Would you leave your baby in a car?

brokensoul

I was talking to my mam yesterday and she reckons that I am nuts to take the babies out of the car if I am running into the chemist or whatever, that they would be warmer and more comfortable in the car as long as it is only a few mins or so.

I would be terrified that something would happen to them, though to be fair to her I couldn't really articulate to my mam what that something might be.

Just wondering what the rest of you think about it?

fits

With twins, yes for sure! As long as its a quick in and out.

CountingCrows

If they were always within sight I don't see a problem otherwise definitely not.

scarbouro

No never. Why would you leave your child open to something happening to them for the sake of convenience?! Anything could happen to the car. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something did happen.

fits

I don't really get that logic. Anything could also happen when you have them with you, especially if juggling two car seats, wallet, keys and shopping.

scarbouro

Are you kidding? You don't get the logic?! You would rather leave your child in the car because something might happen when they are with you? Well that makes no sense whatsoever! What if the car was stolen or broken into with the child inside? What if someone reverses into the car while you're not there? I personally wouldn't have that on my conscience.

Edups2.0

Age depends really. Would I leave a newborn or toddler? Absolutely not. A 6,7,8 year old grand so long as it's only a short time. But you'd have to be very careful.

Sleeper12

Depending on the weather and temperature you could get arrested for this. You can actually get arrested for leaving a dog in the car during the summer

fits

OP has twins. The practicalities are different. And she is just about a quick in and out eg to a chemist.

scarbouro

It doesn't matter whether it's 2 children or 5 children in the car. You shouldn't put your children in that situation. Your putting their safety at risk.. Going into the chemist means the children will be out of sight, that's even worse!

brokensoul

scarbouro wrote: »

It doesn't matter whether it's 2 children or 5 children in the car. You shouldn't put your children in that situation. Your putting their safety at risk.. Going into the chemist means the children will be out of sight, that's even worse!

I did start by saying that I don't do this, just that my mum was suggesting that maybe I should.

Can you actually articulate what might happen to a baby in this situation in your opinion though? My mum was asking me what I thought could go wrong and I couldn't give an answer. Obviously you wouldn't do it on a hot day, but apart from that.

brokensoul

Edups2.0 wrote: »

Age depends really. Would I leave a newborn or toddler? Absolutely not. A 6,7,8 year old grand so long as it's only a short time. But you'd have to be very careful.

That's funny. There is no way I would leave an older child, but that is because my brother crashed our car by leaving off the handbrake when he was about that age!

CassieManson

brokensoul wrote:

Can you actually articulate what might happen to a baby in this situation in your opinion though? My mum was asking me what I thought could go wrong and I couldn't give an answer. Obviously you wouldn't do it on a hot day, but apart from that.

Someone could break into the car and kidnap the baby. Or the baby could have a convulsion ......
..

brokensoul

CassieManson wrote: »

Someone could break into the car and kidnap the baby. Or the baby could have a convulsion ......
..

They could I suppose. I have to say the notion of someone breaking into a car in broad daylight and stealing two babies is so unlikely (imo) that I wouldn't really consider it.

The convulsion one makes sense though.

scarbouro

I know you said you wouldn't do it OP.

As I have mentioned above, if the car is stolen or broken into. Someone crashes into the parked car. Child starts choking or getting extremely distraught being left alone.

There's an awful lot of car break ins at the moment and especially in car parks ect. I don't see how anyone would put their child in danger like that.

Atlantic Dawn

The car going on fire would be the worse case scenario, might not even be your car could be the car next to it. As a rule of thumb never park next to an Opel Zafira.

scarbouro

People are getting their cars broken into every day in broad daylight!

beechwood55

I was walking along a street recently - nice cafe at the end of the street. About 100 yards from the cafe I walked past a car. A child of about 4 or 5 had managed to get a small baby out of her car seat and was about to head off down the street with her under his arm!! No sign of adult. I asked him was he ok and he told me that mammy had gone to get a coffee but he got scared when she left and he wanted to go to her. Garda on bicycle came along as I was speaking to the little boy. Left it in his capable hands (he was not one bit pleased by the situation). Now I know this is very different to leaving a child in a car outside a shop with full visibility but who knows what might go through a small child's head...

fits

There could be a robbery in the chemist by a junkie... you could have a car crash into you while you take child out of car if parking on street. There are a lot of what ifs. Applying blanket rules is not necessarily the way to go. It's about using a bit of cop on.

I too would be more nervous about leaving older children.

