Bringing your baby home from the hospital is one of the most memorable moments for new parents. Alongside the excitement, there are a lot of questions and things to prepare for, including your baby’s first car ride. Let’s go over what you need to know before driving your newborn home for the first time. What to Expect When Leaving the Hospital With Your Newborn Before discharge, expect final health checks, paperwork, and nursing advice. Some hospitals may have nurses or staff escort you to your car and observe you as you place your baby in the car seat. Depending on your hospital’s policies, you may be able to carry your baby in your arms, in a stroller, or in the car seat itself. Do You Have to Carry Your Newborn Out of the Hospital in a Car Seat? All 50 U.S. states require caregivers to have a car seat that’s appropriate for newborns before leaving the hospital. This rule helps promote infant passenger safety and ensures your little one is properly secured for the ride home. While some hospitals allow you to carry your baby out of the building before placing them in the car seat, most will want to see that you have one ready. Hospital staff may supervise or assist you during the process. Do Hospitals Check Car Seats for Newborns? Many hospitals perform a quick visual check to confirm that your car seat is rear-facing and appears correctly installed. If your baby was born prematurely or has a low birth weight, some hospitals may perform a “car seat test” to check breathing and posture while seated before releasing you. Hospitals typically don’t install car seats for you because staff members are not usually trained in it. However, some facilities may have a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) on staff to assist parents. What Car Seat to Get for Your Newborn There are several types of car seats designed to accommodate newborns. Each type has unique benefits, and the best option depends on your lifestyle, vehicle space, and long-term preferences. Keep in mind, however, that all car seats for newborns must be rear-facing with a five-point harness and used according to the height and weight limits outlined in the product manual. Option 1: Infant Car Seat Infant car seats are rear-facing only and made specifically for newborns and infants, typically accommodating babies from 4 to 30 pounds, depending on the model. They include a carry handle for easy portability and come with a detachable base for quick installation. This type of car seat can be especially helpful for your baby’s first ride home since you can buckle your newborn in before walking out to the car. It gives you space to practice securing the harness and making adjustments before leaving the hospital, and can make car seat tests easier because the entire seat doesn’t need to be uninstalled. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers or available as part of a travel system that includes a car seat, base, and stroller for convenience. You can transfer them between vehicles, without the base, or purchase extra bases for multiple cars. They’re lightweight and easy to use, but have a shorter lifespan than convertible or all-in-one options. Option 2: Convertible Car Seat Convertible car seats can start in rear-facing mode for infants and later convert to forward-facing as your child grows, usually accommodating 4 to 65 pounds depending on the model. Some convertible seats rotate 360 degrees for easier access when placing your newborn in or taking them out. These seats are heavier and bulkier than infant car seats but provide more long-term use. They can be difficult to transfer between cars, so some families choose to purchase one for each vehicle. However, some options, like the Chicco Fit360 add flexibility with a separate base for families who use multiple cars. It’s important to note that convertible car seats don’t have a carry handle, so caregivers will need to carry their newborn in their arms, in a stroller, or in a baby carrier after removing them from the vehicle. Option 3: All-in-One Car Seat All-in-one car seats grow with your child, beginning with a rear-facing mode for newborns and transitioning to a forward-facing harnessed car seat and then to a booster seat. Most accommodate 4 to 100 pounds, depending on the model. While they tend to have a higher upfront cost, all-in-one car seats can provide long-term value since they may be the only car seat you’ll need. These seats are typically heavier than infant seats and don’t include a separate base, which can make transfers between vehicles take a little longer. However, many Chicco all-in-one car seats include features such as SuperCinch® and LeverLock™ that simplify installation. Like convertible car seats, all-in-one car seats don’t have a carry handle, so caregivers can use a stroller or carrier when moving their newborn. Preparing Your Car for Your Newborn Before your due date, take a few steps to get your car ready: Clean the back seat of the vehicle and remove bulky or loose items that could shift during travel. Decide where the car seat will go and make any needed adjustments to other vehicle seats or car seats. Register your car seat after you purchase it to avoid last-minute stress. How to Install Your Car Seat Properly Getting your car seat installed correctly before your