Target is bringing back its car seat trade-in program later this month, giving parents a chance to swap out old seats for a 20% discount on new baby gear, a deal worth knowing about before it ends October 3.

The retailer's twice-yearly event kicks off September 20 and runs through October 3, 2026. Shoppers can drop off any old car seat, regardless of brand, condition, or expiration status, at a designated collection box inside their local Target store. In return, they receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus redeemable on new car seats, booster seats, car seat bases, travel systems, strollers, and other select baby gear, USA TODAY reported.

The discount can be used twice per shopper and stacked with other existing offers, a detail that stretches the value for families buying more than one item.

How the trade-in works, step by step

The process is straightforward. Find the designated car seat drop-off box at your local Target. Place the old seat inside. Scan the barcode on the box, then tap "Add to Target Circle Bonus" in the Target app. The 20% off bonus loads directly into your app wallet.

Target accepts all types of car seats, infant, convertible, booster, or base. There is no requirement that the seat be in working condition, which makes this a practical option for parents sitting on expired or damaged seats that cannot legally be resold or donated.

Over 3.5 million seats recycled since 2016

Target first launched the trade-in program in April 2016. Since then, the company says it has recycled more than 3.5 million car seats and over 1.2 million pounds of car seat material. Those materials get a second life as pallets, plastic buckets, construction materials, and select items in Target's Brightroom home-organization line.

For families, the practical appeal is simple: car seats expire, children outgrow them, and most municipalities do not accept bulky plastic-and-foam seats in curbside recycling. Target's program solves a disposal problem and offsets the cost of replacement gear at the same time.

The event runs at Target stores nationwide. No specific store exclusions were listed.

Parents who need new gear heading into fall would do well to mark September 20 on the calendar. A 20% discount that stacks with other offers and costs nothing more than hauling in an old car seat is the kind of straightforward deal that rewards families who plan ahead.