Strategies to Make Sure You Never Forget a Child in a Car

Has this happened to you? You’re driving home after a busy morning and your child falls asleep in the backseat of the car. When you get home, you’re thinking about a million things, and nearly forget to take your child out of the car.

About 38 children in the United States die from heat stroke each year after being trapped in a car. Some of the children were left there by mistake, and some were using the car as a place to play. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute!

You might think you would never forget your child in the back, but it can happen to anyone. Busy schedules, lack of sleep and changes in routine can distract us easier than you think.

What can I do to protect my child from these dangers?

1. Set up a system to check the backseat of your car for your child every time you get out. Your system may include setting your cell phone, purse, gym bag or briefcase on the floor near your child. This will help you see your child when you open the door to get the item.
   
2. Set your smart phone or electronic calendar to give you a reminder to be sure you dropped your child off at daycare each morning.
   
3. Ask your child’s babysitter or morah to call you within a few minutes if your child is late for daycare.
   
4. Keep a large stuffed animal in the car seat when your child is not with you. Move it to the front seat where you will notice it when your child is with you – it can act as a reminder.
   
5. Always “look before you lock.” Get in the habit of checking the backseat every time you get out of the car.
   

What should I do if I see a child left alone inside a car?

1. Call 911 right away if you see a child left alone in a car. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible.
   
2. If you see a child alone in a car, try to find the parents or contact local authorities. Supervision by adults is the best way to keep children safe in most situations, and a locked car is no exception. 
   
3. When considering whether to contact the authorities, take into account the age of the child or children that have been left unattended in a vehicle. If they are old enough to speak with you, ask them how long they’ve been in the car, and where their parent or guardian went. In these cases, you can try to find the parent or guardian before contacting the police, as this can be a less traumatic resolution for all involved. However, under no circumstances should you completely ignore a child left alone inside a car.
   

Devices to Help Prevent Leaving Kids in the Car:

1. STEELMATE Baby Car Seat Reminder monitors your baby during and after driving. If your baby doesn’t sit on the pad while driving, or after the ACC is off or the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled but the baby is still in the seat, the display will automatically send sound and light alarm. $37.99 https://amzn.to/3BuUOen

2.  Itomoro Baby Car Mirror helps prevent you from leaving your kid in the car. Plus, it’s a useful device for any trip. Its video screen lets you easily see your child in the backseat so you can see what they’re up to at all times. It’s extra useful if you have a wildly toddler that likes to escape their car seat. $39.99 https://amzn.to/3iCXle3

3. We know some new parents don’t want to mess with apps, charging devices, or making sure clips are in place, so we looked for a low-tech solution that could help. What we came up with is the Shynerk Baby Car Mirror. $15.40 https://amzn.to/3BvFzSK

4. The Elepho eClip will continually remind you that your baby or toddler is in the car; helping to prevent you from accidentally forgetting the baby in a hot car. Pairs perfectly with both toddler car seats or infant car seats. The smartphone app sends notifications so you know when to adjust the air in back of the car so your baby is comfortable within the proper temperature limits. In the event you leave your car without your baby, the alarm on the Smartphone App will be activated within a short distance of the car. Compatible for Apple & Android Smartphones. $49.99 https://amzn.to/3wYxZfL

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