The moment your newborn is delivered, you're bound to heave a heavy sigh of relief. But if you're like most first-time parents, that relief doesn't last long.

Unexpected birthmarks, a pulsating soft spot, jaundice, skin rashes, eyes that cross, head lumps and bumps: It can all be downright scary and can easily send new parents into panic mode.

"If you don't know what to expect, or especially if you are expecting that sort of 'Hollywood' version of the doll-perfect newborn, seeing and examining your baby for the first time can be quite shocking to some parents -- and even cause some serious anxiety attacks," says Tia Hubbard, MD, nursery pediatrician at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center.

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Baby Safety in the Car

Always use a federally approved car safety seat when traveling in a motor vehicle.
Carefully read safety seat instructions to ensure that the seat has been properly installed.
NEVER carry your infant in your lap while you ride in a car.
For infants up to 20 pounds and one year of age, car seats must face the rear of the vehicle. The safest location for the car seat is the middle of the back seat.
NEVER put the baby in the front passenger seat of cars, especially those with airbags. If you have a truck with no back seat, you should disengage the airbag while the baby's seat is in the car.
Upgrade to a toddler seat when your infant weighs 20 pounds and turns one year of age.
If you have questions about safety seats, call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (1-888-DASH-2-DOT).

Preventing Baby Falls

If you use an infant carrier, always place it on the floor, never on a counter or tabletop.
Never leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, changing table, or infant seat from which he or she can fall or roll off.

Baby Safety, Smoking and Fire Safety

Do not smoke and do not allow smoking around your baby.
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Change the batteries of your smoke detectors every six months.
Have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home.

Preventing Baby Burns

Do not hold hot liquids while holding your baby.
To prevent burns, do not microwave baby's bottle. Many microwaves heat unevenly, creating "hot spots" in your baby's formula that can burn your baby's mouth. Instead, warm the formula by running warm tap water over the bottle or submerging the bottle in a bowl of warm water. Make sure you test the temperature on your hand or wrist before feeding it to your baby.

Preventing Baby Accidents

Keep sharp objects (knives, scissors, tools, razors) and other hazardous items (coins, glass objects, beads, pins, medications) in a secure place out of baby's reach.
NEVER shake a baby or throw your baby in the air. This can cause brain damage or blindness.
Do not leave your baby alone with a young sibling or a pet, even when your baby is sleeping.
Walkers are unsafe at any speed and at any age! Never put your child in a walker.
Make sure that your baby cannot pull lamps or other electrical objects on top of him or herself. Use electrical tape to secure electrical cords along baseboards.
Eliminate tablecloths that can be pulled from the table.
Make sure all drawers have stops, so that your baby or toddler can't pull the drawer out on top of himself.