Every year we see numerous cases of very preventable and very devastating deaths of children being forgotten in the back seats of cars. This is something that we can all keep from happening! I'm not here to pass judgement on a single person that has had this happen, but I do want to help remind others of the most precious cargo they will ever drive around.
I've seen lists before of things to do to remember that your baby or small child is in the back seat. On almost every list it says to leave something like your purse or phone back there so you remember to check. It's sad for me to think that grabbing your phone or purse is on your mind more than your child, but if it helps save a life, I will add it to my list also. Some of these you may roll your eyes at and call me crazy, but I want to help prevent as many of these cases as possible-even if by stating the obvious. So here we go. Here are my tips to help:
- ALWAYS check the back seat if you have children - even if you know they aren't with and you feel like a mental case. It takes, at most, 10 seconds to see if anyone is back there. Just look! Even if your child can talk, check! Kids sometimes falls asleep in cars and if they are quiet you have the opportunity to forget they're back there. I follow this rule always.
- Place your purse, cell phone, work bag, wallet, hat, reusable grocery bags, or whatever in the back if you think you are distracted. Put whatever you have to in the back seat to remember to look back.
- Start your car early and put down the windows or start the air conditioning. It's hot in there. Seat belts and buckles get hot too! Load up the diaper bag, backpacks, or whatever else you will be taking with when you start the car to make it easier.
- Tape a checklist on your dash, visor, steering wheel, and/or door. Put "CHECK FOR BABY" as number one in large red ink.
- Talk to your baby throughout the car ride. Even if they are sleeping you can sing to them. Babies love to hear your voice anyway.
- Don't leave your child in the car to "run in quick". Take them with. It's not worth the chance. Even if you let the a/c run, someone could drive away with your child. Not worth the extra minute it would have taken to get them out.
- Leave early so you aren't rushing!
- Place a baby item in the passenger seat to remind you he/she is back there such as a sock, shoe, or toy.
- Obviously don't try driving under the influence of anything - even prescriptions. Read labels and know what the side effects are. Some don't even allow you to drive. Some can alter your state of mind and judgement. Be responsible.
- Be sure to teach these tips to newer drivers who may be taking your kids out such as older siblings or babysitters.
- And back to the first point, ALWAYS check no matter what! Don't allow yourself to be so distracted you can't take the time to check for life.
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