PhoenixParker

I'd leave a newborn or young baby for something that's literally an in/out collection transaction where the car remained in sight. Think picking up a take away that's ready, paying for petrol etc.

A pedestrian carrying a baby is probably at more risk on a garage forecourt then the car (and a baby in it) itself.

A more mobile child or out of sight then no.

My driveway is to the side of my house, out of sight of my front door though only 5m away. Every time I come home alone with baby he either stays in the car by himself or the house by himself while everything gets brought in. Quick commercial transactions aren't hugely different.

scarbouro

fits wrote: »

There could be a robbery in the chemist by a junkie... you could have a car crash into you while you take child out of car if parking on street. There are a lot of what ifs. Applying blanket rules is not necessarily the way to go.

I too would be more nervous about leaving older children.

You're being absolutely ridiculous. Those things may happen but it would be out of my control and at least I would know that I, personally, did what I could to protect them. You can't protect them if your not there with them!!! You're just trying to justify why you would leave your child in danger and its coming across stupid and irresponsible.

brokensoul

PhoenixParker wrote: »

I'd leave a newborn or young baby for something that's literally an in/out collection transaction where the car remained in sight. Think picking up a take away that's ready, paying for petrol etc.

A pedestrian carrying a baby is probably at more risk on a garage forecourt then the car (and a baby in it) itself.

A more mobile child or out of sight then no.

My driveway is to the side of my house, out of sight of my front door though only 5m away. Every time I come home alone with baby he either stays in the car by himself or the house by himself while everything gets brought in. Quick commercial transactions aren't hugely different.

Thanks. That is probably a reasonable rule of thumb.

asteroids over berlin

If its a corner shop/chemist with no queue - yes, straight in and out, can be done in less than a minute. Some of the posts are laughable, break ins, convulsions etc. The op did say a "quick in and out", not a stroll around tesco!
I bet most of you take phone calls in the car via bluetooth or even handset - your putting your kids in far more danger then.

asteroids over berlin

beechwood55 wrote: »

I was walking along a street recently - nice cafe at the end of the street. About 100 yards from the cafe I walked past a car. A child of about 4 or 5 had managed to get a small baby out of her car seat and was about to head off down the street with her under his arm!! No sign of adult. I asked him was he ok and he told me that mammy had gone to get a coffee but he got scared when she left and he wanted to go to her. Garda on bicycle came along as I was speaking to the little boy. Left it in his capable hands (he was not one bit pleased by the situation). Now I know this is very different to leaving a child in a car outside a shop with full visibility but who knows what might go through a small child's head...

I don't believe you!

fits

scarbouro wrote: »

You're being absolutely ridiculous. Those things may happen but it would be out of my control and at least I would know that I, personally, did what I could to protect them. You can't protect them if your not there with them!!! You're just trying to justify why you would leave your child in danger and its coming across stupid and irresponsible.

Enough with the personal abuse thanks.

uck51js9zml2yt

risk of convulsions, baby gets sick, caught in belt...not a chance I'd leave a child in a car on its own.

scarbouro

[quote= Some of the posts are laughable, break ins, convulsions etc..[/quote]

Your saying there doesn't be car break ins or children don't take convulsions?! How naive are you? Of course these things happen.

SEPT 23 1989

Only if I'm picking up a few bits in the off licence

scarbouro

No sure it never happens!! Only a quick Google and already brought up break ins, stolen cars with children inside and a car catching fire with 3 children in it. Safety first always.

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

http://thestar.ie/about-us/carjackers-dropped-boy-off-at-school-after-stealing-vehicle-with-him-inside/

https://www.google.ie/amp/www.thejournal.ie/teenager-jailed-stealing-car-children-inside-3033933-Oct2016/%3Famp%3D1?client=ms-android-h3g-GB

https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/news/frantic-efforts-failed-to-save-three-children-in-burning-car-1.173333%3Fmode%3Damp?client=ms-android-h3g-GB

Jellybaby1

scarbouro wrote: »

No sure it never happens!! Only a quick Google and already brought up break ins, stolen cars with children inside and a car catching fire with 3 children in it. Safety first always.

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

http://thestar.ie/about-us/carjackers-dropped-boy-off-at-school-after-stealing-vehicle-with-him-inside/

https://www.google.ie/amp/www.thejournal.ie/teenager-jailed-stealing-car-children-inside-3033933-Oct2016/%3Famp%3D1?client=ms-android-h3g-GB

https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/news/frantic-efforts-failed-to-save-three-children-in-burning-car-1.173333%3Fmode%3Damp?client=ms-android-h3g-GB

Well done scarbouro. Was just about to post similar when I saw your post.

sullivk

I'd often leave the baby in the car when I'm running in to pay for petrol, but I can still see the car. I sometimes run into the shops quickly if my 13 year old is in the car to keep an eye on the baby, otherwise I wouldn't really be comfortable leaving her alone no matter how tempting it can be

Walter2016

Some people have "catastrophe syndrome".

