Latest news with #ConsumerReports
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Prices On Baby Items Expected to Rise Due to Tariffs—How Parents Can Save Now
Tariffs on overseas good are set to go into effect on August 1. Here's what parents need to know to get the most out of their money. Fact checked by Sarah Scott If you've been following the news lately, you may have gotten wind of the fact that for months, President Donald Trump has been discussing imposing tariffs on various countries, including the European Union, Mexico, and China. Although the details of these tariff deals are in flux and negotiations appear to be ongoing, the Trump administration has set an August 1, 2025 deadline for these potential tariffs to be imposed. When tariffs are placed on countries that manufacture goods that Americans use, the price of these goods tends to go up. If you are a new parent, you are likely wondering if the products you need to buy for your little one will be affected by these proposed tariffs. After all, young children require quite a lot of gear—strollers, cribs, car seats, clothing, diapers, etc.—and these items are pricey as it is. What happens when tariffs enter the equation? No worries—we've got you covered. We put together an explainer about these tariffs: what they mean for parents of babies and young children, along with some expert tips on how to budget and save on baby gear in the current market. How Could Pending Tariffs Affect Baby Products? The baby gear industry is reliant on global distribution and manufacturing, explains Siobhan Adcock, director of baby content development at Consumer Reports. This means that when potential tariffs are in the news, companies that manufacture baby gear begin to make adjustments even before the tariffs go into effect. 'The truth is that in this industry, advance orders for parts and inventory are impacted by the prospect of tariffs well in advance of tariffs actually going into effect,' Adcock explains. 'What this means is that, unfortunately, parents are already seeing prices go up for strollers, car seats, and other baby gear items.' You may have already been feeling these effects for several months. For example, a June report from the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Senate found that between April and June of 2025, the price of baby goods rose 24%. This time period coincided with President Trump announcing tariffs on most countries around the world. Which Baby Products Would Be Affected? According to Consumer Reports, the majority of essential baby gear products would be impacted by upcoming tariffs. That's because most of these products are manufactured in China, a key country affected by these possible tariffs. As Consumer Reports outlines, the following baby products could be among the most affected: Car seats Strollers Cribs There's a good chance other baby gear products could be impacted, too. 'Beyond big-ticket baby gear, everyday essentials like baby bottles, diapers, and wipes are often imported or rely on international supply chains for packaging, parts, or assembly,' Adcock notes. In fact, Consumer Reports is tracking the prices of various products on its website, including baby items. Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers (Size 1, 108 Count) saw a bit of an increase between June 27 and July 4, 2025, but the price has since leveled off. Similar story for the Chicco KeyFit Car Seat. It's not a baby product, but if your kid wants the new Nintendo Switch 2, it went up about $73 in the same time frame. How Parents Can Save on Baby Products Prices are already up on some baby gear products, and with the prospect of them rising further, it's understandable to have strong concerns. Experts agree that even with these potential price changes on the horizon, there are things you can do now to budget and save on your baby gear essentials. 'As a CFP and mom, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the financial demands of a baby can be,' says Sophoan Prak, CFP, a certified financial planner and financial advisor at Vanguard. 'While it's always difficult to predict exactly how much prices will rise or when families will start to feel the impact, parents should focus on what they can control and take proactive steps today to safeguard their financial plans amid potential cost hikes.' Prak and Adcock shared their top tips for saving on baby products in the upcoming months: Revisit your family's budget It's always good to tweak your family's budget—or start keeping a budget, if you don't already, says Prak. 