Preparing for a new baby or a new developmental stage comes with a long shopping list, and a car seat is one item you can't put off. If you're trying to stay within budget, it's worth knowing when car seats go on sale throughout the year. Major shopping events, seasonal promotions, and retailer-specific sales can all create opportunities to save. A little advance planning can make it easier to purchase the car seat you want before your child reaches the next stage, without feeling rushed into a last-minute decision. In this guide, we'll cover the times of year when car seats commonly go on sale, plus a few additional ways to find savings whenever it's time to shop. Timing Your Car Seat Purchase Many families choose to purchase their next car seat before they need it, so they have plenty of time to compare options before making the transition. Still, waiting for a sale isn't always the right choice. It's time to replace your current car seat immediately if: Your child has reached or exceeded the seat's height, weight, or age limits. Your car seat has expired or has been recalled. Check for recalls on the NHTSA website. Your car seat was involved in a crash. Your car seat has visible cracks, broken parts, or excessive wear. Your baby is due before an upcoming sale. Every state requires that newborns leave the hospital in an appropriate car seat. If one of these situations applies, don't delay your purchase in hopes of finding a lower price. Many car seats are available at a variety of price points, so you can still find an option that fits your family's budget. Planning for future transitions gives you the best chance to shop during a sale, but your child's needs should always come first. When Do Car Seats Go on Sale? Many of the biggest car seat sales happen around the same seasonal shopping events. Sale dates and promotions can change, so it's always a good idea to check your favorite retailers as those events get closer. Amazon Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Day Amazon typically hosts two major Prime-exclusive shopping events each year that often include deals on baby gear, including car seats from Chicco. Prime Day usually takes place in June or July and has become one of Amazon's largest annual sales events. Prime Big Deal Days generally happen in October, giving Prime members another opportunity to shop before the holiday season begins. Prime members can often access exclusive discounts, Lightning Deals, and other limited-time offers during both events. Shopping through the Amazon app or website can help you stay up to date as new deals become available. Target Circle Week and Target Circle Deal Days Target hosts several Target Circle savings events throughout the year, and baby gear is often included in the featured deals. Target carries a wide selection of Chicco car seats, so these events can be a great opportunity to save on the model you've been considering. You'll need to be a Target Circle member to access many of these promotions, but joining the program is free. Event dates vary each year, so it's worth checking the Target app or website for announcements and limited-time offers as they become available. Target Car Seat Trade in Event Target's Car Seat Trade-In Event typically takes place twice a year. During the event, Target offers up to 20% off a new car seat when you trade in an eligible old, damaged, or expired one. This event can be especially helpful if you: Need to move up to the next type of car seat. Have a car seat that is damaged or showing signs of wear. Have an expired or unused car seat from an older child and are preparing for a new baby. It's an easy way to clear out a seat you no longer need while saving on your next purchase. Exact dates and promotion details can vary each year, so check Target's website or app for the latest information. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the biggest shopping events of the year, and many retailers include car seats in their holiday promotions. If you know your child will need a new car seat in the coming months, late November is often a great time to start shopping. Holiday promotions don't all follow the same schedule. Some retailers offer discounts throughout November, while others reserve their biggest deals for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Keeping an eye on your preferred retailers as November approaches can help you catch limited-time offers. End-of-Year and Seasonal Clearance Events The weeks between Christmas and New Year's can be another good time to shop for a car seat. Many retailers offer end-of-year promotions as they make room for new inventory arriving in the new year. You may also see discounts when new colors, fabrics, or product updates are introduced. Retailers sometimes mark down existing inventory during these seasonal transitions, so it can be worth checking your favorite stores periodically for additional savings. Other Ways to Find a Discounted Car Seat You don't necessarily have to wait for a major shopping event to save on a new car seat. Retailers and brands often offer discounts throughout the year. Here are a few ways to find savings outside of seasonal sales: Join retailer rewards programs. Many retailers offer member-exclusive discounts, bonus rewards, or early access to select promotions. Take advantage of baby registry completion discounts. Some retailers, including Amazon, offer a discount on eligible items that remain on your registry before your due date. Sign up for brand and retailer emails. Subscribers are often among the first to hear about upcoming promotions and may receive exclusive offers. Browse online sale pages. Checking a retailer's sale section regularly can help you spot discounts that aren't tied to a major shopping event. A Note on Secondhand Car Seats A used car seat may seem like an easy way to save money, but it's important to know the seat's history before using it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding used car seats when the history can't be verified because there may be damage or other issues that aren't immediately visible. Garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces don't provide enough information to determine whether a car seat is in usable condition. If you're shopping on a budget, a new car seat at a lower price point is always a better choice than purchasing a used seat with an unknown past. Every car seat sold in the United States must meet the same federal standards, regardless of price, so you can find an option that fits your family's budget. Factors Other than Price to Consider Finding a great deal is always a bonus, but price is only one part of choosing the right car seat. Taking a few additional factors into account can help you select a seat that works well for your child today and as they continue to grow. Your child's height, weight, and age. Every car seat is designed for a specific stage, so choosing one that matches your child's current size is essential. Your current car seat's limits. Checking the height, weight, and age limits in your product manual can help you estimate when it will be time to move to the next stage. Vehicle compatibility. Not every car seat fits every vehicle the same way, so it's important to confirm that the seat works well in your car. Ease of installation and everyday use. Features that make installation, harness adjustments, and loading your child easier can make a big difference over time. Long-term value. Some car seats, like convertible and all-in-one models, can accommodate multiple stages of growth, which may allow you to use the same seat longer than an infant car seat alone. Find the Right Car Seat With Chicco A little research and good timing can help you save on your next car seat purchase, but the best choice is always one that fits your child's current stage, your vehicle, and your family's needs. Shopping during seasonal sales can be a great way to stretch your budget, but there are plenty of quality options available year-round if it's time to make a change sooner. Ready to find the right fit? Explore the full selection of car seats from Chicco today!