Return policy comparison · 2026
Carter's vs Nuby
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Carter's) and July 24, 2026 (Nuby)
Winner
Carter's
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Nuby
B-
2.7 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Nuby's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Carter'sNuby
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Carter's | Nuby | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days | 60 days (unopened, undamaged) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store) | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays mail shipping | Standard returns are mailed at customer expense. Damaged or defective items get a pre-paid return label after contacting customer service first. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items, altered items, gift cards, opened personal care | None published for standard items; replacement parts must be compared to originals before opening and only unopened pairs of replacement parts are accepted back |
| Watch-out items | Standard 90-day window | — |
Carter's tip
Same family as OshKosh B'gosh — return items at either store. Items must be unworn with tags.
Nuby tip
Contact customer service before returning anything damaged or defective - doing so gets you a prepaid label, while a standard return you initiate yourself means paying your own shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Carter's or Nuby?
Carter's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Nuby's B- (2.7/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free in-store; mail may cost versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Carter's's return window?
Carter's's return window is 90 days.
What is Nuby's return window?
Nuby's return window is 60 days (unopened, undamaged).
Does Carter's or Nuby offer free returns?
Carter's: Yes (in-store). Nuby: No - fee deducted.