Mothers and Mothers-to-be feeling impacts of tariffs

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — You've probably noticed price increases while shopping online or in the store. One group is definitely feeling the hit: new mothers and mothers-to-be.

Summer Baker is getting ready for a baby girl.

"It can be really overwhelming as a first-time mom," said Summer Baker. "Trying to figure out what's a necessity and what would maybe be a bonus."

It's especially difficult with the price of baby supplies going up because of recent tariffs.

"The total cost of everything on the registry is probably thousands of dollars. And I think it's probably like on the frugal end of a registry," said Baker.

Kim Thompson-Cobb had her little baby, Cora, five months ago.

She put together her registry before the tariffs, but she still has to spend money on the little one.

Thompson-Cobb said there's a definite difference.

"Diapers are more expensive. Wipes are more expensive, and we're burning through wipes like crazy. Some of the bottles and the pacifiers," said Thomas-Cobb.

James Collard is an international trade expert. He said that's something you can expect right now.

"Diapers, a base would be about 4.4%. However, if it's coming from China, then you have to add 55% on top of that, which is gigantic. So instead of 4.4%, it goes up to 59.6%," said Collard.

If Oklahomans are feeling it, so are local businesses.

"Pricing has definitely gone up," said Shauna Morrissey.

For 13 years, Morrissey has owned Carson's Corner inside The Market, which is now inside Northpark Mall.

She stocked up as much as she could before tariffs hit.

"I ordered it and had it all shipped April, May, and June so that I could be tariff-free," said Morrissey. "We are seeing an increase anywhere from $2.00 an item to $9.00 an item, depending on where it's coming from."

For example, a book in her store went up by $2. It now costs $10. A baby plate is now $20 after a 10$ hike. A pink romper is now for sale for $30 after a $10 increase.

The prices of merchandise aren't the only thing impacting Morrissey.

"Our shipping costs have gone up. We have shipping delays," said Morrissey.

"The east coast of China to the west coast of the United States is around 36 days on average," said Collard.

Now, Morrissey shops for products made in America.

"USA is the way to go right now," said Morrissey.

However, there's a trade-off.

"It's harder to find made in the USA items that are reasonably priced," said Morrissey.

Morrissey is trying to absorb the costs as much as possible, for Moms like Baker and Thomas-Cobb.

She wants people to remember that it hurts local businesses. While they may not have all the items a new mom needs, local stores will have some stuff you need.

Meanwhile, the two friends are going to enjoy shopping, but also help each other out with hand-me-downs.

Morrissey said more mothers are registering online. Unfortunately, it's easier and there's a wider selection.