How long is the car seat trade-in event?

[OTalia]

The Target Car Seat Trade-In event in fall 2025 is scheduled to run for exactly two weeks, from September 21 to October 4, 2025. During this period, you can receive a 20% discount on a new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear by trading in any old car seat, regardless of brand or condition.

This bi-annual event is a cornerstone of Target’s sustainability efforts. Since launching the program in 2016, Target has successfully recycled over 3.5 million car seats, diverting them from landfills. The process is straightforward: bring your used car seat to the designated recycling area at participating Target stores. The store associates will handle the rest, and you’ll receive a coupon for the discount valid for the same transaction.

Event Aspect	Specific Detail
Event Dates	September 21 - October 4, 2025
Core Offer	20% off new car seat, stroller, select gear
Trade-In Item	Any old car seat (any brand, any condition)
Redemption	In-store at participating locations
Historical Impact	3.5+ million seats recycled since 2016

To maximize this offer, plan ahead. Check your car seat’s expiration date (typically 6-10 years from manufacture) and inspect for recalls. The 20% discount applies to a wide range of new car seats, including high-end models, often making it one of the most cost-effective times to upgrade. Combine this with Target’s regular sales, Circle offers, or a RedCard for additional savings. Remember, the coupon is issued and used in-store on the spot, so be prepared to make your new purchase during that visit. If you miss the fall window, anticipate the next event typically held for two weeks each April.

[ReeseMarie]

As a mom of three, I circle these dates on my calendar every year. It’s a solid two-week window—this fall from September 21st to October 4th. That gives me enough time to dig the old seat out of the garage and get to the store.

I just hand over the old one, and they give me a coupon right there for 20% off a new one. I’ve used it for convertible seats and even a double stroller. It’s the easiest way to upgrade safely and save a bit. Knowing they actually recycle all those old seats is a good feeling, too.

[JadeFitz]

Let’s break down the timeline and strategy. The event duration is a consistent two weeks. For the 2025 fall cycle, that’s September 21 through October 4.

Mark those dates. The 20% discount is significant, especially on big-ticket items like infant travel systems or all-in-one convertible seats. The trade-in itself takes minutes. You bring any old seat to the customer service or the front recycling bin.

They’ll scan a barcode to give you the coupon. My advice? Research the specific car seat model you want online beforehand. Check its inventory at your local store. This ensures you walk in knowing exactly what you’re getting, making the process seamless within that two-week promotional period.

[McPaul]

It lasts two weeks. This fall, that’s September 21 to October 4.

You trade an old seat for a 20% off coupon. Any old seat works—even if it’s expired, damaged, or from a different store. They recycle it all. It’s a great deal if you need a new seat soon. Just go to any Target that has the baby section. Do it early in the event for the best selection of new models.

[DiRemington]

I look at this from two angles: value and impact. The event runs for a full fourteen days, giving most people ample opportunity to participate. From a pure savings perspective, a 20% reduction on a $300 car seat means $60 back in your pocket, just for bringing in an item you were likely going to dispose of anyway.

From an environmental view, the program’s scale is impressive. Recycling over 3.5 million car seats represents a massive amount of plastic and metal kept out of landfills. The two-week duration seems designed to create a concentrated, manageable recycling drive. For my family, it’s become a routine. We note the dates, prepare our old gear, and plan our essential purchases around this window. It’s a practical program with clear boundaries—knowing the exact start and end dates is half the battle.