'A new baby brings new expenses, so take a close look at your current cash flow and identify places you can cut back to save a few dollars, whether it's pausing your subscriptions or eating out less often,' she adds. Prioritize, but don't panic shop Consider the baby gear you really need, like a car seat, a crib, or stroller, Adcock suggests, and prioritize those over other purchases. She also recommends researching products that can grow with your baby through multiple stages, such as convertible strollers and all-in-one car seats. Just make sure they are tested and safe. Wait for big online sales If you have some flexibility in terms of timing, Adcock suggests waiting for big online sales—the ones that tend to pop up in July and October. 'When one big online retailer has a splashy sale, the rest of them tend to follow suit, so parents can shop around for better prices,' she says. Looks for in-store deals Prak recommends checking out in-store deals, too. 'Don't overlook store-brand options and loyalty programs, which often offer discounts on baby essentials,' she says. You can also consider signing up for recurring diaper or formula purchases, which can lock in discount prices and shield you from potential price increases, Prak says. Make the most of your savings If you've been able to put away cash for future baby or kid purchases, Prak recommends getting the most bang for your savings buck. 'Consider keeping your savings in a vehicle that earns a higher yield, such as money market funds or cash management accounts,' she suggests. Sign up for a registry If you are expecting, you shouldn't shy away from using a baby registry. 'Registries and group gifting options can help expecting parents-to-be share some of the cost of the big-ticket items, as well as everyday essentials like diapers and wipes,' says Adcock. If you've set up the registry, make sure to spread the word to friends, families, and colleagues. 'It's rough out there for new parents—people want to help,' Adcock assures. Buy secondhand (but carefully) Finally, consider secondhand baby items and hand-me-downs. This is often best for items like baby clothing and toys—especially since babies outgrow this stuff at lightning speed, and your parent friends will want to pass this stuff along and get it out of their homes. However, Adcock warns that there are often safety concerns when it comes to used strollers, cribs, car seats, and high chairs. 'The product might have been recalled, might be subject to updated safety standards, or might have structural problems after years of use that could make it no longer safe (how many times has that crib been taken apart and reassembled to move from owner to owner?),' Adcock explains. 'It's best to buy these must-haves new if you're able.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
How to choose and safely use a generator during hurricane season in South Florida
Preparing for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season means more than just stocking up on supplies, it also means being ready for potential power outages. For many, that includes relying on a generator to keep essential appliances running. But with serious risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock and fire hazards, it's just as important to know how to buy, use, and store a generator safely as it is to own one. Here's what you need to know to choose the right generator — and how to avoid dangerous mistakes: Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical power through electromagnetic induction. Most home units run on gasoline, diesel or propane and are designed to keep essential appliances running during a power outage. Standby generators These permanently installed units automatically power your home during an outage, but in Miami-Dade and Broward, they require permits for installation. Portable generators Portable units are more affordable and ideal for powering essentials like refrigerators and fans. They don't require permits unless wired into your home's electrical panel. See the Consumer Reports generator buying guide. Generators are widely available at: During hurricane season, supplies can run low quickly, so consider buying early. Improper generator use can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that carbon monoxide (CO) — an invisible, odorless gas — kills hundreds of people each year during storm season. Major risks and how to avoid them: Read more safety tips from the CDC. After the storm:
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
5 misunderstood foods and how to spot nutrition myths
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this site. When it comes to eating well, making good choices has probably never been quite as confusing as it is right now. 'It's a Wild West out there in terms of health misinformation,' says Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 'Anybody can claim to be a nutrition expert, but they are not always reliable sources.'