Children are molly coddled far too much these days and that is far more harmful.

One poster scare mongers ands gives examples after trawling through the Internet.

One case in Limerick 5 years ago with older children and the keys left in the ignition, one case in USA and one case in London.

I reckon if the op takes reasonable basic precautions such as not leaving a key in the ignition there would be no problems.whatsoever.

There have been zero cases of a child under 10 abducted in Ireland by a non related person in Ireland in living memory.

In fact it is so rare in western society, that when it does happen, it creates massive headlines which then feed into the minds of those with catastrophe syndrome. (yes its a real syndrome)

CassieManson

asteroids over berlin wrote:

If its a corner shop/chemist with no queue - yes, straight in and out, can be done in less than a minute. Some of the posts are laughable, break ins, convulsions etc. The op did say a "quick in and out", not a stroll around tesco! I bet most of you take phone calls in the car via bluetooth or even handset - your putting your kids in far more danger then.

Firstly you can never guarantee the quick in and out as you don't know how many will be in the chemist, petrol station etc.

Secondly the point is if something happens to the baby you are not there to intervene. Why take the risk.

hollymartins

People wouldn't leave their mobile phone in the car in case it might be broken into...but a baby is grand I wouldn't chance it myself, for all the reasons above, you might intend to nip in and out but I know I've often found myself kept waiting when the person serving pops into the back or has to take a call. Even getting petrol I now go to a petrol station that takes card payment at the pump just to avoid the faff of taking the baby in with me.

Immy

I do sometimes in my local shop, if I feel it'a a safe situation.

I really like those pay at pumps petrol stations.

Walter2016

beechwood55 wrote: »

I was walking along a street recently - nice cafe at the end of the street. About 100 yards from the cafe I walked past a car. A child of about 4 or 5 had managed to get a small baby out of her car seat and was about to head off down the street with her under his arm!! No sign of adult. I asked him was he ok and he told me that mammy had gone to get a coffee but he got scared when she left and he wanted to go to her. Garda on bicycle came along as I was speaking to the little boy. Left it in his capable hands (he was not one bit pleased by the situation). Now I know this is very different to leaving a child in a car outside a shop with full visibility but who knows what might go through a small child's head...

You should be writing for Waterford Whispers News - or the National Enquirer.

Walter2016

hollymartins wrote: »

People wouldn't leave their mobile phone in the car in case it might be broken into...but a baby is grand

Difficult to sell babies on donedeal

scarbouro

Walter2016 wrote: »

Children are molly coddled far too much these days and that is far more harmful.

So leave them in a car unattended and hope for the best is it? Looking after your children responsibly isn't molly coddling them. What a bizarre statement. I wouldn't take the chance of something happening to my children. As someone else pointed out, you wouldn't leave your phone or laptop in a car so why a child!

neonsofa

I never did with mine. I wouldn't leave the buggy/carseat outside the shop for convenience so I wouldn't leave baby in the car either. Not necessarily due to worries about a freak accident/kidnappers etc., just that if I am responsible for the baby I am not going to leave them unattended. I wouldnt leave an older child outside either, I'd bring them with me.

I think if anything was a worry it wouldn't necessarily be that there could be some freak accident with the car/baby (which isnt impossible either) but more that something could happen to delay you from what is supposed to be a quick in and out, or if something happened you while in the shop nobody would be aware that the baby is left alone in the car.

Bigus

Walter2016 wrote: »

Some people have "catastrophe syndrome".

Children are molly coddled far too much these days and that is far more harmful.

One poster scare mongers ands gives examples after trawling through the Internet.

One case in Limerick 5 years ago with older children and the keys left in the ignition, one case in USA and one case in London.

I reckon if the op takes reasonable basic precautions such as not leaving a key in the ignition there would be no problems.whatsoever.

There have been zero cases of a child under 10 abducted in Ireland by a non related person in Ireland in living memory.

In fact it is so rare in western society, that when it does happen, it creates massive headlines which then feed into the minds of those with catastrophe syndrome. (yes its a real syndrome)

Agreed I could come up with multiple examples of how the children could be put in harms way by taking them out and exposing them to traffic .

