Target’s 2026 car seat trade-in runs Sept. 20 to Oct. 3

Target will accept used and expired car seats in any condition at its stores in exchange for a discount on new baby gear during its 2026 car seat trade-in event. The program runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 3 and offers a 20% off Target Circle bonus usable on two purchases.

Eligible purchases include a new car seat, stroller, high chair, play yard, swing, rocker and other baby gear. Shoppers must download the Target app to redeem the offer.

Infant seats, car seat bases and booster seats all qualify for trade-in, even if they are expired or damaged. Once a car seat expires, usually after 7 to 10 years, it isn’t safe to use anymore, according to Target. Changing temperatures create wear and tear on child seats, which can eventually make them unsafe.

Customers can check a car seat’s expiration by looking at the manufacturing label.

Materials from car seats dropped off during the trade-in will be recycled to make plastic buckets, carpet padding, construction materials and storage bins, Target says.

Target has run the car seat trade-in program since 2016 and has recycled materials from more than 3.5 million car seats during that time, the company said.