As temperatures start to rise this summer, I see constant reminders of how dangerous it is to leave your child inside a car unattended. Article after gut wrenching article of the most devoted and doting parents get distracted and forget their baby is with them until they realize too late…I shudder when I think about how easy it would be for me, a sleep deprived new parent with a million and one things running through my head could forget my pride and joy is sleeping peacefully in the back seat of my car. I’m now taking precautions and am passing these tips on to you in hopes of avoiding this fatal tragedy:
- Put something you need on the floorboard in the back near the car seat, such as your purse, wallet, or cell phone. This forces you to open the back door and see the child in the car seat.
- “Look then Lock.” Get in the habit of opening the back door before you lock the doors to make sure there isn’t a child back there.
- Keep a large stuffed animal in the car seat when it’s not occupied. When the car seat is in use, move the stuffed animal to the front passenger seat as a visual reminder that your child is with you.
- Make arrangements with your babysitter or daycare provider to call you if your child does not show up as scheduled.
- If you see a child left unattended in a vehicle, get involved. If it is hot or the child seems sick, call 911 immediately.
For more tips or facts on hypothermia check out http://www.kidsandcars.org/
