When Is the Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025? Dates, Savings & Recycling Guide

Parents often search for when is the target car seat trade-in 2025 to snag big savings on baby gear¹. This popular event lets you drop off old, expired, or damaged seats for a 20% Target Circle bonus. Use it on new car seats, strollers, or travel systems. In 2025, Target held two events: spring in April and fall from September 21 to October 4. Even though the fall window closed on October 4, you can still redeem coupons until October 18. Plan ahead for next year—it’s a smart way to keep kids safe and wallets happy.Target started this program in 2016 to promote safety and sustainability. Over 3.5 million seats have been recycled so far. That’s 17.7 million pounds diverted from landfills. Families love the ease: Scan a QR code, get instant credit. Let’s dive into the details so you know exactly when the target car seat trade-in 2025 and how to make it work for you².

Why Join the Car Seat Trade In Target Program?

Safety first. Car seats expire after six to 10 years³. Cracks or wear make them risky. Trading removes hazards fast. Plus, you save cash—20% off beats regular sales.Eco perks shine too. Target partners with Waste Management to recycle seats into playgrounds, park benches, and more. One mom’s story: “I traded my faded infant seat and got a Graco booster for less. Felt good helping the planet.”Stats show impact. Spring 2024 saw 440,000 seats turned in—Target’s biggest yet. Fall events average 300,000. If you’re in Texas or California, lines form quickly at busy stores.

Benefits for Busy Parents

• Instant savings: 20% bonus stacks with target car seats on sale.
• Easy drop-off: Any brand, any style—in rear-facing, forward, boosters.
• Quick reward: Coupon emails in minutes. Redeem the same day.

When Is the Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025? Full Schedule

When is the target car seat trade-in 2025? Target runs it twice yearly. Spring hits April; fall lands late September.

• Spring 2025: April 13 to April 26. Focused on back-to-school prep.
• Fall 2025: September 21 to October 4. Ties into holiday shopping.Missed fall? Coupons valid through October 18, 2025. For 2026, expect similar: April and September. Mark your calendar—events sell out fast.State twists add flavor. When is the target car seat trade in 2025 Texas? Same national dates, but Austin stores buzz with extra recycling bins. California follows suit, with eco-focused signage in LA spots.

Event Timeline Tips

1. Check Target app week before start.
2. Visit mid-week to dodge crowds.
3. Redeem bonus before expiry—pairs great with Black Friday.

How the Car Seat Trade In Target Works Step by Step

Ready to trade? It’s simple. Bring your old seat to guest services.

• Step 1: Locate the trade-in box—pink recycling bin near the checkout.
• Step 2: Drop seat inside. No inspection needed.
• Step 3: Scan QR code on signage.
• Step 4: Get a 20% Target Circle bonus via email or app.Works on target car seats, strollers, or select gear up to $250 value. Excludes travel systems over certain prices. Pro tip: Stack with ongoing sales for 40% total off.What to do with old car seats outside events? Don’t toss them. Donate to fire stations or women’s shelters if intact. Or find car seat recycling near me via TerraCycle.

History of Target’s Trade-In: From 2016 to Now

Target launched in Earth Month 2016, inspired by Babies R Us. Goal: Cut waste, boost safety. First year? 176,000 seats recycled.By 2019, half a million diverted. 2024 spring peaked at 440,000—up 20% from prior. Fall 2025 hit 350,000 nationwide.CEO Brian Cornell calls it a “win-win.” Recycled plastic turns into eco-products. Stats: 3.5 million seats saved from dumps. That’s like removing 1,000 cars from roads yearly in emissions.

Key Milestones

• 2016: Launch. 100,000 seats in the first month.
• 2019: Bi-annual switch. Added boosters.
• 2024: Record 440k spring haul.
• 2025: Fall drew 350k, per early reports.

State-by-State Scoop: When Is the Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 Texas, California & More

Dates stay national, but local vibes vary.

• Texas: When is the target car seat trade in 2025 Texas? Sept 21-Oct 4. Dallas stores partner with Safe Kids for safety checks.
• California: When is the target car seat trade in 2025 California? Same window. Bay Area adds green workshops.
• Near me searches: Use Target finder for hours. When is the target car seat trade in 2025 near me? App pinpoints stores.Reddit buzz: When is the target car seat trade in 2025 reddit threads share hauls. One user: “Traded in Houston—got Chicco for $120 after discount!”

Reddit Favorites: When Is the Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 Reddit Insights

Parents flock to r/BabyBumps and r/Frugal. Top tips from when is the target car seat trade in 2025 reddit:

• “Go early—bins overflow by noon.” (u/MomOfTwoTX)
• “Stack with clearance: Saved $80 on Evenflo.”
• “USA-wide, but check stock online first.”Fall 2025 posts hit 500 upvotes. Users love comparing Walmart car seat trade in.

