leaving child in car

tom_tarbucket

Was sitting outside the creche today waiting for herself. Whilst waiting another car pulled up. It was a woman and she proceeded to take her baby which looked about 4 months old out of the car in the car seat and carried her in to the creche. 90 seconds later she arrives out.......struggling. in one arm she has the already mentioned baby in car seat,in the other,she was carrying a roughly 1 year old boy. Then when she got to the car, more struggling trying to put in the car seat and then strapping the 1 year old in to his car seat, an awful lot of hassle. Plus you can see the car from inside the creche

If thst was me....i would probably leave younger baby in car with a window slightly open. Lock doors, fly in get older child and out again in 90 seconds.

Im probably going to be accused of terrible parenting or you dont deserve children etc etc

But was this woman's method overkill seeing as she was out in 90 seconds.

bbsrs

tom_tarbucket wrote: »

Was sitting outside the creche today waiting for herself. Whilst waiting another car pulled up. It was a woman and she proceeded to take her baby which looked about 4 months old out of the car in the car seat and carried her in to the creche. 90 seconds later she arrives out.......struggling. in one arm she has the already mentioned baby in car seat,in the other,she was carrying a roughly 1 year old boy. Then when she got to the car, more struggling trying to put in the car seat and then strapping the 1 year old in to his car seat, an awful lot of hassle. Plus you can see the car from inside the creche

If thst was me....i would probably leave younger baby in car with a window slightly open. Lock doors, fly in get older child and out again in 90 seconds.

Im probably going to be accused of terrible parenting or you dont deserve children etc etc

But was this woman's method overkill seeing as she was out in 90 seconds.

She did the right thing.

spurious

People live terrified lives in today's world, not always with justification, but the 'what if' is not worth it.

cyning

Problem is if you get delayed or anything... She was right. I don't leave my two in the car alone ever.

lazygal

Nope, wouldn't leave them. It might be a quick pickup but who knows, someone might need to discuss something or you're otherwise delayed and 90 seconds turns into several minutes. If I need petrol I go to a place where you pay at the pump because this means I don't have to lug them in and out of the car. A lot can happen in 90 seconds.

threescompany

I think that was OTT...... What could go wrong in 90 seconds? We put ourselves under too much stress just to conform to ridiculous standards. I have regularly left my kids locked in car ( obv just for a min or two ) while I legged it for something. I would never leave them distressed / crying in car. Also to add. I'm a very easy going mother & think my laid back attitude has made motherhood to 4 kids a much easier journey. Im all for safety but that's just taking it too far.

tayto lover

Never leave a child alone in a car.

whatismyname

tayto lover wrote: »

Never leave a child alone in a car.

Yep, I agree and think it's really that simple.

Can completely see where the OP is coming from, but is it a chance to ever take, no matter how little time for?

beauf

threescompany wrote: »

...... What could go wrong in 90 seconds?...

Car gets stolen.

whatismyname

whatismyname wrote: »

Yep, I agree and think it's really that simple.

Can completely see where the OP is coming from, but is it a chance to ever take, no matter how little time for?[/QUOTE

To haul a baby out of a car for 2 mins to collect another child, crazy . If the car is parked safely and the child is not crying or distressed, no reason not to.

lazygal

beauf wrote: »

Car gets stolen.

Or engine goes up and if the doors are locked and the kids are strapped in seats that need unbuckling. Might sound paranoid but we also choose car seats that unbuckle with one click. And locking kids in a car is not something to recommend.

vicwatson

Cars go on fire for no reason sometimes

lazygal

threescompany wrote: »

I think that was OTT...... What could go wrong in 90 seconds? We put ourselves under too much stress just to conform to ridiculous standards. I have regularly left my kids locked in car ( obv just for a min or two ) while I legged it for something. I would never leave them distressed / crying in car. Also to add. I'm a very easy going mother & think my laid back attitude has made motherhood to 4 kids a much easier journey. Im all for safety but that's just taking it too far.

This isn't a ridiculous standard. Locking kids in a car is not safe and we all.know how easily a one minute errand extends to a longer absence, queue at the till, card doesn't work etc. I consider myself laid back and easy going about many things to do with my children, but car safety isn't one of the places I take chances.

tom_tarbucket

beauf wrote: »

Car gets stolen.

But " what if " carrying the 2 babies and her struggling caused her to let the older child slip out of her arm and fall and bust his head.

But on the other hand,an asteroid could also land on the car too.

lazygal

tom_tarbucket wrote: »

But " what if " carrying the 2 babies and her struggling caused her to let the older child slip out of her arm and fall and bust his head

Younger child in sling/buggy, in to collect older child, older child into car seat, younger child into car seat, buggy or sling put away. I did this many times with two born within 15 months of each other.