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Here Are The Key Differences Between iPad Models
An Apple iPad can be a great investment: You get a screen that's bigger than an iPhone's for watching videos or reading, it's more portable than a laptop and it can be used for drawing, writing, internet surfing and so much more. The downside? The tablets don't come cheap, and with Apple releasing so many models it can be confusing to figure out which one best fits your needs. If you've been thinking about taking the plunge and getting an iPad for yourself, we're here to help. We've broken down the key differences among all the models available to buy new. From the highlights of each version to the bottom line, take a look at our guidance below and find the iPad that will give you the most bang for your buck. The crowd-pleasing 10th-generation iPad Highlights: Best price and value, no Apple Intelligence, offers smaller storage sizes, different color options than other models, less powerful A13 bionic chip processorWe think this one is a winner, and we're not alone. Not only has the 10th-generation iPad earned a high score and stamp of approval from Consumer Reports, but Wirecutter named it their top pick for most people in 2024 — as did Wired and CNET in 10th-gen iPad is the lowest-priced model currently being manufactured. It has an A14 bionic chip, which is an older and less efficient processor than some of the newer models' M-series chips, but should still be plenty usable for most people. This iPad also lacks Apple Intelligence features that use generative AI for things like ChatGPT integration, "Genmoji" and more. But considering how much storage Apple Intelligence takes up, and the ambivalence of many Apple customers, its absence may not be a dealbreaker (and is potentially even a plus). Meanwhile, you can still enjoy up to 10 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi, the USB-C port for fast charging and 4K video can get the 10th-gen iPad in four colors and two storage sizes: 64GB or 256GB. It supports the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, plus the USB-C and first-generation Apple Pencils (but not the second-generation Pencil).Bottom line: At its current price (and even at its list price), this is probably the iPad with the most bang for your buck. If you plan to use the iPad for leisure, rather than as a professional creative, this model probably has everything you it from Amazon for $347.51+. The 2024 iPad Pro with a super-fast processor and more bells and whistles Highlights: Newest and fastest M4 processing chip, more vibrant display, more screen and storage sizes, Apple Intelligence, slightly lighter design, more advanced cameraOn the other side of the iPad spectrum is the latest version of the iPad Pro, which makes more sense for people who aren't on a budget and are looking for a tablet to lean on full-time for work, art creation or other more involved use cases. Equipped with the most efficient and powerful Apple processor, the M4 chip, the iPad Pro also has OLED technology for a more accurate and vibrant display with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Apple Intelligence is included in this model, as is a more advanced rear camera with an ambient light sensor that can help with scanning documents, among other things. The battery life is pretty even with other models at up to 10 hours on of the other big draws of the iPad Pro is the storage capacity and screen size options. You can get an 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro, and choose from capacities of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB in two different colors. For the two largest capacities, you can also choose between a standard glass display or a matte, nano-texture display to reduce glare even further (though not everyone thinks this is worth the extra cost). The iPad Pro supports the USB-C Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro, as well as the Magic Keyboard for iPad line: The iPad Pro is the fastest, most powerful, most high-tech option among the models. But is it worth all those extra hundreds of dollars? If you plan to use all of the features all day, every day, it could be. But otherwise, this one may be excessive for the average the 11-inch from Amazon for $1,099+ and the 13-inch for $1,185.22+. The 2024 iPad Air, a happy medium between the 10th-gen and Pro Highlights: M2 processing chip, two screen sizes, 128GB storage option (plus three others), Apple Intelligence, pastel colors available, close to the Pro in terms of features but without the price tagWant something a bit newer with more features than the 10th-gen, but can't quite stomach the commitment to the Pro? Enter the 2024 iPad Air. It's not quite the Pro — it runs on a less powerful M2 chip and has a less advanced camera and more standard LED display, among other things — but it's still a noticeable upgrade on the basic iPad. Enjoy an anti-reflective coating on the display, 4K video recording, fast USB-C charging and Apple Intelligence features for a comparatively mid-range price and equal 10-hour battery life. Consumer Reports gave this model perfect marks on convenience, performance, display and photo and video, for reference. Unlike the