The Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 is your chance to trade in your old, expired, or damaged car seat for a 20% off Target Circle coupon toward a new seat, stroller, or select baby gear. This event takes place twice a year, in the spring and fall, at Target stores across the United States, including Texas, California, and every other state.
This trade-in is just about savings; it’s also about safety and sustainability. Target has recycled over 3 million car seats since launching the program. That’s more than 49 million pounds of waste diverted from landfills. And with no brand or receipt required, it’s one of the easiest ways for you to upgrade while keeping old seats out of landfills.
Whether you’re a first-time parent needing a stroller combo or a seasoned parent swapping an infant seat for a booster, knowing the trade-in event’s dates ahead of time lets you plan for maximum savings.
The best part is that the process is fast, free, open to everyone, and comes with no pressure to buy right away. Whether you own a classic sedan, a spacious SUV, or a large van, keep reading. I’ll walk you through exactly when the Target car seat trade-in 2025 happens, how to use your coupon like a pro, and a few pro-parent secrets most shoppers never hear about.
Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025 Dates & Schedule
- Spring 2025: April 27-May 10, 2025 (20% coupon valid until May 24, 2025)
- Fall 2025 (Expected): Around September 14-27, 2025 (coupon likely valid until early October)
Target hasn’t officially announced the fall event yet, so queries like when is the next Target car seat trade-in are picking up traction. However, there is no need to panic. Based on Target’s past years’ schedules, including September 15–28, 2024, it is safe to assume that this year’s car seat trade-in for the fall will happen around mid-September. If you’re planning your baby gear purchases for 2025, marking both spring and fall on your calendar will give you two great chances to save.
American families often use the spring event to upgrade from an infant seat to a convertible model, and the fall one for booster seats or strollers. The dates are the same in every state, so whether you’re in California, Texas, or elsewhere in the U.S., you can count on these windows.
How the Target Car Seat Trade-In Works
The Target Car Seat Trade-In is one of the simplest and most rewarding store programs for parents. You bring in an old car seat, drop it off at your local Target, and walk away with a 20% off Target Circle coupon you can use toward a new seat, stroller, or select baby gear.
The best part is that no receipt is required, and there are no brand restrictions. So, even if your trade-in is not from Target, you do not have to worry about anything. Also, you don’t have to buy something the same day. You can wait until you’ve found the right product or until it goes on sale.
Here’s how it works, step-by-step:
Bring in your old car seat
New parents may not be aware of it, but Target accepts almost every type of child car seat, from infant seats, convertible seats, and harness boosters, to car seat bases, and travel system seats.
It can be old, expired, damaged, or even missing parts. Safety experts, like those at Consumer Reports, emphasize that older or expired car seats may have degraded materials, worn parts, or outdated safety features, which can put children at risk, making events like this an important safety opportunity.
Drop it in the designated trade-in box
The trade-in boxes are usually located near Guest Services. Some stores clearly mark them, while others have staff direct you. Drop off your used or old car seat in any of those boxes.
Scan the QR code
Once you drop off the child car seat, use your Target app to scan the code posted on the box. As soon as you do it, the 20% coupon will be instantly linked to your Target Circle account.
Redeem your savings
You can use the coupon in-store or online for a wide range of baby gear. The redemption window lasts about two weeks after the event ends, giving you time to plan your purchase.
If you ask me, from an environmental perspective, this program is a big deal. Target partners with certified recycling companies to carefully dismantle each seat, separating plastics, metals, and fabrics so they can be reused in new products instead of ending up in landfills. For families, it’s a quick way to make a sustainable choice while also clearing out gear that is no longer safe to use.
Parents often say the convenience is what keeps them coming back to the Target car seat trade-in event. You’re already making a Target run, and in just a few minutes, you can turn a piece of unsafe, unused equipment into a discount for something your child actually needs.
What Do You Get? Discounts & Redemption Rules
If you decide to take part in the Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025, you’ll receive a 20% off Target Circle coupon that can be used toward a new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear. This coupon is added directly to your Target Circle account after you scan the QR code at the trade-in station.
Key details to know about the coupon:
Eligible purchases
Most new car seats, strollers, travel systems, and a variety of baby gear items are included for which you can use your trade-in discount. Some baby furniture may also qualify, but check the year’s exclusions in the Target app.
Usage limit
You can redeem the coupon twice during each event if you trade in two separate seats. This makes it possible for you to upgrade multiple pieces of gear at once or split purchases into two trips.
Redemption window
For the spring 2025 event, the coupon is valid until May 24. The fall 2025 coupon is expected to last until early October.
Where to use it
Coupons can be applied in-store or online, giving you flexibility to shop however you prefer.
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7 Insider Tips to Maximize Your Savings in Car Seat Trade
The Car Seat Trade-In from Target is already a great deal, offering a generous 20% discount. But with the right approach, you can stretch that savings much further. Here’s how to get the most out of this trade-in financially:
Time your purchases with sales
I recommend watching Target’s weekly ads and waiting for the baby gear you want to go on sale during the trade-in event window. Pairing your coupon with a sale can save you $50–$100 more.
