Intended parents can return home as soon as their baby is discharged from the hospital.  Some intended parents will drive or fly home the day of discharge from the hospital. Others prefer to remain for a few days before traveling. For those that stay for any period of time, they tend to prefer a rental to a hotel stay with their newborn. They will also want to look into a local pediatrician who can see the baby after discharge from the hospital until they return home. It is recommended that intended parents speak to the pediatrician they will use for their baby to discuss any concerns they have about air or car travel with their baby.