The short version
- The Target car seat trade-in runs twice a year, in spring and fall.
- Drop off any car seat or base, even an expired or damaged one, and get a 20% off Target Circle Bonus.
- The bonus works on a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear. You need a free Target Circle membership.
- Target announces each event shortly before it starts, so watch for the 2027 dates closer to spring.
Most car seats have an expiration date, and once your baby outgrows one you're left with a big plastic seat that may not be safe to pass on. The Target car seat trade in turns that old seat into a discount on the next one. Here's how it works, when it usually happens, and how to make the most of it.
How the Target car seat trade in works
- Join Target Circle. It's free, and you need it to get the bonus.
- Bring your old seat to a participating store during the event and drop it in the trade-in box. Target takes any car seat or base, including expired or damaged ones.
- Follow the in-store instructions to add the 20% off bonus in the Target app.
- Use the bonus before it expires on a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear.
When is the next car seat trade-in? (2027 dates)
Target runs the event twice a year, in spring and fall, and announces each one shortly before it starts. In 2026 the events ran April 19 to May 2 and September 20 to October 3.
If you're searching for the car seat trade in 2027 dates, the pattern points to a spring event first. Only Target's announcement will confirm the dates, so keep an eye out in early spring and hold on to your old seat until then.
How to get the most out of the 20% off bonus
- Plan your big buy around the event. If you need a new car seat or stroller and an event is coming up, waiting for it gets you the 20% off bonus.
- Trade in a seat you can't safely pass on. An expired or crashed seat shouldn't go to another family, so the trade-in box is a good home for it.
- Check the bonus terms in the app. Each bonus has an expiration date and a list of eligible items.
Should you sell or hand down the old seat instead?
Only if you know its full history. NHTSA's advice is that a used seat should never have been in a moderate or severe crash, should still have its labels, shouldn't be expired or recalled, and should have all its parts. If your seat fails any of these, trade it in instead of passing it on.
Get the new seat checked for free
Once you have your new seat, a certified Child Passenger Safety technician can check the installation, usually for free. Use NHTSA's Car Seat Inspection Finder to find one near you.
Need a seat but can't wait for the next event? Our guide to how to get a free car seat covers Medicaid health plans, Safe Kids programs and more.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Target car seat trade-in?
Target runs the event twice a year, in spring and fall, and announces each one shortly before it starts. In 2026 it ran April 19 to May 2 and September 20 to October 3, so watch for a spring 2027 announcement.
Does Target take expired car seats?
Yes. During the event Target accepts any car seat or base, including expired or damaged ones.
What do you get for trading in a car seat at Target?
A 20% off Target Circle Bonus toward a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear. You add it in the Target app by following the in-store instructions, and you need to use it before it expires.
Do you need Target Circle for the car seat trade-in?
Yes. You need a Target Circle membership to get the bonus. Joining is free.
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