Stack with your Target RedCard
Your Target RedCard (credit or debit) gives you an additional 5% off your purchase. This discount applies after the 20% trade-in coupon, and it can add up to a surprising amount when you’re buying big-ticket items.
Here is an example to help you understand better:
If you buy a $250 stroller during a sale that already knocks $30 off, your 20% coupon will apply to the reduced price, bringing it down to $176. Add the 5% RedCard discount, and your total drops to about $167. You will get a combined savings of over $80.
Many parents on Reddit share that they often wait for a sale during the event, then stack the 20% with RedCard 5% for the biggest drop (one user shared that a $395 seat ended up $243 after stacking). Waiting for high-ticket baby gear to go on sale during the event weeks is one of the smartest ways to stretch your budget.
One parent put it simply:
“We waited until the stroller we wanted went on sale, then used the 20% trade-in coupon and our RedCard to bring the price from $395 to $243.”
Use both redemptions strategically
You can trade in two car seats per event, earning two separate 20% coupons. Use one right away and save the second for a big purchase later in the redemption window. This is something most parents in America prefer to do.
Compare online and in-store pricing
Sometimes Target offers different pricing online and in-store. Because the coupon works for both, check both options before making your purchase.
Pair with your baby registry discount
If you have a Target baby registry, you can use the 20% coupon alongside your registry completion discount for an even bigger price drop.
Look for clearance overlaps
These Trade-in events often overlap with seasonal clearance markdowns at Target. If you’re flexible on color or style, you could combine a clearance price with your coupon for maximum savings.
Secrets Most Shoppers Don’t Know
Beyond saving money, there are a handful of hidden quirks and program details that can make this year’s Target Car Seat Trade-In experience smoother and more rewarding for you.
Some stores may accept more than two seats
The official limit for Target car seat trade-in is two coupons per Target Circle account. But parents report that certain stores allow additional trade-ins if you return on different days. It’s worth asking your local Guest Services team to be 100% sure.
Events can overlap with unadvertised baby week promos
In past years, trade-in weeks have lined up with in-store bundle offers, like discounts on baby monitors, diaper packs, or travel systems. These deals aren’t always promoted online, so check your local ad or ask store staff.
Car seat expiration isn’t always obvious
According to Car Seats for the Littles, materials inside a car seat can weaken long before you see cracks or wear on the outside. Exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and even food spills can speed up degradation. The trade-in event is a good time to replace seats that may look fine but are nearing expiration.
Out-of-state trade-ins are valid nationwide
If you’re traveling during the event, you can trade in at a store in another state, and your coupon will still work at your home Target. You can use it in-store or while shopping online.
Multiple household accounts can double your coupons
Households with more than one Target Circle account can each earn their own set of coupons, which can then be used separately. Just remember, each account needs its own trade-in.
QR code workarounds exist
In some locations, staff will hand you a QR code flyer if the trade-in box area is busy. This means you can scan and get your coupon even if you drop off your seat later in the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Target car seat trade-in 2025 USA?
The spring event of Target trade-in was held from April 27 to May 10, 2025, with coupons valid until May 24. Although not declared officially, the fall event is expected from September 14 to 27, 2025, based on past schedules.
Can I trade in any car seat?
Yes. Target accepts infant seats, convertible seats, harness boosters, car seat bases, and travel system seats, in any condition, from any brand, and without a receipt.
How many car seats can I trade in?
You can trade in two car seats per Target Circle account per event, earning a separate 20% coupon for each. Many American families recommend using one coupon immediately and saving the second for another purchase before the redemption deadline.
What can I use my 20% coupon for?
The coupon you get for the trade-in is valid on most new car seats, strollers, travel systems, and select baby gear that Target sells. Some stores also allow it on baby furniture. But to know for sure, check the exclusions in your Target app.
Can I combine the trade-in coupon with other discounts?
Yes. You can pair it with sales prices and your Target RedCard’s 5% discount. Many parents wait for big-ticket items to go on sale during the event to maximize savings.
Can I participate if I’m in another state during the event?
Yes. Your coupon works at any Target store in the U.S. or online, regardless of where you traded in your seat. So, if the expiration date of your coupon is near and you are travelling, do not worry. Either visit the Target store in the city you are in or visit their online store.
How do I know if my car seat is expired?
To find the expiration date of your car seat, you have to examine it carefully. Most car seats have their manufacturer and expiration date printed on the seat’s label or in the manual. Most child car seats expire six to ten years after manufacture, even if they look fine.
Why do car seats expire?
Car seats expire because over time, the materials can degrade due to temperature change, sunlight, and regular wear. Safety standards also evolve, so older seats may not meet current requirements. To protect your child during a fatal car accident, change those car seats as soon as they expire.
Final Take
The Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025 is more than just a discount. It’s your chance to save on essential baby gear and keep unsafe or expired seats out of circulation. With two events each year, you have multiple opportunities to get a 20% Target Circle coupon and use it on car seats, strollers, or other baby essentials.
By marking the dates, planning your purchases around sales, and using both coupons strategically, you can make the most of this program. It’s quick, free to participate, and open to everyone, no matter where you bought your old seat. For families, it’s one of the easiest ways to combine savings with safety.
