Latest news with #Chicco
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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 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.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 7 Best Pack And Plays That Are Sleep, Travel And Play Ready
With a pack and play on hand, you'll always have a place to set them down around the house or during travel—and a safe spot for them to sleep or nap in. The very best pack and plays also include additional features like built-in changing stations or extra portability. The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard is our pick for the best pack and play, because it's a safe sleep space for babies and includes extra features like a changing insert, parent organizer and built-in bassinet. Wheels make it easier to move, too. The best pack and plays have an abundance of features to make life with babies easier. Not all pack and plays are safe for infant sleep. Some baby play yards, for example, don't have a flat, firm mattress, making them unsafe for sleep. On our list of the best, we chose to only include options that are deemed safe for sleep. Ahead, the seven best pack and plays for babies and toddlers, including one that's best for true travel, the Guava Lotus and its backpack carrying case. Amazon Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 46 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Bassinet, toy bar, changing pad, detachable organizer As opposed to a dedicated travel crib that's just for sleep, a pack and play should have extra features that make life with babies and toddlers easier. The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard includes a changing table, a bassinet, a toy bar and an organizer that you can detach. I often used pack and plays like this one when my kids were babies as a dedicated changing area. The organizer keeps everything in one spot, and the toy bar keeps them entertained while they're getting their diaper changed. This Chicco one also includes a carry bag and a machine-washable mattress cover. When your baby is sleeping, you can rest easier knowing the mesh sides help with airflow. The fold is simple with a push button. There are wheels on two of the legs, making it easy to move around your house so you always have somewhere safe to place your baby. If you're planning on packing it up to travel with it, it's worth noting that it's rather heavy at 35 pounds, so this is definitely more pack and play than travel crib. The brand makes a similar Lullaby All-In-One model that doesn't include the toy bar and has a slightly smaller parent organizer that's $220. Amazon Dimensions: 39.5 x 28.3 x 29 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Mesh storage bag It's where the pack and play got its name: the Graco Pack 'N Play Portable Playard. And although it doesn't have as many features as some others on our list, this classic provides a safe space for your baby to sleep or play. It's the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon in play yards, sides provide airflow, and it's safe for babies and toddlers up to 30 pounds. This basic model has a push button fold, and the mattress can wrap around the body when it's folded up to act as a carrying case. Wheels on two legs allow you to move it around your home without folding it up, and it's much more lightweight than our top pick at 19 pounds. It doesn't include a changing pad, but it does have a small mesh storage area where you can place wipes, diapers or other essentials—and you can select other models of the Graco Pack 'N Play if you'd prefer to have a built-in bassinet, changing table or both and are willing to spend a touch more.I've used quite a few Graco Pack 'N Plays over the years, and they're a consistently solid and reliable option—one that generations have likely stocked at Grandma's house for quick overnights. Nordstrom Dimensions: 40.5 x 26 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Child capacity limit: 35 inches | Special features: Bassinet, side-zip entry When you're looking for a pack and play for newborns, the most convenient feature is a bassinet. This gives your baby a cozier sleeping space, and it keeps them higher up, so you don't have to bend down so far to set them down or pick them up. Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor Margaret Badore named this the best travel crib for infants after testing it thanks to its Greenguard Gold certification, organic mattress cover and side zip opening. The included bassinet is safe for babies up to 20 pounds, whereas some other pack and play bassinets are only safe for babies up to 15 pounds. Though this pack and play doesn't come with as many add-ons as some of the others on our list, you can purchase extras like a canopy, a changing station and a changing station organizer. At 20 pounds, it's pretty lightweight, and it's definitely something that you could consider traveling with. Many parents also like the mattress, which is machine washable and made of air mesh. Amazon Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Child capacity limit: None; safe until your child can climb out | Special features: Backpack travel bag Badore named the Guava Lotus Travel Crib the best travel crib, and it's my favorite as well. It doesn't have all of the typical pack and play features, but that makes it more portable, lighter (15 pounds) and easier to transport on your travels. It folds easily and comes with a backpack travel bag that frees up your hands. It's also safe for sleep and play. You can opt to add-on some accessories like a shade to this travel crib or a bassinet conversion kit, too. My kids found it really comfortable, too. One of my twins slept in it for months after finding it more comfortable than his crib. I like that it has a side zip entry, because you can squat down to get your baby in or out, while older kids can crawl in or out themselves once you unzip it. Because the mattress sits on the ground, it doesn't have a weight limit, and it's safe to use until