At ParentCo, we know that parenting is always a full-time job — even under the best circumstances. But lately, with economic uncertainty, rising costs, and tariff impacts driving up the prices of essentials like diapers, baby gear, and specialty formula, parenting feels even harder.
To help families navigate these challenging times, we recently gathered three of our Village Experts —
Aimee Ketchum, Allison Jandu, and Sarah Bossio — for a heartfelt roundtable discussion. We talked about how the current climate is affecting families, how they’re adapting in their own businesses and communities, and how parents can continue to prioritize their children’s needs without overwhelming financial strain.
Here’s what we learned.
How the Current Economy Is Affecting Families
From her work in the NICU, pediatric occupational therapist Aimee Ketchum has seen firsthand how shortages and delays are impacting even the most vulnerable babies. “We’re having a hard time finding infant stethoscopes, baby wipes, diapers — essentials for caring for newborns,” Aimee shared. Specialty formulas, especially those imported from Europe, have become harder to source and more expensive, creating serious stress for families with medically fragile infants.
Meanwhile, potty training expert Allison Jandu noted that many families are hitting pause on services like potty training consultations, prioritizing basic needs over educational support. “It’s understandable,” Allison said. “Parents are reassessing where their dollars go — choosing essentials first, and holding off on things they might otherwise invest in to make life easier.”
Sleep consultant Sarah Bossio echoed this sentiment, explaining that parents are thinking twice about investing in one-on-one sleep support. “It’s heartbreaking because sleep is foundational,” she said. “Without good sleep, everything — work, parenting, mental health — gets harder.”
Affordable Ways to Support Child Development
Even when budgets are tight, child development doesn’t — and can’t — stop. Our experts shared creative, low-cost ways parents can continue to support their children’s growth:
• Prioritize interaction over stuff.
“Play, explore, and talk with your child,” Aimee encouraged. “You don’t need a house full of toys — simple activities like going to a park, visiting a library, or setting up a backyard scavenger hunt offer rich learning opportunities.”
• Use what you already have.
“You don’t need an expensive doll to prep for potty training,” Allison pointed out. “A beloved teddy bear and a Tupperware ‘potty’ work just as well. And libraries often have wonderful potty training books you can borrow for free.”
• Shop secondhand and swap gear.
“There’s no shame in borrowing from friends or family,” Sarah emphasized. “Baby gear gets lightly used for a few months, then sits in attics. Sharing is economical — and sustainable too.”
• Lean into free expert resources.
Many trusted experts, including Allison and Sarah, are expanding their free content through YouTube channels and websites. Aimee’s free program, STEM Starts Now, sends age-tailored developmental tips straight to your inbox. ParentCo also offers a growing library of free articles, guides, and expert advice to support families at every stage.
Building Community — and Hope
In times like these, community matters more than ever.
“Don’t be afraid to start or join local Facebook groups, swap networks, or ‘Buy Nothing’ communities,” Aimee said. “Families can support each other through lending, sharing, and trading everything from strollers to unopened diapers.”
Allison added, “You survived COVID. You’ve weathered ups and downs before. You can do this — and you don’t have to do it alone.”
Sarah agreed: “Parents are some of the most resilient people on the planet. You’ve already proven you can tackle hard things. Lean on your village. Lean on us.” Above all, remember this: you’re doing an amazing job.
Parenting through uncertainty is tough — but your love, your creativity, and your resourcefulness are more important to your child’s well-being than anything you could ever buy.
“Spend time together,” Aimee urged. “That’s what matters most. Moments of connection are priceless — and they build a foundation that will last far beyond these challenging times.”
Together, we’ll get through this — and we’ll be stronger for it.