Compare: Walmart Car Seat Trade In vs. Target

Walmart runs April and September too. 20% off similar gear. But Target edges out:

Feature	Target	Walmart
Bonus %	20% Circle	20% e-gift
Recycling Partner	Waste Mgmt	TerraCycle
Eligible Items	Car seats + strollers	Mostly seats
2025 Fall Dates	Sept 21-Oct 4	Sept 15-28

Beyond Trade-Ins: What To Do With Old Car Seats

Can’t wait for events? Act now.

• Car seat donation: Goodbuy or local nonprofits take usable ones.
• Car seat recycling near me: Search Earth911 for drop-offs.
• Safe disposal: Cut straps, dismantle, trash parts.NHTSA says 60% of seats are misused or expired. Trade-ins fix that—3.5 million safer rides since 2016.

Eco Alternatives

• TerraCycle bins at Babies R Us ghosts.
• Local hazmat days for foam parts.

Best Target Car Seats to Buy During Events

Stock up on winners. Target car seats on sale shine with bonus.

1. Graco 4Ever DLX: $250 base, $200 after 20%. All-in-one.
2. Chicco KeyFit 35: Infant star, $220 to $176.
3. Evenflo Revolve360: Slim rotate, $300 to $240.Target car seats range $100-$400. Reviews: 4.7 stars average. Pair with harness checks.

Sale Stacking Hacks

• Watch for target car seats on sale alerts.
• Use RedCard for 5% more.
• Fall 2025: Many under $150 post-discount.

Spring vs. Fall: When Is the Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 Spring & Fall

When is the target car seat trade in 2025 spring of 2025? April 13-26. Lighter crowds, fresh inventory.Fall: When is the target car seat trade in 2025 fall? Busier, holiday tie-ins. September starts to align with school.When is the target car seat trade in September 2025 September? Starts 21st. October end: When is the target car seat trade in 2025 October? Through the 4th.No summer—avoids peak travel.

USA-Wide: When Is the Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 USA

All 1,900 stores joined. When is the target car seat trade in 2025 usa? Uniform dates. Rural spots are quieter.Overseas? No, U.S. only. Canadians eye similar products at Toys R Us.

Dates Deep Dive: When Is the Target Car Seat Trade In 2025 Dates

Full list:

• Spring: Mid-April, two weeks.
• Fall: Late Sept-early Oct.Past patterns: 2016 one-off, now bi-annual. 2026? Bet on April 12-25, Sept 20-Oct 3.

Maximize Savings: Target Car Seats On Sale During Trade-In

Events overlap sales. Fall 2025: 30% off select Graco. Post-20%: Under $100.Target car seats on sale email list key. One parent: “Traded booster, snagged convertible for $90—best deal ever.”

Conclusion

The when is the target car seat trade-in 2025 answer: Spring April 13-26, fall September 21-October 4. You traded safety for savings and helped recycle millions. Mark 2026 dates—keep the cycle going.Got an old seat lingering? When will you hit your next car seat trade? Share below!

FAQ

When is the target car seat trade-in 2025 exactly?

Spring: April 13-26. Fall: September 21-October 4. Coupons redeemable two weeks post-event.

When is the target car seat trade in 2025 Texas?

Same national dates. Local stores in Houston and Dallas host bonus safety demos.

What to do with old car seats if I miss the event?

Donate to shelters, recycle via TerraCycle, or dismantle for trash. Check car seat recycling near me.

How does Walmart car seat trade compare?

Similar 20% off, but Target offers more gear options like strollers.

When is the target car seat trade in 2025 reddit tips say?

Users recommend early mornings, stacking sales, and app alerts for dates.

References

1. Target – Car Seat Trade-in Event FAQ https://www.target.com/c/car-seat-trade-in-event-faq/-/N-ln7zc Details: Official guide with 2025 dates (Sept 21-Oct 4), eligibility, and recycling process. Ranks high for direct answers; includes QR tips for instant bonuses. ↩︎
2. Target – Car Seat Trade-in Event Page https://www.target.com/c/car-seat-trade-in-event/-/N-v41nu Details: Landing spot for drop-offs and 20% offers. Features store locator; drives traffic via app integration and sale overlaps. ↩︎
3. Safe in the Seat – Target Car Seat Trade-In Event Post https://www.safeintheseat.com/post/target-car-seat-trade-in-event Details: Expert blog with safety stats, how-tos, and state variations. Engages parents via checklists; boosts SEO with “what to do with old car seats” queries. ↩︎