ninth-gen, 10th-gen and Pro, this iPad also offers a 128GB storage size. (Wirecutter noted the lack of a 128GB option as a flaw of the 10th-gen, because 64GB might be too little but 256GB too much.) That's in addition to 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options. You can get the iPad Air in an 11-inch or 13-inch size in four colors, including two pastels. It supports the USB-C Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil Pro and Magic line: The iPad Air is a nice Goldilocks option if you want more than the basic models have to offer and you're willing to shell out a little more money — but not over $1, the 11-inch from Amazon for $599.99+ and the 13-inch for $789+. The 2024 iPad Mini for a smaller and more portable experience Highlights: Smaller and lighter design (but still thicker than the iPad Pro) that's good for travel or kids, A17 Pro processing chip, Apple Intelligence, 128GB storage option, pastel colors availableAt only 8.3 inches, the petite dimensions of the 2024 iPad Mini's screen certainly stand out from the pack, and can be a draw if carrying around a larger tablet isn't as convenient for you. Beyond this distinguishing factor, the location of the front camera (at the top in portrait mode rather than landscape) and the A17 Pro chip, the Mini is otherwise quite similar to the iPad Air in the previous slide. That means it has Apple Intelligence features, a Liquid Retina display with an anti-reflective coating, 10-hour battery life, 4K video recording and USB-C A17 Pro chip is newer and faster than the 10th-gen's A14 but slower than any of the M-series chips. You can get the iPad Mini in four colors, including two pastels, and three storage capacities (128GB, 256GB and 512GB). It supports the USB-C Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro, as well as Bluetooth keyboards — but notably not the Apple Magic Keyboard (this could be due to its smaller size, which doesn't make as much sense with a keyboard as the larger iPads).Bottom line: Travelers, commuters, kids and anyone who'd like to have a screen bigger than a phone but smaller than a laptop can enjoy the Mini. But if size isn't a dealbreaker, this is pretty similar to the Air, which is about the same price on sale right now with a faster processing chip and other it from Amazon for $489+. The discontinued fifth-generation iPad Mini Highlights: A15 bionic chip, no Apple Intelligence, option for 64GB storage, pastel colors including pink availableThere aren't too many differences between the 2024 iPad Mini and this discontinued 2021 model. They have the same camera, very similar Liquid Retina displays, USB-C charging and a 10-hour battery major difference is the processing chip, since this model has an older A15 chip that isn't as efficient. Other differences include a lack of Apple Intelligence features, and different storage capacities and colors. Storage on the 2024 Mini starts at 128GB, so the 2021 Mini's 64GB option could be appealing, especially if you don't plan to store much on here. This generation also offers a pink iPad Mini, which the newer one does not (it replaced the pink with pastel blue). It supports the USB-C and second-generation Apple Pencils, and like the 2024 Mini, only supports third-party Bluetooth now, we can't recommend the 2021 Mini. This is mostly because many of the color and capacity options are not in stock, and the price is too high to justify when compared to the 2024 Mini. If your heart is set on this one, you'll probably want to wait until there's a restock and a major line: If you specifically want a pink miniature iPad with 64GB of storage and no more, the 2021 Mini can fit your needs like no other model can... but you'll have to wait for it to come back in stock. Otherwise, this model is currently very expensive, so you might as well upgrade to the 2024 iPad Mini for something better and it from Target for $499.99+ (available in three colors). The discontinued fifth-generation iPad Air Highlights: Older M1 chip, more color options but fewer storage capacity and screen size options, Apple Intelligence, not a great price right nowYou can still buy the discontinued fifth-generation iPad Air, the last one released before the 2024 model, at Target and Walmart — but we don't recommend it, especially because right now it's more expensive by a substantial model runs on the older M1 chip, and has a lot of the features that the current iPad Air does: Apple Intelligence, the Liquid Retina display, USB-C charging, a 10-hour battery life and the same camera (though the front camera is at the top of the fifth-gen iPad, whereas the 2024 model has it centered on the side so you can take video calls in landscape mode, attached to an Apple Magic Keyboard).There's both less and more choice with this model, too. It comes in one more color than the 2024 Air (pink) but is only made in one size with a 10.9-inch screen. The storage capacity is similarly limited to either 64GB or 256GB. This model supports the USB-C and second-generation Apple Pencils, plus the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard line: Considering this older model is currently more expensive than the newer iPad Air, get the new one it from Walmart for $619+ (available in two colors).
