Chesapeake In The Know

It feels like an unimaginable nightmare, forgetting your baby in the backseat, but it can and does happen. Everyone assumes they could never do such a thing but fact of the matter is, we’re all busy and often distracted. These tragedies most often happen when there’s a change in routine, like having a different parent drop off the child at daycare or going a different route or getting a new job. It doesn’t take much to put these tips into effect to make sure this tragedy never happens to you.

• Keep your purse, briefcase, cell phone, or even your left shoe in the back seat with the baby. These are items you likely won’t forget or will quickly notice if you do. And no, this does not mean you love your cell phone more than your baby. It’s a matter of working with the habits you already have.
• Keep one of your baby’s toys in the front seat. This simple visual could be enough to help you remember.
• Have an agreement with your child’s daycare that they will call you if the child does not show up.Keep your car locked at all times to avoid small children climbing in and getting stuck.
• Teach toddlers how to honk the horn if they become locked inside.

If you see a child left alone in a car who is suffering, call 911 immediately.