When distraction turns deadly

I didn’t understand how it could happen until I became a mom. The sleep deprivation and overflowing to-do lists make you crazy and forgetful. I’ve never left Henry in the car, but I’ve packed a diaper bag without diapers, forgotten to fasten his car seat strap, and more. I have moments where I look in the backseat while driving, panicked I left Henry in our driveway.

Did you know that a child overheats five times faster than you do? And WebMD says that on a 93-degree day, the inside of  a car can reach 125 degrees in just 20 minutes. So as the weather heats up, remember it’s NEVER OK to leave a child in a hot car, even with a window cracked open.

There are lots of simple ways to avoid a tragedy. Make it a habit to throw your purse or cell phone in the backseat so you are sure to look before leaving your car. When the child is with you in the car outside of a normal routine, put a reminder in the front seat like the diaper bag or have your spouse confirm the child’s arrival at daycare.

It can happen to good parents who were busy, distracted or tired on the wrong day. Don’t take the risk.

 

LWTK’s mommy blogger, Sarah, is attempting to be a good mama to little Henry, wife to Shea, full-time employee and part-time grad student all while avoiding making dinner from a box every night. In her non-existent free time, she’s running, eating popcorn and blogging about it all at The Gatsby Diaries.