Ddad

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/court-told-of-hysteria-26180470.html

This story always stayed in my head. Not worth the risk.

Sam Kade

lazygal wrote: »

Or engine goes up and if the doors are locked and the kids are strapped in seats that need unbuckling. Might sound paranoid but we also choose car seats that unbuckle with one click. And locking kids in a car is not something to recommend.

As in the engine goes on fire The battery shorting off metal is the only way a car will go on fire other than some gurrier setting it on fire

vicwatson

vicwatson wrote: »

Cars go on fire for no reason sometimes

I have to say...I cannot believe some of these paranoid comments.
I dont 'belong' here as my kids are now mid teens.

But guess what, they are 6 foot tall rugby playing healthy clever kids...and shock horror, would have been left in the car for 5 mins or so while i ran to pay for petrol, dropped in dry cleaning etc.

I hadnt realised just how paranoid parenting has become....glad things were more relaxed 'in my day'

threescompany

Yeh I can see your points that the car could go up in flames, get stolen etc. it is possible. However the chances are extremely minute & I suppose they chances I am willing to take for a few seconds.
Likewise you could say that carrying a newborn/ car seat in 1 hand & 1 year old with the other ( and possibly a bag) in a car park holds it's own risks. Kids can scarper like lightning and it's hard work carrying those newborn seats /baby while at the same time holding hands of feisty toddlers at 5.30pm& trying to load both in car. Accidents are more likely to happen with more kids. Genuinely the toddler could run off or get knocked down. Again unlikely, but it could happen- just an alternative view point.

lazygal

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I have to say...I cannot believe some of these paranoid comments.
I dont 'belong' here as my kids are now mid teens.

But guess what, they are 6 foot tall rugby playing healthy clever kids...and shock horror, would have been left in the car for 5 mins or so while i ran to pay for petrol, dropped in dry cleaning etc.

I hadnt realised just how paranoid parenting has become....glad things were more relaxed 'in my day'

I'm glad the advice has changed. I'm not paranoid, I assess the risks and act accordingly. If some parents had been more vigilant about other things to do with child protection some children might not have gone through some terrible things. Vigilance as a parent doesn't mean you're paranoid.

lazygal

lazygal wrote: »

I'm glad the advice has changed. I'm not paranoid, I assess the risks and act accordingly. If some parents had been more vigilant about other things to do with child protection some children might not have gone through some terrible things. Vigilance as a parent doesn't mean you're paranoid.

Normal vigilance is fine.....over the top vigilance is bad for the child as well as it makes him nervous of the world he lives in
But to compare leaving a child in a safely parked car for a couple of minutes to child protection issues is frankly ridiculous

lazygal

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Normal vigilance is fine.....over the top vigilance is bad for the child as well as it makes him nervous of the world he lives in
But to compare leaving a child in a safely parked car for a couple of minutes to child protection issues is frankly ridiculous

Point being, advice has changed. No one would recommend leaving children in a locked vehicle. No matter how quick you think the errand will be. There's plenty of things my parents did that I wouldn't do, such as start solids at three months, because times change and advice changes too. I'll take the minor inconvenience of taking my children out of the car for necessary trips rather than lock them in, strapped into seats, and take a chance.

lazygal

lazygal wrote: »

Point being, advice has changed. No one would recommend leaving children in a locked vehicle. No matter how quick you think the errand will be. There's plenty of things my parents did that I wouldn't do, such as start solids at three months, because times change and advice changes too. I'll take the minor inconvenience of taking my children out of the car for necessary trips rather than lock them in, strapped into seats, and take a chance.

Times change????? My kids are 13 and 14, not 50!!!
Advice hasnt changed....people HAVE become more paranoid. And I feel sorry for the kids

But yes, you do as you see fit.....

threescompany

The point is When you take your kids out of car they are equally being exposed to danger. Buggy could get run over, you could trip & lose grip of buggy etc.
If cars were that dangerous we wouldn't get in them if there was a chance they'd blow up..... Come on!!!!!! I respect your opinion but genuinely believe it's as safe ( if not safer) to leave baby in car.

Sam Kade

lazygal wrote: »

I'm glad the advice has changed. I'm not paranoid, I assess the risks and act accordingly. If some parents had been more vigilant about other things to do with child protection some children might not have gone through some terrible things. Vigilance as a parent doesn't mean you're paranoid.

