Target Car Seat Trade-In Event Is Happening NOW! (2026)

The Target Car Seat Trade-In Event is one of my favorite times of the year for families. You can trade in an old, expired, damaged, or outgrown car seat and receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus to use on a new car seat, stroller, or other eligible baby gear.

If you're wondering whether it's worth participating, my answer is almost always yes.

As a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and mom of four, I love this program because it helps families safely dispose of old car seats while saving money on the next stage of gear they actually need.

What Is The Target Car Seat Trade-In Event?

Target launched its Car Seat Trade-In Event in 2016 to help families safely dispose of old car seats and keep those materials out of landfills.

Since then, the program has recycled more than 3.2 million car seats and diverted more than 49 million pounds of materials from the waste stream.

During the event, you can trade in:

• Infant car seats
• Convertible car seats
• Booster seats
• Car seat bases
• Expired car seats
• Damaged car seats
• Car seats that have been involved in a crash

In exchange, you'll receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus that can be used on a wide variety of baby gear.

How Does The Target Car Seat Trade-In Work?

It's very simple.

Step 1: Bring In Your Old Car Seat

Take your old, expired, damaged, or outgrown car seat to a participating Target store during the event.

Step 2: Drop It In The Trade-In Bin

Most stores place a designated collection box near Guest Services.

Step 3: Scan The QR Code And Shop

Open your Target Circle account and scan the QR code at the trade-in display. Your 20% off Target Circle Bonus will be added directly to your account and can be used on eligible baby gear throughout the event.

One of my favorite things about the event is that the discount can often be stacked with existing Target sales, making it one of the best times of year to buy a new car seat.

What Can You Buy With The 20% Off Bonus from Target Car Seat Trade-In?

The Target Car Seat Trade-In discount can be used on a wide range of baby and toddler gear, including:

• New car seats
• Car seat bases
• Travel systems
• Strollers
• High chairs
• Swings
• Rockers
• Bouncers
• Activity centers
• Jumpers
• Other eligible baby gear

There are a few exclusions. Certain brands, Target Plus products, and clearance items may not qualify, so always check the terms before purchasing.

Wait—Do You Actually Need A New Car Seat?

This is where I put my CPST hat on.

The trade-in event is an amazing opportunity to save money, but don't rush your child into the next stage just because there's a sale. The right time to move to a new car seat is when your child has outgrown their current one, not because a discount is available.

Is your child ready for the next seat? Here is how to know:

• Check your current seat's manual.
• Verify height and weight limits.
• Make sure your child is developmentally ready for the next stage.

If your child is ready for the next seat, this event is a great opportunity to save money. If they're not, don't worry. The trade-in event comes back every year.

Not Sure Which Car Seat You Need?

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is choosing a seat based solely on price or a sale.

The safest car seat isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that:

• Fits your child.
• Fits your vehicle.
• Meets your family's needs.
• Can be installed and used correctly every single time.

What I Recommend Shopping For At The Target Trade-In Event As A CPST

Infant Car Seats:

• Evenflo Revolve 180 LiteMax NXT (Rotating)
• Evenflo Shyft DualRide
• Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
• Graco SnugRide 35 DLX with Load Leg
• Joie Mint Latch Baseless

Convertible Car Seats:

• Britax Poplar
• Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One Slim
• Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim 2-in-1 (Rotating)
• Graco Extend2Fit
• Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1

Booster Car Seats:

• Chicco Kidfit ClearTex Plus High Back Booster
• Chicco MyFit ClearTex Harness Booster
• Diono Solana Backless Booster
• Evenflo GoTime LX High Back
• Graco Nautilus 2.0 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster
• Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster
• Harmony Dreamtime Elite Highback Booster
• Harmony Youth Booster Elite Backless

If your child is ready for the next stage (like moving from an infant seat to a convertible, or from harnessed to booster), this event is your chance to save big on that next seat. That said, there is no need to rush to trade your current seat in – this event occurs every year. 

Not sure what car seat you need? I HIGHLY recommend using our Car Mom ChatCPST Email Consultation! Sam—an experienced and qualified CPST—will answer all your car seat questions, recommend the best options for your specific situation, and guide you to the best car seat setup for your family.

How To Choose The Right Car Seat 

With so many options, choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming. Here’s what I recommend:

• Focus on fit, not price. The safest seat is the one that fits your child’s age, height, and weight—and that you can install correctly every time. Car seats are coming in at all ends of the price range, but more expensive does not mean safer.

• Check your second or third row. Not all car seats fit perfectly in every car. Double-check compatibility, especially if you have a smaller vehicle or need to fit multiple seats.

• Look for ease of use. Car seats these days come with every feature imaginable, but you have to decide what would make your daily life easier. Is it a seat that installs quickly and securely, like those with simple latch systems or built-in installation indicators? Maybe it’s a rotating seat that makes it effortless to get your child in and out? It all depends on what you value most. 

• Don’t fall for marketing hype. More expensive doesn’t always mean safer. All seats sold in the U.S. meet the same federal safety standards, so even budget-friendly options will protect your child when used correctly. Focus on finding a seat that fits your child, your car, and your lifestyle.

Tips For Getting The Most Out Of The Trade-In Event

A little planning can save you a lot of money.

• Download the Target Circle app before heading to the store.
• Decide which seat you want before the event begins.
• Shop early if possible, since popular models can sell out.
• Watch for additional Target sales that can stack with your discount.

A Few Limitations To Know

While the event is a fantastic resource, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Not all Target stores participate—some small-format locations are excluded, so it’s a good idea to check with your local store before making the trip. The bonus is limited to two redemptions per Target Circle account per event, and some brands and clearance items are excluded from the discount. Finally, the event is only held on specific dates each year, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

Save Money On A New Car Seat With The Target Car Seat Trade-In Event!

The Target Car Seat Trade-In Event is a well-established, legitimate program that offers real value for families. It’s a simple way to safely dispose of old or unsafe car seats, save money on new gear, and help the environment—all at once.

If you have an old car seat gathering dust, mark your calendar for April 27–May 24, 2025, and take advantage of this opportunity.