Target's car seat trade-in event typically occurs twice a year, with the next one expected in Spring 2026 , likely around late April.

Event Details

Target hosts these eco-friendly events where you drop off any old car seat—even expired, damaged, or crashed ones—at participating stores. In return, you scan a QR code via the Target Circle app to snag a 20% off coupon for new car seats, strollers, travel systems, or select baby gear like high chairs and play yards.

The coupon is usually valid for a limited time post-event (e.g., redeemable twice through mid-October in past fall events).

Quick Timeline History

  • Spring events : Often April–May (predicted start: Sunday, April 26, 2026).
  • Fall events : September–early October (e.g., Sept 21–Oct 4 in 2025).
  • Latest confirmed: Ended late 2025; Spring 2026 upcoming.

Past Events| Dates| Coupon Validity
---|---|---
Spring 2025| April (exact TBD from patterns)| ~2 weeks post-event 2
Fall 2025| Sept 21–Oct 4| Until Oct 18 5
Fall 2024| Sept 20–29| Until Oct 12 3

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. Visit any Target store (most participate; check Guest Services for the drop-box).
  2. Drop your car seat (infant, convertible, booster, or base—no questions asked).
  3. Scan the QR code on the box with the Target Circle app (one bonus per account).
  1. Coupon auto-saves to your wallet—use in-store or online on qualifying items.

Pro tip: Prep with Target's Car Seat Finder Quiz for the best new picks, and pair with sales for max savings.

Why It Matters Now (Feb 2026)

With the prior event wrapped up, eyes are on Spring 2026—perfect timing if your kid's outgrown theirs or safety dates are nearing (car seats expire ~6–10 years). Target's recycled over 3.5M seats since 2016, dodging 53M+ lbs of landfill waste. Trending chatter on forums like Reddit echoes the hype: parents love stacking this with Circle deals.

"Bring an old car seat or base to a nearby Target and drop it in the designated box inside the store." – Community tip

TL;DR at Bottom: No event active today (Feb 9, 2026)—next in Spring 2026 (est. April 26 start). Drop old seat, get 20% off via app. Mark calendars!

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.