Like the engine going on fire or the car blowing up like in the movies. Don't believe everything you see in the movies

beauf

Deleted User wrote: »

Normal vigilance is fine.....over the top vigilance is bad for the child as well as it makes him nervous of the world he lives in
But to compare leaving a child in a safely parked car for a couple of minutes to child protection issues is frankly ridiculous

True. But then its also true that to say theres no risk is not true. Its just not very likely. I've seen about 4 or 5 vehicles go on fire in my lifetime. So the odds IMO are pretty remote. Likewise cars get stolen with kids in them.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-open-fire-after-car-stolen-with-children-inside-26615829.html

But the odds are pretty remote. Whereas dropping kids, letting buggies roll is probably much more common. But there nothing wrong with being careful.
Dunno why why both sides have to exaggerate that kids are over protected, or under-protected. Trying to out tabloid the other. Some people may just have separation anxiety for any number of reasons.

My mind was more wondering who's kids are they, if not her own, child minder, maybe.

Grab All Association

Sam Kade wrote: »

Like the engine going on fire or the car blowing up like in the movies. Don't believe everything you see in the movies

Cigarette butt igniting the petrol fluid fire is another one

GerardKeating

vicwatson wrote: »

Cars go on fire for no reason sometimes

Then you might have a better chance to save child from outside the car, then if trapping in flaming car with the child.

jimmycrackcorm

If people are going to get irrational then we might as well also mention the possibility of baby monitor power supplies exploding.

Stoned Since 2011

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

If people are going to get irrational then we might as well also mention the possibility of baby monitor power supplies exploding.

have you stats on that?

Grab All Association

Baby powder dust explosions

whats_my_name

Sometimes I wonder how any of us are here at all!

Stoned Since 2011

whats_my_name wrote: »

Sometimes I wonder how any of us are here at all!

Quiet alot according to new born stats.

whats_my_name

Stoned Since 2011 wrote: »

Quiet alot according to new born stats.

Point being that my parents certainly didn't take 4 of us out of the car every time they popped into the shop to pick up a loaf of bread, (it would of cost them a fortune!) & the 4 of us are still here, as are many others.

I don't agree with people being so against leaving a child in a car on their own to quickly do something, though I'm talking 2/3 minutes tops. But in saying that you would also have to take into consideration the age of the child, a new born asleep in a car seat I would leave there while I popped into the shop, a curious toddler who could open the car seat & car door I wouldn't.

mocha please!

I think she was right. She was only away for 90 seconds, but she didn't know in advance that it was only going to be 90 seconds. In the creche my son attends (and I imagine in most creches), you don't just grab the child and go, there's a little handover where a staff member goes through everything they've eaten that day, any issues, any supplies needed, their activities, even how many dirty nappies they had! So if there are several other parents collecting at around the same time, you could be left waiting for your turn. And then you've to put on their coat, maybe their shoes, pack their bag, etc. Between everything, you could be up to ten minutes in there. I'd be very uncomfortable with leaving a small baby alone and out of sight for that long.

pwurple

At our creche the door is about 4ft from the car. And they don't do a handover (note is in bag). So I step out of the car, ring the bell. Put children in, and off we go. I would be a couple of steps away from the car. But... When I was on mat leave we didn't use the car much. Walked mostly. So thinking back on it, I've never personally left a child in a car. But i don't think it would be particularly high risk if you are close enough and can see them.

Now, my little girl had reflux, so i had a very close eye on her at the start because she was liable to throw up at any moment and start choking. So i can understand taking the baby with you too. 90 seconds is a long time in that scenario.

Sligo1

We wait at the door of Ts playschool while they file out. If I manage to get a park beside the driveway where I can directly see inside the car I will leave my 1 yo to collect him at the door. In the mornings when we have to go inside to drop them off (down a corridor out the back of the playschool). In only takes 60seconds but My 1yo comes with me. I remember a case years ago in New Zealand where a 1-2 yo died after being left in the car and choking on a golfball. We don't have any hazards in our car. But imo... It's not worth the risk. Yes it makes things difficult. But I don't think I'm being over vigilant... If they are insight it's ok for a minute. If you can't see them... Even for a minute... They should be with you. Things can go wrong in seconds.

nc19

vicwatson wrote:

Cars go on fire for no reason sometimes

There is always a reason

nc19

So me leaving my daughter sleeping in the car outside my house, checking her regularly means I am a terrible parent???

Bollix

uck51js9zml2yt

Left my my then 3 1/2 yo in the car once,when I got delayed I went to check on him. He tried getting out of his seat belt and was caught in it and distressed as it was at his neck.
I never did it again

IvyTheTerrible

Maybe in Ireland it doesn't happen, but here in France every single year there are babies/toddlers who die after being left in the car in hot weather. It doesn't take very long either.

