Bringing home your baby from the hospital is a magical, unforgettable moment. It can also be extremely nerve-wracking. Now you are responsible for precious cargo that lay asleep in the back seat. Here are a few tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Boys Town Pediatrics to make your trip home and many future trips a smooth, comfortable ride.

Safety Rules:

• Always use a car safety seat. Until the age of 12 months or 20 pounds, a baby should be in an infant safety seat buckled to the car with the auto seat belt and positioned so that the baby rides facing backward.
• The rear middle seat is always the safest place for your infant, even if you are the only adult in the car.
• Carry 1 or 2 soft, stuffed toys that your baby will learn to associate with quiet travel. It may help to have special quiet riding toys that are played with only in the car.
• If your vehicle has an airbag on the passenger side of the front seat, it is critical that you do not place your baby in the front seat. The airbag could cause serious injury to your baby.
• Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat handy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.
• In all states it is illegal for a child to ride in the car without being securely buckled into a safety seat. Please do what is best for your baby--use a safety seat during every car ride.