The Sizing Roulette: Why Returning Carter's Onesies Costs More Than You Think

⚠️ Eligibility Check: FREE RETURN + INSTANT REFUND

Standard Carter's mail-in returns cost $6.00 (deducted from your refund) and take 10–14 business days to process once received. While in-store returns are free, mail-in returns punish you for sizing guesses. However, select zip codes are now eligible for Fee-Free Drop-offs and Immediate Refunds via Closo. Check your status before you print a label.

Check Eligibility: Free Return + Instant Refund

I still remember the "Growth Spurt of 2023." My toddler went to bed a size 2T and seemingly woke up a size 3T. In a panic, I did what every parent does: I logged onto Carter's during a Doorbuster sale and bought $200 worth of fleece pajamas, graphic tees, and those indestructible leggings. I bought size 3T, thinking I was ahead of the curve.

When the massive blue bag arrived, I realized my mistake. Carter's sizing can be notoriously specific—long and lean. The 3T pants were falling off her, but the 3T shirts were already snug. I decided to return about half the order, roughly $100 worth of clothing.

I printed the label, packed the poly mailer back up, and sent it off. Then I waited. And waited.

When the refund notification finally pinged my phone two weeks later, the amount was $94. I stared at the screen. Where was the other $6? Then I read the fine print. Carter's charges a "return shipping fee" for mail-in returns. I had essentially paid the price of a full clearance pajama set just for the privilege of trying clothes on my child. Between the fee and the two weeks my money was in limbo, the convenience of online shopping suddenly felt very inconvenient.

If you are staring at a pile of baby clothes that still have the carters tag attached, or if you are frantically searching for carters return policy without receipt because you received a duplicate gift, you need the logistics reality check. Whether you are dealing with oshkosh return policy cross-over items or just trying to navigate the return policy carterswebsite, here is the unvarnished truth about getting your money back.

How to Return Carter's Items (The Slow & Costly Way)

Carter's (which owns OshKosh B'gosh and Skip Hop) dominates the children's apparel market. Their clothes are everywhere. But their return infrastructure is built on a model that assumes you have time to drive to the mall. If you choose the convenience of mail, they penalize you.

The Official Online Protocol

The "Unwashed" Audit: Before you even log in, smell the clothes. Did you wash them hoping they would shrink? If you washed them, the policy technically forbids a return (unless they are defective). They check for the scent of detergent.
Visit the Portal: Go to carters.com and scroll to the bottom to find "Returns & Exchanges."
Enter Details: You will need your Order Number and the Email address used for the purchase.
Select the Items: Check the boxes for the items you are sending back. You will be asked for a "Reason Code" (e.g., Too Big, Too Small, Changed Mind).
Accept the Fee: The system will generate a summary showing your estimated refund. You will see a line item: Less Return Label Fee: -$6.00.
Print & Pack: You need a printer to generate the label (usually USPS or FedEx SmartPost). You need to find a box or a sturdy poly mailer.
Ship It: Drop it at the post office or carrier location.
The Long Wait: The package travels via "economy" shipping. It moves slowly. Once it hits the returns center in Georgia, it sits in a queue.
The Refund: Eventually, the money hits your credit card. This is the 10-14 business day window.

This is the old way: You pay $6 for the label, you hunt for packing tape, and you lend Carter's your money for two weeks. But if you live in a "Fast Zone," you can skip the fee and the wait. Use the tool below to see if your zip code qualifies for a Free Return with Instant Refund.

Check Eligibility Now

Common Issues Shoppers Face with Carter's Returns

When analyzing parent forums and reviews, the frustration with carters returns policy is rarely about the quality of the clothes—it's about the logistics of the return process.

1. The $6.00 "Sizing Tax"

For adult clothing, a $6 fee might be negligible. But for baby clothes, $6 is significant.

The Math: A doorbuster bodysuit might cost $5. If you return three bodysuits because they don't fit, the $6 fee eats up 40% of your refund.
The Pain: This fee discourages parents from "bracketing" (buying two sizes to see which fits), which is almost necessary with rapidly growing infants.

2. The 90-Day Hard Stop

For years, Carter's had a legendary "forever" return policy. That ended recently.

The New Rule: You have 90 days.
The Risk: Parents often buy clothes sizes ahead (buying winter coats in July during a sale). By the time winter comes and you realize the coat is too small, the 90-day window has closed. You are now stuck with it.

