemption for baby products; so far, the White House has not responded. We will update this story if we receive a response. 

Why do tariffs affect the cost of diapers? 

Unless diapers are excluded from the tariffs, prices can increase even if you use a brand that makes its diapers in the U.S. That’s because manufacturing equipment, packaging, and materials may all be imported, explains David Warrick, executive vice president at Overhaul, a supply-chain risk management company.

“Even for products made in the U.S., there’s no guarantee of price stability,” he says. “Diapers rely on imported plastics and absorbent materials.”

While a diaper shortage is not expected, you may see changes to the way your favorite diapers are packaged. 

“Parents may also start seeing fewer promotions, smaller pack sizes, or changes in how products are bundled,” says Warrick. “These subtle adjustments are common ways companies manage cost increases without changing the price tag – but they still affect family budgets.” 

Families go through a lot of diapers in the first few years of parenting. If you’re using disposable diapers, you can already expect to spend around $800 in the first year alone, according to BabyCenter data – and that doesn’t even include the cost of wipes or any rash creams. If you’re getting fewer diapers for the same price, it will drive up your overall expenses.

What about baby formula – will the tariffs impact availability? 

Access to your baby’s formula is of course a big concern, especially since the 2022 baby formula shortage is still fresh on some parents’ minds. But experts say you shouldn’t panic about availability just yet.

“We’re not expecting immediate widespread shortages,” says Warrick. “Availability could become tighter – especially in smaller or specialty retailers. Larger chains may be able to spread the cost or manage supply more effectively, but smaller distributors may not have that flexibility.” 

You may feel a bigger impact, however, if you currently use an imported formula. As of now, specialized European formulas such as Kendamil, HiPP, or Holle may be affected by the tariffs and prices could climb in the coming weeks, says Warrick. 

“Parents who rely on imported or specialty formula brands may feel the impact more acutely since those products are brought in at smaller volumes and already face higher distribution costs,” Warrick says. “Tariffs only add to that.”

Should I stock up on baby products now before prices go up too much? 

It is always a good idea to have a small backstock of frequently used products like formula and diapers on hand, even during normal circumstances. 

“It’s good to keep two weeks’ worth of formula on hand – for most babies who are strictly formula fed, two cans are enough,” says Leah Rocketto, BabyCenter’s associate commerce director. 

As for diapers, the amount to hold in your home depends on your child’s age: Babies who are newborns to 5 months old go through diapers faster than they do after 6 months of age. 

“As a general rule though, I recommend having one large box of their current size and a small pack of the next size at the ready, the latter of which will come in handy should they go through a sudden growth spurt,” Rocketto says. “Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.”

While it’s smart to be prepared, experts do not want you to go overboard creating a stockpile of these products. “Your baby’s tolerance can change quickly,” Rocketto explains. “The formula they loved last week may cause gas this week; the diaper that prevented blowouts could start to cause rashes, or the size you bought may no longer fit.”

Plus, taking too many home from the store could cause stress for other parents who potentially won’t be able to find the items that work best for their babies, she adds.

What can you do to save on diapers, formula, and other gear? 

While it can feel overwhelming to hear that the prices for these items may go up soon, there are ways to start saving right now.

• Set up subscriptions. Some retailers offer discounts on formula and diapers when you subscribe. Instead of buying in bulk, you’ll automate your shopping and pre-schedule deliveries. Amazon, for example, offers 5% off for setting up a subscription. Yes, you can update your diaper size as your baby grows. 

• Look for similar formulas with a less expensive price tag. If you can’t find your favorite formula in stock or are no longer able to afford it, speak with your pediatrician about similar options. In most cases, you can switch your child’s formula to a similar type – all cow’s milk-based formulas are essentially the same, for example. 

• Consider cloth diapers. If disposable diapers are now out of budget, look into using cloth diapers. While cloth diapering services can be expensive, the ones you wash yourself are often more affordable. They’re commonly sold in bundles and reusable. 

• Check local mom groups for giveaways. It’s never safe to accept an expired or already opened can of baby formula. But sometimes parents have unused, sealed baby formula they are looking to pass along to another family. Same goes for diapers – parents are often looking to clean out their supplies when their littles grow into the next size. As for bigger gear that follows federal safety standards like strollers and car seats, it’s best to buy those new. 

• Use your registry discount. Your baby registry likely comes with a significant completion discount that can help you purchase the big-ticket items like car seats and strollers that you didn’t get as gifts. For example, Target offers 15% off your registryOpens a new window items, redeemable up to two times. Just be sure to keep track of expiration dates and eligibility windows on these promotions. 

• Join store reward programs. Retailers often have frequent shopper clubs that offer members extra discounts or even special sale days that include strollers, car seats, and more. Though they require membership fees, Amazon hosts an exclusive Prime Day discount shopping opportunity and Target’s program, Circle 360Opens a new window, has regular membership discounts.