your child is able to climb out. I also appreciated the slits in the sheet that allow the straps that hold the mattress down to pass through, because it created a flat sleep surface without any bumps in the sheet. Amazon Dimensions: 38 x 29.5 x 38.6 inches | Weight: 32.5 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Portable bassinet, changing pad, removable storage console, infant floor seat Like our top pick, the Graco Pack 'N Play Sit 'N Grow Playard comes with plenty of features and accessories that make taking care of your baby easier. In fact, it bundles in several other useful baby gear items that can be used separately, like a floor seat for baby and a removable and portable bassinet, plus an infant insert bassinet. It also comes with a changing station and removable storage console—for under $350. The pack and play itself can then be used as a diaper changing station, play area or safe sleep area. The mesh sides help with airflow whether your little one is playing or napping and there are two wheels that make it easier to move. At 32.5 pounds, it's on the heavier side, so this probably isn't the best option if you travel often. However, if you're looking for a versatile baby item that reduces the amount of baby gear you need to purchase, this is a great pick. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight: 28.5 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches (for play yard) | Special features: Flip changer, bassinet, travel bag I always like having a dedicated diaper changing station, and it's what I use pack and plays for the most. The 4moms Breeze Plus has a flip changer that you can move out of the way when you don't need it, making this a handy pick. You can transition from changing table to sleep space seamlessly. Though it doesn't come with any storage, you can purchase a diaper storage caddy separately. The included bassinet makes it a good option for newborns, and the mesh sides are great for airflow. This option is middle of the road when it comes to weight, but it does come with a travel bag, so traveling with it is feasible. It weighs 23 pounds without the bassinet and changer. You can set it up and break it down one-handed, which can simplify travels. Amazon Dimensions: 51 x 34.5 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Child capacity limit: Up to 35 inches | Special features: Large play area, side zip opening What I like most about the Newton Travel Crib And Play Yard as a spacious option is that the mattress is on the floor, so there isn't a weight limit. If you're looking for an extra large play yard, you're probably looking for something for a bigger kid or to use with more than one kid, making this option ideal. Just make sure only one baby sleeps in it at a time. The mattress in the pack and play is made using the Wovenaire technology that Newton is known for, and the sides are mesh to help with breathability. The fabric surrounding the frame is machine washable, and it has a zip-open side panel. This makes it easier for you to get baby in and out and for older babies and toddlers to crawl in and out on their own. It's one of the most lightweight options on our list at 17 pounds, which helps make up for the fact that it doesn't have extra features. You can add on a bassinet insert for $100. The play yard sheets are also sold separately. As parents ourselves, the baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted knows how important it is to buy the best products for your baby that also keep them safe. We've spent countless hours testing and researching products, including the sleep items like the best crib mattresses and the best bassinets. Think about your needs when choosing a pack and play. Some families want something more portable and easier to fold away with fewer features, while others want something that has features galore. Whether your child is sleeping or playing, you want to ensure they're safe in their pack and play. If you're going to use your pack and play for sleep, ensure it meets CPSC standards for sleep products. They should have a firm, flat sleep surface that is free from toys, bumpers or other additional items. 'The most important feature for babies or toddlers who fall asleep in a pack and play is not to have any loose blankets, pillows or objects in the pack n play. Also, only one child asleep at a time and, although this seems intuitive, no pets,' says Walker. When setting up and using your pack and play, be sure to follow all instructions and safety guidelines. Many pack and plays have a weight limit of 30 pounds and a height limit of 35 inches, though some have unlimited weight limits. Regardless of child capacity limits, you should stop using a pack and play when your child is able to climb out. Pack and plays are designed to be portable. Some have wheels so you can move them around your home, and many come with carrying bags for travel. Consider whether you'll be packing it up a lot or if you'll mostly leave it set up in your home. Additional features are what really sets pack and plays apart from travel cribs. Common features include hanging toys or mobiles, storage, changing pads and bassinets. Think about what you want to use your pack and play for and what features you'll need to make that happen. The best pack and play is the Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard, because it's versatile with lots of add-ons that make life with babies and toddlers easier. It has a toy to entertain them, a changing pad and extra storage. All of the pack and plays in our guide are safe for sleep. However 'pack and play' is not a regulated term, and you can't assume that every play yard is safe for sleep. A crib or bassinet needs to meet CPSC standards to be considered safe for sleep. Typically, pack and plays with a mattress on the ground don't have a weight limit. Instead, they have a height or skill limit, typically 35 inches or when your child can climb out. Our favorite unlimited weight pack and play is the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
