Target’s car seat trade-in is back! Here’s how to get your 20% off coupon

Car seats are, of course, a necessity—but they’re a pretty big-ticket item for those on a budget, especially if you have multiple kiddos or cars. As always, Target is here for us— the popular bi-annual Target car seat trade-in program is back for the fall!

So break out the busted car seats sitting in your garage and get ready to trade it in! It doesn’t matter how many goldfish crumbs or questionable stains are on it, Target will welcome it with open arms—and you’ll get a discount on a new one to boot. (Just one reason to love their car seat trade-in program.)

Target’s car seat trade-in: What to know

Just bring your old car seat to the designated boxes inside your local Target and you’ll score a coupon From September 15-28, guests will have the opportunity to recycle an old, expired or damaged car seat and redeem a coupon on their Target app or Target.com/circle for 20% off one car seat, stroller or select baby gear.

The 20% off bonus can be applied to both in-store and online purchases, and can be combined with other item offers. This coupon is redeemable twice through May 11, 2024. This program is one way to drive progress for Target’s sustainability pledge through Target Forward, which includes commitments to eliminate waste.

Find a participating store near you here.

How to redeem your car seat trade-in savings

You will receive one 20% off coupon toward a new car seat, booster seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller or select baby gear. Coupons can be applied to both in-store and online purchases and are eligible through October 12, 2024. This coupon can be combined with other item offers and it’s redeemable twice.

Here’s how to scan the coupon code into your phone: Open your Target App to scan the code on the box (you can always talk to a Team Member in Guest Services if you need help). Open your Wallet in the Target App to find your coupon and other contactless savings. Click the red “+” to save the offer and place your order online, or scan your barcode at the register.

Benefits of trading in your car seat

Since 2016, Target has held several of these car seat trade-in events in an effort to help parents recycle the seats, which are not eligible for curbside recycling and take up a lot of space when sent to landfills. The materials are recycled to make grocery carts, plastic buckets and construction materials like steel beams. More than 14.4 million pounds of car seats have been recycled through the program.

This is such a great deal because you get to upgrade your current car seat (because, as we all know, kids go through multiple styles and sizes through their childhood) AND you get a discount for giving your old, crusty car seat a second life.

Car seats can only be traded in at a Target store. Target will have drop-off boxes for guests’ unwanted car seats located near Guest Services.

Now excuse me while I head to Target to make the most of my trade-in discount!

A version of this post was published September 16, 2021. It has been updated.