Baby gear prices are on the rise, according to Personal Finance publication Kiplinger. Car seats can range anywhere from $50 to as high as $800 depending on the brand. What happens when your child outgrows their old car seat?
Americans can trade in old car seats for discounts towards other baby gear, thanks to an event hosted by a popular retail corporation.
Target’s car seat-trade in event runs from September 21 to October 4. Participants can get a 20% discount on car seats after trading in an old car seat for recycling purposes. Additionally, the discount can be used towards the purchase of strollers and other baby items.
Some specific exclusions apply, but most new car seats from Target are eligible for the 20% discount via the trade-in event. A discount of 20% may not seem like much, but several of Target’s car seats cost over $300. A 20% discount on a car seat that costs $300 or more could equate to upwards of $60 in savings (which can be big bucks for new parents).
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To claim the trade-in event’s 20% discount, you’ll first need to download Target’s Circle app. Target locations have designated boxes for car seat drop offs. Once you drop off a car seat in the box, you can scan the redemption code on the designated car seat drop off box via the app.
The redemption code will be added to your Wallet section in the Target app. The code expires on October 18. It can be redeemed a total of two times and can be used for both online and in-store purchases.
Shoppers can combine the 20% discount with other qualifying coupons and promo codes for even more savings. Target accepts any car seats for recycling, including seats that have expired or been damaged.
Car seats are important for the safety of your child, but your vehicle arguably plays an even more important role in their safety when on the road. So, how can you find the safest new vehicles available today?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS), is an independent organization dedicated to the research and evaluation of motor vehicle safety. The IIHS compiled a list of its 2025 Top Safety Picks, including models that have earned its highest ranking: Top Safety Pick+.
This year’s Top Safety Pick+ winners include popular midsize SUVs like the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E also made the list.
U.S. News & World Report compiled a list of safest vehicles for 2025 as well, championing models like the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Tesla Model Y. Today, there are plenty of vehicle and car seat options available to keep your child safe and secure on the road.

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