This year’s current trade-in event takes place from April 27 to May 24, 2025. Get a 20% off Target Circle bonus to use on new car seats, strollers, and a wide range of baby gear!

Is that old car seat taking up space in your garage, but you’re not sure what to do with it—or if recycling it is even possible?

Many parents (myself included when I first became a CPST) are surprised to learn that car seats, with their mix of plastic, metal, and fabric, are notoriously difficult to recycle through regular curbside programs. That’s where the Target Car Seat Trade-In Event comes in—a twice-yearly program that’s become a game-changer for families looking to safely dispose of old, expired, or damaged car seats while saving money on new baby gear.

If you’re new here- I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car and car seat for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there is one thing I know better than anything, it’s how to set up a family car to make it work for any family’s needs.

I want to break down exactly how the Target Trade-In Event works, why it’s become so popular, and what you need to know to make the most of it. Trust me, this is the real deal.

The Target Car Seat Trade-In Event Is A BIG Deal.

Target launched its Car Seat Trade-In Event in 2016 with a simple goal: help families safely get rid of car seats that are expired, damaged, or no longer needed. Most importantly, to keep those bulky seats out of landfills. Since then, the event has recycled over 3.2 million car seats, diverting more than 49 million pounds of material from the waste stream.

Target Car Seat Trade-In Event For Used Car Seats

During the event, you can bring in almost any kind of car seat—infant, convertible, booster, bases, and even seats that are expired, damaged, or have been in a crash. In exchange, Target gives you a 20% off Target Circle Bonus that can be used on a wide range of baby gear. It’s a win for your family, your wallet, and the planet.

How The Trade-In Process Works

Bring any old car seat (expired, damaged, or outgrown) to a participating Target store.

Drop it in the box near Guest Services.

Scan the QR code with your Target Circle app to claim your 20% off bonus (good for two redemptions per account).

Shop for your new gear—car seats, strollers, travel systems, and more. The bonus is valid through the end of the event window.

What You Can Use The 20% Off Bonus On

The 20% off Target Circle Bonus is flexible and can be used on a variety of baby and toddler gear, including:

New car seats (infant, convertible, booster)
Car seat bases
Travel systems
Strollers
Select baby gear like play setups, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers, walkers, entertainers, and jumpers

There are a few exclusions to keep in mind. The bonus does not apply to certain brands (such as Wonderfold and Doona), clearance items, or products sold by Target Plus partners. However, you can stack the 20% off with other Target offers, sales, or your RedCard discount for even bigger savings.

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

Infant Car Seats:

Convertible Car Seats:

Booster Car Seats:

Wait, Do You Need A New Car Seat??

The trade-in event is the perfect time to upgrade to the next car seat you need, but don’t rush the switch just for the deal. Safety comes first. Here’s my advice:

Upgrade when your child outgrows their current seat—not before. Before moving your child to the next stage, always consult your car seat’s manual to know its height and weight limits. Following your manual’s guidelines ensures you’re using your seat as safely and effectively as possible.

When to trade in old car seat for new car seat | forward-facing booster in second row

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 Making The Most Of The Trade-In Event

Download and set up the Target Circle app before you head to the store so you’re ready to scan the QR code.

Plan your trade-in early in the event, as the most popular car seats and strollers can sell out quickly.

Research which car seat or baby gear you want ahead of time, so you’re ready to redeem your bonus as soon as you get it.

Check for additional sales or promotions to stack with your 20% off for maximum savings.

Remember, you can redeem the bonus twice per Target Circle account during each event.

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.

Have questions or want to share your experience with the Target Car Seat Trade-In? Drop them in the comments below! And to keep up with the latest on The Car Mom, check out my recent posts:

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