Baby gear is expensive. And it's really hard to get rid of baby gear when you spent so much money on it in the first place. What if I told you that you could recycle your old car seat and get 20% off new baby gear at Target?

It's not too good to be true! Target's Car Seat Trade-In event allows you to bring in used car seats, no matter how old, and turn them in for a 20% off coupon to be used towards a new car seat, stroller, or other select baby gear.

Better still, if you have a Red Card you can take an additional 5% off!

How It Works

In an effort to eliminate waste and make good on its sustainability promises, Target has partnered with Waste Management to offer car seat recycling in exchange for a 20% off store coupon.

From April 18-30, 2022, you can bring in an old, expired, or even damaged car seat to your local Target and recycle it for free. You can then check the Target app or visit Target.com/Circle to redeem your 20% off coupon that can be used towards a new car seat, new stroller, or eligible baby gear.

The 20% off coupon is valid on eligible car seats, strollers, and wagons. It is also valid for select baby gear, including:

  • Playards
  • High chairs
  • Swings
  • Rockers
  • Bouncers

What Happens To My Old Car Seat?

Target will accept old, expired, or damaged infant seats, convertible seats, booster seats, and car seat bases. These old car seats will be recycled by Target's partner, Waste Management, and turned into pallets, plastic buckets, and construction materials such as steel beams and carpet padding.

So if you can't stand to see the car seat you dropped a couple hundred bucks on sitting out on the curb for trash pickup, the car seat trade-in event is a great way to give it new life.

How Do I Get My Coupon?

When you visit your local Target, there will be signs posted to scan with your mobile device. The coupon will be posted to your Target Circle account which you can access through the Target app or on Target.com. There is a limit of one coupon per Circle account and coupons expire on October 2, 2022. Coupons can be redeemed twice both online or in-store.

Here are the steps to get your coupon.

  1. Drop off your old car seat at your local Target store.
  2. Open the Target app to scan the code on the dropoff box. You can visit Guest Services if you need assistance.
  3. When you're ready to shop, find the 20% off offer in the Baby category on your Target App and click the "+" icon to save the offer to your account.
  4. Place your order using the discount online or scan the barcode at checkout in-store.

The Best Deals at Target

Best Target Baby Deals

If you're wondering how best to use that beautiful 20% off coupon, the mamas at Brad's Deals have a few suggestions. We recommend looking for items that are rarely discounted to get the best bang for your buck. Car seats and strollers are the optimal purchases here.

I asked several moms in the Brad's Deals office and here are their recommendations. While we haven't heard of any brand or product exclusions as of yet, we'll make updates to this post as needed if any items are excluded from the coupon.

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertable car seat

Brad's Deals shopping expert (and mom of 2!) Lindsay loved this Britax Boulevard convertible car seat. It takes kids from newborn to toddler, is easy to install, and very RARELY goes on sale.

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat

chicco keyfit 30 infant car seat

I personally used this Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat for both of my girls. I liked that we could purchase an extra base and leave the car seat at daycare and just click it into the base in my car for dropoff and my husband's car for pickup.

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

graco extend2fit convertible car seat

This Graco Extend2Fit convertible seat is the car seat we moved my toddler into when she outgrew the Chicco. We love it because it will convert from rear-facing to forward facing and into a booster seat when she's old enough.

Joovy Nook Compact High Chair

joovy nook foldable high chair

This Joovy high chair was the best thing I registered for with my first daughter. It folds up completely and we store it in our kitchen out of the way every day between meals. It is also great for travel!

Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon

evenflo pivot all terrain stroller wagon

Lindsay used one of these Evenflo Pivot All-Terrain Wagons recently on a playdate and loved it. It's great for hauling two kids and all the necessities. Plus, she recommends it for beach trips!

Graco Pack 'n Play Change 'n Carry Playard

graco pack and play napper changer

These multi-use playards like the Graco Change 'n Carry are ideal for people in two story homes. When baby falls asleep and you want to get some work done in the kitchen, you can use the napper and keep her nearby but comfortable. It's also great for diaper changes without having to run up and down flights of stairs.