She left baby in car at post office!

[momof2inPA]

Although I have never left my kids unattended in a running car or a hot car, I have left them locked in the car when I've run into a store or the post office, briefly. They honestly prefer it, and I'm sure that they're statistically more likely to be run down in the parking lot than carjacked. We live in a very rural and low crime area. Flame away. The few stories about wackos taking kids from cars has blown this whole issue way out of proportion.

OP- Do you live in a rural, urban, or suburban part of Minnesota?

 

[Pooh Crew]

I would have called the police immediately. I know, I've seen me do it.

I once called when there was an infant and a 2 or 3 yr old sitting in a car with all the windows rolled up. It was almost 100 degrees that day. I had run into Walgreens for a card and the kids were there when I arrived and still sitting there when I left. The police were there in minutes, but the parent had still not come out when I left!

The second time was in a crazy-busy parking lot at 10pm right before Christmas. We noticed the little girl alone in the next car when we went into the store, so I flagged down the police who were patrolling the parking lot.

I have four children who were sixteen months apart (triplets and a singleton). I definitely know what a pain it is to haul a child out of a carseat, into a stroller, and into a store for five minutes. I can not understand leaving a child in a car unattended for any length of time.

 

[kelleigh1]

My husband and I can't even have kids right now and may not be able to and when I hear things like this it just makes me so mad. Why don't people realize how lucky they are to have their kids and that they should be cherished? I don't care if you can see them through the window. The simple fact that they are not where you are is like playing with fire.

There are just so many things wrong with what this woman did and I'm glad that you at least spoke up, although I would recommend calling the police if you see anything like this in the future.

 

[taximomfor4]

I live in a suburb...so what I did may not work as well in a big city. I saw a man driving around Dead Man's curve (on the freeway) holding a squirmy older infant on his lap, trying to get the baby to take a bottle. THe baby was kicking up a fuss and thrashing his/her head side to side, and kicking his/her legs (they were kicking into and out of the open drivers side window.

At first I thought maybe the baby was injured, and this was a frantic run to the ER. But then I realized that this MINIVAN had 6 empty seats in it which would do, in an emergency. Also, this guy was headed the OPPOSITE way from all the hospitals.

I first had DH get behind the guy (who was quite swervy), and I called the police. They asked for his license number and a description of the van. Then they suggested this might also be a good phonecall for Child Protective Services. They gave me the number, and I called CPS. They too asked for the license plate number.

I have no idea whatever happened to the guy....he was driving erratically, and we were in a high-traffic area at a busy time. Hope CPS and/or the police dealt with him though!

 

[Paull117]

Although I have never left my kids unattended in a running car or a hot car, I have left them locked in the car when I've run into a store or the post office, briefly. They honestly prefer it, and I'm sure that they're statistically more likely to be run down in the parking lot than carjacked. We live in a very rural and low crime area. Flame away. The few stories about wackos taking kids from cars has blown this whole issue way out of proportion.

OP- Do you live in a rural, urban, or suburban part of Minnesota?

I would not flame you I totally agree. I have done this to my daughter when I drop her younger sister off at day care. Of course I can see her the whole time the. The car is locked, it is neither to hot or cold out, and I know the neighborhood is safe. Now there are people that I do not agree with doing this and there are neighborhoods I would not do this in.

A baby at the post office with the car running unlocked. This I have a big problem. One too much ped traffic, keys are in the car older kids can unbuckle and pretend they are mom or dad this does not even include theives, baby just doesn't understand where the parents are and when they are coming back out.

Paul

 

[azgal81]

You should not leave your child or pet in a running or un running car period no matter how long you are in the store for. The lady in the OP's post probably does this alot since she doesn't think it's that big of a deal. Sure she can see the car from the store but could she logically even be out of the store and to the car in time if someone was stealing it?? Some people have no sense!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I've left my oldest DD10 in the car with her two brothers while I ran into the post office, or when I've picked up my dry cleaning. Always within eyesight, and I always lock the door. I'm sure I'll get flamed to a crisp, but I don't see the harm in stepping away 15 feet from your car as long as it remains locked, you can see the car and get to it in 5 seconds, and it isn't hot outside. No I don't worry about my boys getting out because they're strapped in and can't unbuckle their own seats, and my dd is very responsible and wouldn't unlock the doors. Go ahead - add me to the irresponsible, no-good, deserves to be clocked and hauled off to jail list!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

It's not just about someone stealing a car or a kid in a car, there are a lot of other dangers as well. For example: Some engines will catch on fire, a kid will take the car out of gear, etc.