It could be argued that leaving the children in the car is a lower risk scenario then taking them out from their steel safety cage , however , the time on their own would be the biggest deciding factor as well as the frequency of doing this .

brokensoul

scarbouro wrote: »

So leave them in a car unattended and hope for the best is it? Looking after your children responsibly isn't molly coddling them. What a bizarre statement. I wouldn't take the chance of something happening to my children. As someone else pointed out, you wouldn't leave your phone or laptop in a car so why a child!

Do you not think you are being a bit aggressive in your responses here?

scarbouro

brokensoul wrote: »

Do you not think you are being a bit aggressive in your responses here?

No not really. I can't understand why anyone would leave their own child unattended. It's your own children's safety and its your responsibility.

Walter2016

scarbouro wrote: »

So leave them in a car unattended and hope for the best is it? Looking after your children responsibly isn't molly coddling them. What a bizarre statement. I wouldn't take the chance of something happening to my children. As someone else pointed out, you wouldn't leave your phone or laptop in a car so why a child!

Can you locate one example of the catastrophes you are concerned about that has happened to a toddler - now please don't quote Facebook pages which are full of BS about men in white vans.

Francie Barrett

John Some Sobriety wrote: »

risk of convulsions, baby gets sick, caught in belt...not a chance I'd leave a child in a car on its own.

I take it then if you're in the house, you take the baby everywhere with you at all times? If the baby is asleep in their cot, then you sit by the side of it at all times, just in case it gets sick or has a convulsion? If you need to take a piss, I assume you bring the baby into the bathroom with you, after all it could choke on its own vomit in the two minutes that you're taking care of business, right?

Seriously, some people are very precious. If you're in a garage paying for petrol, or parked in front of the chemist and are picking something up, there is no problem whatsoever in leaving a baby in a car. Obviously, you ensure the doors are locked, and you certainly don't leave the keys in the ignition like that tw@t in Limerick.

Walter2016

scarbouro wrote: »

No not really. I can't understand why anyone would leave their own child unattended. It's your own children's safety and its your responsibility.

So how about a baby sleeping in a different room? How about when the baby is witha relative or babysitter? Or when the toddler starts playschool.

Maybe don't only see worst case scenarios. Life is quite safe once you don't read the Daily Muck or other sensationalist tabloid rag.

Cork Lass

John Some Sobriety wrote: »

risk of convulsions, baby gets sick, caught in belt...not a chance I'd leave a child in a car on its own.

A baby can have a convulsion or get sick whilst in its cot too but still people let a baby sleep in its own room at night. To be honest I think some people on here are being ridiculous. I have two children, now aged 22 an 17. I left them in the car on occasions when I ran into a local shop, chemist etc. Car was always locked with windows slightly open. No one ever kidnapped them and they never came to any harm.

Discodog

I agree with the rsa on this one:

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/No-Child-Car-Seat---No-Excuse/Dangers-of-leaving-children/

I would give any driver 6 points. It's something that you see too often especially in supermarket carparks & garage forecourts.

Plus bare in mind that passers by have no idea where you have gone & how long for.

brokensoul

scarbouro wrote: »

No not really. I can't understand why anyone would leave their own child unattended. It's your own children's safety and its your responsibility.

So you never leave your child unattended?

How do you go to the bathroom, or go to sleep at night etc etc.

I think that people have differing opinions on what is and is not acceptable for them and their chidlren but you seem to be insisting that any standard other than your own is wrong.

amber2

What if someone else left your baby
In their car while they went off, would it be ok then. I happened to pass my childminders car while coming home from work, waited 20 minutes by the car for her return, she was off buying shoes for her kids, I took my baby & never returned to her for childminding just not something I was comfortable with.

andekwarhola

Are people not leaving babies in a sighted car for a few minutes in case the have convulsions now? What do they do at night? Stand watch over the cot until the morning?

I've sometimes left them in the car (within sight) for no less than a minute or so, albeit not often.

If you really got into thinking about unlikely disaster scenarios, you'd never leave the child's side until they're 16.

brokensoul

amber2 wrote: »

What if someone else left your baby
In their car while they went off, would it be ok then. I happened to pass my childminders car while coming home from work, waited 20 minutes by the car for her return, she was off buying shoes for her kids, I took my baby & never returned to her for childminding just not something I was comfortable with.

To my mind 20 mins is ridiculous, not to mind the fact that she was doing her own errands while you were paying her to mind your baby. I think you were dead right not to continue with her services in those circumstances.