Temperatures inside your vehicle can rise by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10-15 minutes. If it’s 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside can soar to 140 degrees!
Your baby could suffer heat stroke, exhaustion, rash, dehydration, brain damage or death. Children less then a year old are especially at risk and can quickly suffer serious injuries, including seizures, permanent brain damage or death.
A thief could steal your car, not realizing or not caring that your child is still in the car. This can happen in less than 60 seconds.
You are putting your child at risk of being kidnapped.
Children are naturally curious and could climb into the driver’s seat to “play” causing a deadly accident to themselves or others.
It is against the law. In the criminal code, “abandoning child” refers to children under the age of 10.
Car accidents sometimes involve parked cars. In the event that your unattended car is in an accident, common sense says baby is ALWAYS better off with you.
Leaving windows down for baby does not help much to keep the car cool. It does expose your baby to small animals and insects, putting her/him at risk for bites and stings.
If your baby is left unattended in a soiled diaper, a painful blistery diaper rash could result.
Your baby would feel abandoned and frightened if he/she woke up alone.
If you are driving a bus or van, don’t forget to check all seats for sleeping children in your vehicle!
Place your purse or briefcase in the backseat. This allows you to check the car to make sure no one is left inside.
Be aware - take the time to make sure that you do not leave your child unintentionally inside of your vehicle!
Before backing up, make sure that your child is not behind the car. Install safety devices on your car to warn you of a child playing behind the car.