3. The "Current Selling Price" Trap (No Receipt)

If you receive a gift without a gift receipt, or if you lose your receipt:

The Policy: You can still return the item, BUT...
The Value: You get the current selling price on a merchandise credit.
The Sting: Carter's runs sales constantly. That outfit Aunt Shelly bought for $24 might be on clearance today for $8. If you return it without a receipt, you get $8. You lose $16 of value instantly.

Here’s where it gets interesting... some neighborhoods have unlocked a way to bypass these fees and the receipt drama entirely.

The New Standard: Free Returns & Instant Refunds

Imagine returning that OshKosh overall set without paying a $6 fee and without waiting two weeks for the money to hit your bank account.

The Closo Advantage

Closo has partnered with logistics providers to streamline returns for high-volume retailers.

No $6.00 Fee: If eligible, the return shipping deduction is waived. You keep 100% of your purchase price.
No Box Needed: You don't need to find packaging tape or a poly mailer. Just bring the clothes.
Instant Verification: The return is scanned at the drop-off point. The refund is triggered immediately.

Why pay the return fee and wait 2 weeks, when you could pay $0 and wait 2 minutes?

Are You Eligible for Free & Instant Returns?

This premium service isn't active in every zip code for Carter's brands yet. You need to verify your location.

If the tool says "Not Active," don't worry. Enter your email to Vote for your Zip Code. We prioritize launching in neighborhoods with the most requests. Plus, voters are entered into our monthly sweepstakes to have their standard return fees reimbursed while they wait.

Check Availability & Vote

3 "Secret" Hacks to Master the Carter's Policy

If you aren't in a Closo zone yet, use these strategies to protect your wallet.

1. The Cross-Brand In-Store Return

Many people don't realize that Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh are fully integrated.

The Hack: You can return oshkosh return policy items to a Carter's store, and vice versa.
The Benefit: If you bought a mixed cart online (some Carter's, some OshKosh), you don't need to separate them. Take them all to the nearest store to avoid the $6 mail fee. (Note: Skip Hop items are sometimes trickier and may need to go back via mail if the store is small, but generally, they accept them).

2. The "Defective" Loophole

Carter's mass-produces millions of items. Sometimes a snap is loose or a seam unravels after one wash.

The Rule: The "Unwashed" rule has an exception for defective items.
The Strategy: If an item fails quality standards, do not use the standard return portal (which will charge you $6). Call Customer Service at 877-333-0117.
The Result: They will often waive the $6 return fee or simply refund you without requiring a return if you can provide a photo of the defect.

3. Receipt Lookup via Credit Card

If you lost your paper receipt but bought in-store (or online and lost the email):

The Hack: Do not accept the "lowest selling price" immediately. Ask the associate to look up the transaction using the credit card or the email address linked to your "Rewarding Moments" loyalty account.
The Benefit: If they find the transaction, you get the full price you paid back to your card, rather than a diminished store credit.

People Always Ask Me...

"What is Carter's return policy without receipt?"

People always ask me this. It is strict but possible.

Identification: You must provide a valid driver's license (they track returns to prevent fraud).
Valuation: You receive the current selling price of the item. Since Carter's rotates inventory to clearance quickly, this is often very low.
Form of Payment: You receive a Merchandise Credit (gift card), not cash.

"Can I return online items to a Carter's store?"

Common question I see. Yes! And you absolutely should.

The Savings: You save the $6.00 mailing fee.
The Speed: The refund is processed instantly at the register (though it may take a few days to show on your bank statement).
The Convenience: You don't need to print anything. Just bring the order confirmation email on your phone.

"Does Carter's accept returns after 90 days?"

Officially, no.

The Exception: Managers in-store have discretion. If you have an item that is brand new with tags and it's day 95, be polite. They might offer you a merchandise credit at the current selling price. But do not expect a refund to your credit card after 90 days.

Conclusion

Carter's is a staple for parents, but the Carter's return policy penalizes the busy parent who relies on shipping. The $6.00 fee is a "sizing tax" that adds up, and the 90-day window requires you to be organized.

If you can, always return in-store to save the fee. If you buy direct, check your zip code for Closo eligibility. There is no reason to pay $6 just because the 3T pajamas were cut differently than the 2T ones.

Check if you can save that $6.00 fee and get your money back today.