Kids should NEVER EVER be left in a car unattended until they are at such age as they are responsible and can help themselves in case of an emergency.

 

[milkabum]

I would have copied down the number and called the police.

 

[DisMN]

Although I have never left my kids unattended in a running car or a hot car, I have left them locked in the car when I've run into a store or the post office, briefly. They honestly prefer it, and I'm sure that they're statistically more likely to be run down in the parking lot than carjacked. We live in a very rural and low crime area. Flame away. The few stories about wackos taking kids from cars has blown this whole issue way out of proportion.

OP- Do you live in a rural, urban, or suburban part of Minnesota?

Yep, me too, not in an unlocked running or hot car BUT yes briefly in an locked comfortable car.
I've seen things that make me very concerned but doubt I'd ever really report anyone to the police unless I sensed immediate physical danger for the child.


.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

It's not just about someone stealing a car or a kid in a car, there are a lot of other dangers as well. For example: Some engines will catch on fire, a kid will take the car out of gear, etc.

Kids should NEVER EVER be left in a car unattended until they are at such age as they are responsible and can help themselves in case of an emergency.

Exactly. I'm more afraid of my car getting hit by another vehicle with my child in the car than I am of it being carjacked.

 

[vegasnative]

We hear about these stories a lot here, especially in the summer. Just about every year we get a handful of babies/toddlers that die in cars because parents "just run in for a second" or they "forgot they had the kids with them"!! It is so sad, these people probably would not leave a million dollars sitting in the car...but they leave their kids???!!!! Like I said we hear it a lot hear because of the heat, and the children die....what we don't hear about is the amount of times it happens in the winter when the kids don't die (or don't get rushed to the hospital). Why do people think it is ok to leave kids in the car. We hear about kids being left while mom or dad runs into 7-11 and when they come out their car has been stolen WITH the child in it!!! No one has to tell me how difficult it can be to take kids (I have 4-year old twins and a 2-year) in and out of a car and in and out of a store....it is sometimes a struggle, but it is a struggle well worth every effort. I want to lock these parents inside hot scorching cars with the windows up and see how they like it.
Yes, I would have called the police, at least they could have gone to her home and talked with her....maybe that would make her realize before she did it again!

 

[RobinMarie]

I've left my oldest DD10 in the car with her two brothers while I ran into the post office, or when I've picked up my dry cleaning. Always within eyesight, and I always lock the door. I'm sure I'll get flamed to a crisp, but I don't see the harm in stepping away 15 feet from your car as long as it remains locked, you can see the car and get to it in 5 seconds, and it isn't hot outside. No I don't worry about my boys getting out because they're strapped in and can't unbuckle their own seats, and my dd is very responsible and wouldn't unlock the doors. Go ahead - add me to the irresponsible, no-good, deserves to be clocked and hauled off to jail list!

They could not get free if there was a fire or other danger. Please think about this.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

They could not get free if there was a fire or other danger. Please think about this.

Not meaning to defend children left alone in cars...

She has a 10yo in a locked car who could assist.

She didn't say she left the engine on.


I'm more concerned about helpless children left alone and children who are not properly restrained in a moving vehicle.

Her situation is nothing like that in the OP with the running car, unlocked door, and baby in the back seat.

 

[JoyG]

Well, I usually use a credit card to pay at the pump...but once I discovered after I had pumped the gas that I didn't have my credit card, only cash. I had all the kids with me and the little one was asleep sooooo I left them in the car and ran inside to pay...but I didn't feel comfortable going all the way in the store b/c I wouldn't be able to see my kids. I kind of stood at the door and waved the cash, asking the guy if he could come grab it so I could get back to my kids. He did, and probably thought I was a little strange.

I remember being left in the car all the time when I was a kid with my brother. We were in 4th and 5th grade. My dad used to like to place bets at OTB and he'd leave us outside for up to a half hour! Once someone actually opened the door to our car to talk to us! I think it was an OTB buddy of my fathers, but we didn't know him and we were horrified! He just said hi or something and then closed the door, but I can't imagine leaving my own children in a position like that! Times have changed!

