“While products are likely to increase in cost, it is important not to panic,” Trofe says. If you’re concerned about the potential rising costs of baby gear, here are a few ways to save money on bigger purchases.
Don’t panic shop, but consider buying now. Though new tariffs take effect on April 5, you still have some time to make key purchases in the categories likely to be most affected by them, such as strollers, cribs, high chairs, and car seats. And the prices may not go up overnight. If you’ve got some big items already picked out on your baby registry, it could be worthwhile to buy those sooner rather than later. But it’s not worth panic buying just because you’re worried about potential price increases down the line. Our guide to scoring deals on baby products can help, and so can our Deals hub.
Streamline your priorities. “Prioritize purchasing a product that ensures your child has a safe place to sleep and a car seat in which to transport them safely,” Trofe says, which can help you stay focused on the big picture. She suggests researching the product category well before purchasing and choosing products that grow with your child, like an all-in-one child car seat.
Save the date for big sales. If you have the flexibility to time your purchases, wait for larger sales to help soften the sticker price. Companies and large retailers often hold sales around big holidays, and Amazon’s semi-annual Prime Days in July and October usually mean that other retailers have competing sales around that time, too.
Look into rentals. In some cases, you can rent the pricier items you might only use for a short time, like a Snoo bassinet or a travel crib you might only need for longer trips.
Seek out free options. Some state health departments feature programs that offer families free child car seats. Check to see the offerings in your state and eligibility requirements here.
Be cautious about buying secondhand. Some baby items, like clothes, books, and toys, are generally safe to buy secondhand or receive as hand-me-downs. But safety-focused gear like strollers, bouncers, cribs, crib mattresses, child car seats, and high chairs could be risky, as the item may have been previously recalled, have updated safety standards, or have structural problems like sagging that may make it no longer safe to use. It’s best to buy these must-haves new if you’re able. But, Trofe says, “if it becomes essential for the safety and care of your child to use secondhand products or reuse products from a previous child, 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, she says.
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