Consider This from NPR: Raising Kids is Costly; Tariffs Will Make It Even More Expensive
Release Date: April 17, 2025

Overview

In the April 17, 2025 episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the escalating costs of raising children in the United States and examines how recent tariff policies under the Trump administration are exacerbating these expenses. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Stephen Dunn, CEO of Munchkin Inc., a prominent American company that manufactures juvenile and maternal products. Dunn articulates the dire consequences that high tariffs are having on his business, the broader industry, and American families.

Rising Costs of Parenting

Mary Louise Kelly opens the discussion by highlighting the substantial financial burden of raising a child. Referencing the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s estimate, she explains that a middle-income, two-parent family with two children spent approximately $14,000 annually to raise one child born in 2015. Adjusted for inflation, this figure balloons to nearly $320,000 over 17 years. These costs encompass essential categories such as childcare, healthcare, education, and basic necessities like food and clothing.

Key Quote:
"Raising a kid to adulthood could cost a middle-class family close to $320,000." — Mary Louise Kelly [00:01]

Impact of Tariffs on Juvenile Products

The conversation shifts to the impact of the Trump administration's tariff policy, particularly the staggering 145% tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. Mary Louise Kelly introduces Stephen Dunn, CEO of Munchkin Inc., who provides firsthand insight into how these tariffs are crippling his business.

Key Quote:
"Our whole industry has stopped ordering products from China due to the 145% tariffs." — Stephen Dunn [01:21]

Dunn explains that the exorbitant tariffs have made importing essential juvenile products like strollers, baby gates, and breast pumps financially unfeasible. Consequently, companies like Munchkin Inc. are halting orders, leading to inventory shortages and the potential discontinuation of vital products in retail stores.

Key Quote:
"Parents will not find important juvenile products on the shelf soon." — Stephen Dunn [04:10]

Consequences for Businesses and Families

Dunn elaborates on the domino effect of these tariffs, emphasizing that the increased costs cannot be absorbed by passing them onto consumers. With birth rates in the U.S. at their lowest in four decades, higher costs are likely to further discourage family growth, compounding economic and social challenges.

Key Quote:
"Making it more difficult and more expensive to be parents is going to even exacerbate that issue now." — Stephen Dunn [04:31]

He warns of imminent repercussions, including layoffs and the potential closure of businesses within the juvenile industry due to the unsustainable financial strain caused by the tariffs.

Key Quote:
"We will run out of inventory in the next 60 days." — Stephen Dunn [05:24]

Challenges of Onshoring Production

Mary Louise Kelly probes into the potential justification for tariffs—revitalizing American manufacturing. Dunn acknowledges the administration’s intent to bring strategic industries like semiconductors and aerospace back to the U.S. However, he asserts that the juvenile products sector lacks the necessary infrastructure and financial capacity to relocate production domestically without substantial government support.

Key Quote:
"There is not this manufacturing base that is suddenly going to appear in the US that can mold over a hundred, you know, thousands and thousands of low margin products." — Stephen Dunn [06:50]

Dunn emphasizes the impracticality of onshoring for his industry, citing the absence of automation, skilled labor, and the significant investment required to establish manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.

Call for Government Intervention

Dunn expresses frustration over the lack of response from the government despite reaching out through letters and communications. He is part of the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association, which is advocating for exemptions or carve-outs for the juvenile industry to mitigate the adverse effects of the tariffs.

Key Quote:
"If action is not taken soon, the damage will be irreversible, not only for our company, our employees, but countless businesses, workers, and families across America." — Stephen Dunn [05:01]

He underscores the urgent need for strategic negotiations and government-supported initiatives to prevent a cascading failure across the market, which would leave both businesses and consumers in a precarious position.

Final Thoughts

Stephen Dunn concludes by reaffirming his commitment to supporting American families and his employees. He underscores the broader implications of the tariffs, highlighting that without government intervention, the juvenile products industry—and by extension, American families—faces significant hardship.

Key Quote:
"We've done everything right. We've innovated, we've brought in wonderful safe products and it's impossible to bring this onshore in the time frame that is without the government support by setting up infrastructure." — Stephen Dunn [08:06]

Conclusion

This episode of "Consider This" provides a compelling analysis of how tariff policies are not just abstract economic measures but have tangible, immediate effects on everyday American families and the businesses that serve them. Through Stephen Dunn’s testimony, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of trade policies, business viability, and the socio-economic fabric of family life in the United States.

For more insights and detailed analyses of major news stories, tune into NPR’s "Consider This," available six days a week.

Produced by Briana Scott, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro, Ted Mebane, and Simon Laszlo Jansen. Edited by Courtney DORNING and Eric McDaniel. Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun.

Notable Quotes:

• "Raising a kid to adulthood could cost a middle-class family close to $320,000." — Mary Louise Kelly [00:01]

• "Our whole industry has stopped ordering products from China due to the 145% tariffs." — Stephen Dunn [01:21]

• "Parents will not find important juvenile products on the shelf soon." — Stephen Dunn [04:10]

• "Making it more difficult and more expensive to be parents is going to even exacerbate that issue now." — Stephen Dunn [04:31]

• "We will run out of inventory in the next 60 days." — Stephen Dunn [05:24]

• "There is not this manufacturing base that is suddenly going to appear in the US that can mold over a hundred, you know, thousands and thousands of low margin products." — Stephen Dunn [06:50]

• "If action is not taken soon, the damage will be irreversible, not only for our company, our employees, but countless businesses, workers, and families across America." — Stephen Dunn [05:01]

• "We've done everything right. We've innovated, we've brought in wonderful safe products and it's impossible to bring this onshore in the time frame that is without the government support by setting up infrastructure." — Stephen Dunn [08:06]