baby arrives is one of the most important steps in preparing for your first ride home together. It’s a good idea to complete the installation during the final few weeks of pregnancy so you have time to double-check everything and ask for help if needed. Before you begin, read both your vehicle and car seat manuals carefully. Each provides important details about proper placement, recline angles, and installation options. Once you’re familiar with both, follow these steps to secure your baby’s car seat correctly: Choose your installation method. You can install the seat using either your vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH system. Only use one method at a time, never both. Set the correct recline angle. Use the bubble level indicator on your Chicco car seat to help you find the proper position for your newborn. The right angle supports your baby’s head and airway during travel. Tighten the installation. Once the seat is in place, make sure it doesn’t move more than one inch from side to side or front to back at the belt path. Check your work. Give the seat a gentle tug and review each step to confirm it’s secure and reclined properly. Caregiver Tip: If you’d like extra peace of mind, consider meeting with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). These professionals can check your installation in person and answer any questions you might have. How to Buckle Your Baby into the Car Seat Once your car seat is installed, it’s time to get comfortable with correctly harnessing your baby. Newborns are little and delicate, so small adjustments make a big difference in how the harness fits. Practicing this before your due date can help you feel more confident when it’s time to head home. Start by placing your baby in the car seat with their back and bottom flat against the seat. Then, follow these key steps for a proper fit: Use the right insert. Always use the infant insert that came with your specific car seat model if recommended for your baby’s size. Avoid any aftermarket inserts not made by the manufacturer. Adjust the harness straps. For rear-facing seats, the straps should be positioned at or just below your baby’s shoulders. Buckle and tighten the harness. Pull the straps snug so there’s no slack. You shouldn’t be able to pinch the webbing between your fingers at the shoulder. Position the chest clip. Slide the chest clip to armpit level to help keep the harness straps properly aligned. Caregiver Tip: If this is your first baby or you just want a little extra practice, try buckling a doll or teddy bear into your car seat. Doing so can help you feel more confident for your baby’s first car ride. Tips to Make Your Baby’s First Car Ride Easier Your baby’s first car ride marks the beginning of many adventures together. A little preparation can help make the drive home smooth and comfortable for everyone. Before leaving the hospital: Feed and change your baby so they’re content for the drive. Dress them in soft, breathable clothing that fits comfortably under the harness. Avoid bulky layers that interfere with strap placement. If it’s cold outside, buckle your baby in first, then place a blanket over them for warmth. Never place a blanket beneath the car seat straps, as it can impact their effectiveness. During the drive: Keep the car calm and quiet. Gentle music or soft white noise can help soothe your baby. Have an adult sit in the back seat, if possible, to keep an eye on your newborn and comfort them. When you get home: Take your baby out of the car seat right away. Car seats are designed for travel, not for extended lounging or sleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines, newborns who fall asleep in car seats should be removed from it and placed on a flat, firm sleeping surface free of any loose objects or bedding. Prep for Your Baby’s Firsts with Chicco Every milestone with your newborn is special, and that first car ride home marks the beginning of so many memories to come. Taking the time to understand your car seat, practice installation, and prepare your vehicle helps you start this new chapter with confidence. Chicco is here to support you through every step of your parenting journey, from choosing the right gear to learning helpful tips for everyday life with your baby. Visit our Baby Talk Blog for more guidance and advice. FAQs How to carry a baby from the hospital to the car? Most hospitals allow you to carry your baby in your arms, in a stroller, or in the car seat itself, but this depends on the individual hospital’s policies. Once you reach your vehicle, buckle your newborn in a properly installed, rear-facing car seat before starting your trip home. Will the hospital give you a car seat if you don’t have one? Hospitals typically do not provide car seats. Because an appropriate car seat is required by law in all 50 states, make sure to purchase and install one before your due date. This also gives you time to practice using it and register your product with the manufacturer. Can you leave the hospital without a car seat base? Yes, as long as your car seat can be installed securely without the base. Many infant car seats can be installed using only a vehicle seat belt. Always follow the instructions in both your car seat and vehicle manuals to confirm proper installation.