Target is offering a huge incentive for your child's old car seat — here's how to cash in on the deal

If your child has outgrown your car seat, or you're using an older or expired model, Target has a promotion that can help. 

Shoppers can bring an old car seat to Target and get a 20% off Target Circle Bonus. But those interested should act soon, because the deal expires on May 10.

How does Target's car seat trade-in event work?

You just need to bring your old car seat to a Target store and drop it off in the designated box. Then, you will scan a QR code that adds the discount to your rewards program on the Target Circle app.

People who don't have the app will need to download it and sign up for Target Circle.

Target says it will take any car seat, "including: infant car seats, convertible car seats, car seat bases, harness or booster car seats, as well as car seats that are expired or damaged." 

The discount provided is valid twice and can be used until May 27, 2025, to purchase "a new car seat, booster seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller or select baby gear."

Target recycles the old car seats into other materials, mainly for construction products — but also storage pieces the company sells in its Brightroom collection.

Why should I participate in Target's car seat trade-in event?

It's important to make sure your child is safe when riding in the car, obviously. 

Car seats expire. The website Healthline.com says that this happens about 6-10 years after purchase.

While it's not a massive discount you'll earn, 20% is still a significant savings considering that car seats should not be reused by other families once they expire and thus there is not much downside to trading them in. It also helps that the company says the promotion can be combined with other sales and offers.

Would you be more likely to shop at a store that paid you for your old stuff? Absolutely 💯 Only if they make it easy 😎 Depends on the store 🤔 Nope 👎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

On top of that, you'll be doing something good for the Earth by ensuring your used car seat will be reused. Target's website states that it has recycled over 3 million car seats to date, keeping 49 million pounds of trashed car seat parts out of landfills.

Are there similar programs to Target's car seat trade-in event?

In 2019, Walmart held a similar car seat trade-in, but that program has been discontinued.

Target does offer other similar deals, such as its Tech Trade-in program.

Some other companies that swap discounts for your old products are Hydro Flask, Best Buy — with a calculator to see what your stuff is worth — and Trashie, with its Tech Take Back Box in addition to its primary Take Back Bag for clothes.

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