 

[2sweetangels]

I think I would of called the police, I would of wrote down the plate number and reported the mother, you never leave a child in a car alone and an unlocked car at that.

 

[DancingBear]

We hear about these stories a lot here, especially in the summer. Just about every year we get a handful of babies/toddlers that die in cars because parents "just run in for a second" or they "forgot they had the kids with them"!!

I'd like to see a story saying a kid died in a car because the parents just ran in for a second. All of these (very sad) stories I've seen have been someone forgetting, or thinking the other parent or sibling had the baby, etc.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

They could not get free if there was a fire or other danger. Please think about this.

That is not an issue. My DD is 10, and perfectly capable of freeing them should an emergency arise. But she wouldn't even have to - I could be there in less than 5 seconds. A stranger trying to break in - again, I'm watching the car, could be there in less than 5 seconds. I'm not an idiot - I wouldn't leave my kids in a sweltering car locked or unlocked car while I went into a store out of eyesight. I guess I don't worry about every possible but highly unlikely freak thing that could happen.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

After i had turned 18, my mother took me to the Casino for brunch and to try a slot (my lucky $1 turned into 2 hahah that's it and i haven't gambled since)machine. Well we parked in the parking garage, and as we were headed in, a BEAT up old station wagon was parked in one of the spots and had 3 children sleeping in it!!!!! and one child just playing in way back i could NOT believe it!! my DM and i were soo upset. This was waaaay before everyone and their grandmother had cell phones, so we ran inside with the plate info and the parking lot info and called the police and notified security. we went out there with security and pointed out the car and saw the police show up. i was in tears at this point for those poor children. We went inside and we could hear them paging the OWNER OF SUCH AND SUCH CAR...they just said they had their lights on (probably so as not to tip them off) and that was all we heard on the matter

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE call the police when you see this. I have 2 kids both under the age of 19months and when i go places it's a PAIN to get out the double stroller unbuckle everyone and then buckle them back in when all i had to do was buy 2 stamps but i do it. I would never forgive myselfy if something happened. yes it's a big IF, but it could also happen.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'd like to see a story saying a kid died in a car because the parents just ran in for a second. All of these (very sad) stories I've seen have been someone forgetting, or thinking the other parent or sibling had the baby, etc.

Actually it is easy to lose track of time and within 5-10 minutes the inside of a car will reach an intolerable temperature very quickly.

In all those incidents while the child was found dead later...they were killed towards the very beginning of the ordeal by the temperatures.

So when someone runs in for 5 minutes--that could be enough for an infant to require emergency medical treatment. Especially since an infant cannot regulate their body temperature very well yet.

In reality--there really is no "just a second".

And really--is it fair to the infant or young child who cannot help themselves..to be exposed to extreme temperatures in an oven for any length of time?

http://www.latimes.com/classified/a...30915.story?coll=la-class-highway1-yourwheels

Even on a day with moderate temperatures, a car's indoor air can reach more than 160 degrees. A car can heat up to a fatal temperature within 10 to 15 minutes on a hot day. Children have died in cars even on days when the outdoor temperature was as low as 70 degrees.

It's not just the air temperature that kills. Heat radiates from windows and other surfaces, raising the effective temperature for anybody stuck inside, said Larry Baraff, a UCLA pediatric emergency doctor.

Adults, of course, can get out. Young children cannot. As temperatures rise above 100 degrees inside the car, the cooling system of a trapped child is overwhelmed, Baraff said.

The human body sheds heat in two ways: radiating it off the skin and sweating. Because the human body runs an internal temperature of about 98 degrees, it cannot cool itself by radiation much above that. In a hot car, the reverse occurs. Dashboards and other surfaces can reach 200 degrees.

Evaporation does little to help. Babies are often shrouded in clothing. Until that clothing is soaked, there is little evaporative cooling. By the time a baby's core temperature reaches 106 degrees, death is near.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/safety/a/05_hot_cars.htm

Remember, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 'a locked car sitting in the summer sun quickly turns into an oven,' and 'temperatures can climb from 78 degrees to 100 degrees in just three minutes, to 125 degrees in 6-8 minutes.'