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These 5 New Cars Currently Have The Biggest Discounts, According To Consumer Reports
New cars have always been pretty expensive, but you also used to at least be able to find more affordable options. Currently, though, you can't buy a new car for less than $20,000, and Republican tariffs threaten to make new cars even more expensive than they already are. That said, at least the pandemic-era days of dealers adding a big markup to every car on their lot are behind us, and there are deals to be had. Especially if you don't mind picking up a slightly older car that may not be the best in the segment anymore. If you're on the hunt for a good deal on a new car, though, you're in luck. Our friends over at Consumer Reports recently combed through actual transaction data provided by TrueCar and put together a list of the new cars that should come with the biggest discounts. Of course, not all dealers are going to have the same price, so your results could always vary, but generally speaking, you can expect a 6% discount on the Genesis G70 and Ford F-150, which really isn't bad. And yet, those two vehicles still don't currently come with big enough discounts to make it into the top five. Read on if you want to see which vehicles actually did make it onto the most recent version of this list. Read more: These Are The Cheap Cars That Consumer Reports Actually Recommends Buying Mercedes-Benz C-Class - 7% Mercedes-Benz C300 MSRP: $48,450 Average transaction price: $44,877 Expected Savings: $3,573 The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class hasn't been the most popular compact luxury sedan in the last couple of years, potentially due to the cabin's not-so-intuitive layout. Still, it's a C-Class, and that means you get a luxurious, high-end interior and better handling than you might expect given the luxury focus. A BMW 3 Series may be a little sportier, but Consumer Reports expects both cars to offer similar reliability. Subaru Solterra - 8% 2025 Subaru Solterra Premium AWD MSRP: $38,495 Average Transaction Price: $35,430 Expected Savings: $3,065 The Subaru Solterra is an electric crossover based on the Toyota bZ4X (well, now it's just the bZ), and while it isn't the spec monster that a lot of people insist they need before they'll go electric, you may be surprised just how well it performs even without 300 miles of range. If a 150-mile Fiat 500e proved to be an excellent daily driver, a Subaru Solterra with 227 miles of range should do just fine. The dealer better be ready to make a deal, though, because the 2026 refresh is coming, and it looks much more desirable. Nissan Leaf - 8% 2025 Nissan Leaf SV Plus MSRP: $36,190 Average Transaction Price: $33,181 Expected Savings: $3,009 The Nissan Leaf is another electric car that's due to be replaced soon with a new version that offers more range and a more compelling package. Still, if you just want a car to get you around town, the Leaf will do a great job there. It isn't particularly sporty, and even the long-range version only offers 212 miles, so road trips could be a little annoying. On the other hand, as a daily driver, it's a solid option, at least depending on how much the dealer expects you to pay for it. Mercedes-Benz CLA - 9% 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 4Matic MSRP: $46,400 Average Transaction Price: $42,257 Expected Savings: $4,143 Mercedes-Benz doesn't have the best reputation for building the best entry-level cars, but the CLA certainly looks better than the A-Class. It also probably isn't nearly as bad as you might expect, given its lack of popularity. Still, while you can probably find better cars at MSRP, if you can get a good deal on a CLA and are into the styling, it's at least worth taking one for a test drive. Maybe they're desperate to get rid of the ones on the lot before the 2026 models start showing up. Volkswagen ID4 - 12% 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro AWD MSRP: $48,995 Average Transaction Price: $43,216 Expected Savings: $5,779 Like a lot of the other cars on this list, the Volkswagen ID.4 is about to be replaced by a new version that will presumably be better and more desirable. Still, while the current car isn't the sportiest EV you could buy, it got a pretty significant update for the 2024 model year that added both more power and extra range. And while some potential buyers might balk at the Pro's sub-300-mile range, its 263-mile rating is still plenty for daily driving. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
