Target Car Seat Trade-In Event Is Happening NOW! (2026)
Get a 20% off Target Circle bonus to use on new car seats, strollers, and a wide range of 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.
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
From April 19th-May 2nd: Drop off your damaged, expired, or unneeded car seat in the bin at a participating Target.
Scan the coupon code using the Target Circle app.
Target recycles the car seats into materials and new items that they actually sell.
Some car seats will go on sale, and the discounts will stack
Tips:
Narrow down your options before the sale begins! Car seats can sell out quickly during this event and may not be restocked before it ends.
Don’t choose a seat just because of a tempting price! You may end up spending more money in the long run if it’s not the right seat for your child and your vehicle!
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.
What I Recommend Shopping For At The Target Trade-In Event As A CPST
Infant Car Seats:
One-handed carry handle adjustment
Chemical flame-retardant-free fabrics
Baseless installation for travel and rideshare convenience, cost savings instead of purchasing multiple bases, and a great hack for 3rd row access
Consider the Nutmeg Travel System for a lightweight, portable system (Doona alternative)
Evenflo LiteMax NXT Infant Car Seat with SensorySoothe- $299.99
SensorySoothe technology to calm and entertain the baby
LockStrong tensioner for easy installation
Fabrics made of recycled materials that are naturally chemical flame retardant free
Additional upgrade options: Rotating base with optional load leg
Convertible Car Seats:
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1- $269.99
Rear-facing to 50 pounds
One of the most compact seats front to back
Works with most non-removable head restraints
Slim option for 3 across
Long-lasting in forward-facing mode
Chemical flame retardant free fabrics
Slim option for 3 across
Relatively compact front-to-back
Works with most non-removable head restraints
Consider as a travel option!
One of the longest-lasting seats in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes
Super easy ClickTight installation
Chemical flame retardant-free fabrics
Relatively narrow and compact front-to-back
Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim- $364.99
Narrowest rotating option
Use the rotating feature for easier loading, sharing between children, or 3rd row access
Combination:
Britax Grow With You ClickTight- $349.99
ClickTight lock-off for easy installation
Long-lasting harness height for taller-torsoed kids
Chemical flame retardant free fabrics
Graco Nautilus 2.0 LX- $219.99
Works with most non-removable head restraints
One of the longest-lasting seats in harnessed mode
Chemical flame retardant free fabric
Slim option for 3 across
Booster Car Seats:
Chemical flame retardant free fabric
Cutout at the back can make for easier buckling
Soft, squishy seat for extra comfort
Longer-lasting height and weight limits
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120- $299.99
Narrow option for 3 across
One of the longest-lasting highback boosters by height and weight
Folds for easy moving and storage
Chemical flame retardant free fabric
Works with most non-removable head restraints
Rigid LATCH to keep booster in place
Convenient carry handle
One of the longest lasting booster by height and weight
Chemical flame retardant free fabric
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.
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:
