Munchkin Inc. CEO Steven Dunn revealed that about 60% of their products are manufactured in China, and due to the tariffs, he has halted orders from there, predicting product shortages within three months.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has requested tariff exemptions for baby products, citing their essential nature, but it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will grant these requests.

Dunn emphasized that the company cannot pass on the tariff costs to consumers, which could lead to inventory shortages and increased prices for their products.

Elizabeth Mahon, a baby store owner, expressed concern that rising prices for essential items like car seats could deter families from making necessary purchases, potentially compromising children's safety.

Expecting a baby in mid-July, Rutledge and his wife quickly purchased strollers, a car seat, a nursery glider, a crib, and a high chair, fearing that tariffs would significantly inflate prices.

Approximately 90% of core baby care products, such as strollers and car seats, are manufactured in Asia, primarily in China, where tariffs can reach as high as 145%.

In early April 2025, President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs has prompted many new parents, including Sam Rutledge, to rush to buy essential baby products before prices rise.

In response to the tariffs, Dunn has attempted to diversify manufacturing by shifting some production to Vietnam and Mexico, but he faces challenges due to a lack of U.S. manufacturers capable of producing complex baby products.

Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, noted that overseas manufacturing has been standard in the baby products industry for decades, complicating the transition back to U.S. production.

Small business owners, like Mahon, are facing uncertainty as they navigate price increases while trying to maintain inventory and support their employees amid anticipated steep price hikes.

Retailers and manufacturers are preparing for significant price increases on baby products starting in May, with many already informing customers about the impending changes.

Companies like Nurture& have temporarily lowered prices in anticipation of tariffs but may need to raise them after April 30, 2025, as they cannot absorb the full costs of import duties.