Tips To Remind You Your Child Is In The Car || The Tranquil Parent

Tips to remind you your child is in the car

By Jeremiah safer

March 18, 2009

Tips to remind you your child is in the car

Photo by jinglejammer, shared via Flickr.

A few years ago, this kind of post title might have been harder for me to write. But it's clear that when it comes to children dying after being forgotten in their car seats, what we have is a societal problem in need of solutions instead of isolated cases of "bad parents" being negligent in forgetting children in their cars. Over on Z Recommends we have a post up today about the issue, and thought we'd share some tips that can help ensure you or your loved ones don't make this tragic mistake. We've compiled these tips from KidsandCars.org, the SafeKids Campaign, and our own thoughts.

Put something you'll need on the floorboard in the back seat - your cell phone, purse, wallet, or other daily necessity you won't forget.

Never leave a young child alone in a car, even for a "quick" errand, even with the windows down, even if they're old enough to not be in a car seat. Cars pose a variety of hazards for young children beyond the possibility of heat stroke - carbon monoxide poisoning from older vehicles left running, airbags, trunk entrapment, and more. It can also turn an opportunistic car theft into a kidnapping.

Establish a habit of opening the back door of your vehicle every time you arrive at your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. Developing the habit, even on days you know you don't have your child with you, can help you remember your child is there if you ever do let your child's presence slip out of your conscious mind.

Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's car seat when it’s not occupied. When you put your child in their car seat, move the stuffed toy into the front passenger seat.

Make arrangements with your child’s day care or sitter to call you if your child does not arrive on time on scheduled days, or establish a quick-call routine with your spouse to say hello on your arrival at your destination.

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, take action. If the parent cannot immediately be found, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Categories: car seats

3 comments | Comment on post

3 Comments

1. KGS [3/18/09]

The first tip seems like the most reliable to me; as a non-purse-carrier, I’ll start leaving my wallet and my house/office key ring in the back seat. Thanks for making me think about this!

A couple of related tips from a driver safety course instructor I know: always walk behind your car before you get in (to make sure no small children are behind it), and always lower your window a little before you go into reverse (so if someone yells “stop” you’ll hear it). The latter is especially important in store parking lots, one of the scarier places we take our kids.

2. Paula [3/19/09]

My biggest reminder has always been VISUAL. I have a small, inexpensive, infinitely adjustable mirror that attaches above my rearview mirror with a suction cup, and allows me to see my daughter and make eye contact. We even take it on trips to use in rental cars. When she was still rear-facing, it was coupled with a mirror attached to the back of the seat.

We have shared a long commute together since shortly after her birth—when she was tiny, rear-facing, and I couldn’t turn around to see her when she was distressed, it was a sanity saver for me. Now that she’s 3, we both use the mirror to make eye-contact and have conversations. I contstantly check the mirror and always have—I find myself doing it even when she’s not in the car.

3. Sarah [8/24/09]

I think the number one thing we can all do is realize that this could happen to *anyone.* I like your tips, especially about leaving something in the back of your car that you will need. I personally count my kids every time I arrive and leave anywhere. It’s part of my routine - wallet, keys, phone, kids 1, 2 (and now 3). It sounds stupid, but I know that things happen.