I'd never ever leave my son in the car alone. I'm not being hysterical, it's a real risk here.

http://www.childsafetyeurope.org/publications/info/factsheets/children-in-cars.pdf : 26 deaths of children in cars between 2006 and 2009 in France and Belgium.

lazygal

The hot car deaths are horrible.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/08/06/how-do-you-leave-your-child-to-die-in-a-hot-car-we-examined-some-of-the-21-suspected-cases-this-year-to-find-out/

In one case I read about the toddler had pulled all.of their hair out before they died.

afkasurfjunkie

lazygal wrote: »

The hot car deaths are horrible.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/08/06/how-do-you-leave-your-child-to-die-in-a-hot-car-we-examined-some-of-the-21-suspected-cases-this-year-to-find-out/

In one case I read about the toddler had pulled all.of their hair out before they died.

That... is the single most disturbing thing I have EVER read on boards.

Neyite

Jesus. That's horrific.:(

I wouldn't be too concerned about a car going on fire or theft - it is extremely rare after all. But would still take him out of the car if I was going anywhere - the sole exception is if I'm literally feet away from the car and can see it at all times.

The reasons I take him are:
- He usually wakes up when the car stops so would be hysterical and terrified at being left alone. I did it once briefly and it took him ages to calm down.
-I might be longer than I intended because of queues or talking to someone or whatever.
-General safety, he could choke on something while I'm gone, or wiggle out of straps and get his neck caught etc.
-if I collapsed somewhere (admittedly this is a rare scenario) I could be rushed to A&E or whatever and it could be hours before people realise I had a small child with me.

Sligo1

lazygal wrote: »

The hot car deaths are horrible.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/08/06/how-do-you-leave-your-child-to-die-in-a-hot-car-we-examined-some-of-the-21-suspected-cases-this-year-to-find-out/

In one case I read about the toddler had pulled all.of their hair out before they died.

I want to read this article... But I wont... As I have a feeling I will be upset for the rest of day if I do....

Rose35

Sligo1 wrote: »

I want to read this article... But I wont... As I have a feeling I will be upset for the rest of day if I do....

same here ..........

haveringchick

Poor Gerry Ryan the late DJ banged on and on about not leaving kids in cars as he had once come on the scene of a car fire at a petrol station one day where a small child was only saved by a quick thinking passing stranger.
Personally I never ever left kids in a car.
If your properly organised it should be fairly easy to avoid having to.

January

nc19 wrote: »

So me leaving my daughter sleeping in the car outside my house, checking her regularly means I am a terrible parent???

Bollix

No it doesn't, but it doesn't mean that people who wouldn't leave their child alone in the car at all are over protective over the top parents either.

Each to their own.

Personally, if I arrive home and my 1 year old is asleep, I'll stay in the car with him until he wakes... Life is too short, I read a book or browse the internet on my phone while listening to the radio. Gives me time out too!

fro9etb8j5qsl2

Long before the days of mandatory baby seats, my mother used to place me in my carrycot on the back seat of the car. One day, she popped into the local shop for 2 minutes to pick up bread and milk, leaving me and my 3 older brothers in the car. Incidentally, the shop was at the top of a steep hill and as my mother was in the shop, my 7 year old brother decided to play with the handbrake and let it down :eek: As the car rolled off down the hill towards the busy junction at the end of the road, my 3 brothers hopped out leaving me inside unsecured in my little basket. Thankfully the shopkeeper spotted the car moving and ran out, hopped in the open door and braked. God only knows what would have happened otherwise. So yeah, that's what unsupervised kids can do in the space of a few minutes.

aine100

I saw a car go on fire and explode (ok a small explosion not a Die Hard explosion.. but still) from a vantage point in the Market Yard once, and all it took was 5 minutes.
I wouldn't leave mine in the car, but I suspect my hubby used to when doing the creche collection. I also think a creche collection is better than a supermarket visit. I know of someone who left 2 small kids in the car and went into Dunnes (wine street) for something very quickly and when she came out there was a crowd surrounding the car and a security guard who gave out to her. (a few years ago now)
Even if you are just gone for 2 minutes you will feel the wrath of every other parent who noticed and is outside who didn't know how long you were gone for. I just don't think its worth it.

Mind you sometimes carrying a baby and trying to keep toddlers with you while moving from a car into a shop with cars driving by is probably just as dangerous.

munchkin_utd

ach now.
There is a difference between parking the car in a City centre Location where your handbag wouldnt be safe in the car, to leaving a sleeping child outside a rural Bungalow.

I've excepionally rarely left the Kids in the car in public areas, but its a judgement call on the circumstances and the Kids.
When you know they are going to be Sound asleep for a half hour, and will go bloody ballistic if woken, and you know you are going into a shop that never has queues, and you know theres almost Zero Chance of the car being robbed or burned or stoned (or whatever other random criminal activity may happen), then you'll just do it.

Or my creche, which is to the rear of a Company car park, to which you need a code to access, and security guards about the place, and parents coming and going at the same time as yourself, again nothing will happen.