Target Car Seat Return Policy: Time Limit, Requirements Detailed

Short answer: Target accepts car seat returns within 90 days of purchase. Target REDcard members have an extended 120-day return period on car seats and other merchandise. You can return a car seat to Target without a receipt, but your refund may be in the form of merchandise credit. Target reserves the right to refuse a car seat return if the original packaging is missing or damaged. For more details on Target’s car seat return policy, as well as its car seat trade-in program, see below.

Target Car Seat Return Policy Explained

Car seats fall under Target’s general return policy, which allows for returns and exchanges within 90 days of purchase, a customer service representative said. Target REDcard members have 120 days to make a return. For online purchases, the return period starts the date the item ships.

As previously reported, Target accepts open-box returns. That means you can return a car seat that you’ve opened, store associates confirmed. However, to make a return, you’ll want to bring the original packaging with you. Target reserves the right to refuse a return if the box is missing or damaged.

Target store associates in Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee told us that having your original receipt helps the return process but a receipt isn’t required. If you ordered the car seat online, proof of purchase will be in your online account. And, if you purchased it at a Target store, an associate may be able to look up your receipt with the debit or credit card you used to make the purchase. Without a receipt, Target may issue your refund on a merchandise return card, which can only be used in Target stores. Note that whether the car seat was a gift or you purchased it yourself, you’ll need to show a photo ID for any in-store return without proof of purchase.

Online purchases can also be returned by mail. Log in to your Target.com account to request a return and print a free shipping label.

Keep in mind, you can return recalled car seats any time. Target lists current product recalls on its website.

Target Car Seat Trade-In Program

If you’re in the market for a new car seat, you might want to wait for the next Target car seat trade-in event. Target will recycle all types of car seats, including infant, booster, convertible, and harness styles. In exchange for your old car seat, you’ll get a 20% off coupon that can be applied to select baby gear, including a new car seat. Car seat trade-in dates vary each year but are typically announced in April and September; each trade-in event lasts about two weeks.

In Summary

You can return a car seat to Target within 90 days of purchase, or within 120 days if you are a Target REDcard member. Make sure to bring the car seat, along with the original packaging and the receipt, if you have it. Without a receipt, Target may issue your refund on a merchandise return card.

Target occasionally has car seat trade-in events where you can bring your old car seat to be recycled and receive a 20% off coupon that can be used to purchase a new car seat.

For details on Target’s diaper return policy and Walmart’s car seat return policy, see our related articles.