Your Go-To Checklist for a Safer, Smoother First Ride Home

There’s nothing quite like the moment you leave the hospital with your newborn for the very first time. It’s exciting, emotional, and let’s be honest, a little nerve-wracking. You’re suddenly responsible for this tiny, perfect human, and the ride home feels like the most important drive of your life.

As moms and parents ourselves, we remember that feeling all too well! That’s why we put together this list of what you’ll actually want to have in your car before baby arrives, so when the big day comes you can feel prepared (and breathe a little easier).

Your First-Time Parent Car Checklist

✅ Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat

This one’s obvious, but it’s the most important item. Make sure it’s properly installed and securely fastened (some fire stations or local clinics offer free car seat safety checks). Practice buckling it in a few times before labor day - you’ll be glad you did.

✅The Tiny Traveler AI Classic

We cannot recommend this enough. It’s a rear-seat baby monitor with auto-recording and AI-enhanced safety alerts that gives you peace of mind while driving. You’ll be able to glance at your baby on the screen instead of pulling over to check or twisting around in traffic. For us, it made the first drive home feel far less stressful and it continues to give peace of mind every day after. If you have two little ones on the way, try out the On-on-the-Go-Duo for split screen capabilities.

✅ Clean Blanket or Swaddle

Newborns get cold easily, and most hospitals don’t send you home with extra layers. Keep a soft, clean baby blanket in the car for the ride home, or for emergency snuggles on chillier days.

✅ Spare Diapers & Wipes

Even if you’re just going from the hospital to home, accidents happen. A small stash of newborn diapers and a travel-size pack of wipes can save the day if your baby needs a quick change en route.

✅ Extra Outfit (for Baby and You)

Blowouts and spit-ups don’t care if you’re only ten minutes from home. Pack an extra outfit for your newborn and one for yourself—because odds are, if one of you needs a change, so does the other.

✅ Burp Cloths or Small Towels

Toss in a couple of burp cloths or soft rags to clean up messes, wipe hands, or use as an extra layer under baby if needed.

✅ A Snack & Water for You

If you’re the birthing parent, you’re likely running on adrenaline (and maybe not much else). Keep a granola bar and bottle of water in the car, you’ll be glad you did.

✅ Phone Charger

You’ll want to snap a photo, check directions, or contact family. Make sure your phone is charged and that you have a charger in the car, just in case.

One Last Tip: Do a Trial Run

Install everything a few weeks before your due date and take a quick practice drive. The more confident you feel behind the wheel, the smoother that first ride with your newborn will be.

Either way, you've got this mama!! We’re cheering you and your partner on, every step (and mile) of the way.💛