Don’t leave baby behind in the car!

Young children left in vehicles for long periods of time can suffer from heat stroke, and even die from it. — Graphics: Positive Parenting

Every once in a while, another report of a child’s death after being left behind in vehicle may appear in the news.

This tragic incidence has been referred to as the Forgotten Baby Syndrome.

This syndrome is defined as the phenomenon of forgetting and leaving a child in a parked vehicle.

If the child is left behind in the vehicle for a long duration, especially under hot weather, it could possibly lead to heat stroke, and even death.

Some people may wrongly assume that these cases only happen to bad or negligent parents or caregivers.

The fact is this incident could happen to anyone, regardless of background, including you.

Forgotten Baby Syndrome is usually not a case of negligence, but a memory issue due to distraction.

It is typically caused by stress, sleep deprivation, change in routine or preoccupation with other issues.

For example, if a parent who is not usually responsible for dropping off a child at the daycare has to do the task one day, they may not remember about the child in the back seat because it is not part of their routine to do this task.

So, how can we prevent this?

If you are a parent of a young child, let’s practise these tips as a precaution:

> Minimise distractions while driving

This may be obvious, but don’t text or take calls while driving!

Apart from being illegal, this can also divert your attention from your child.

> Place a visual cue in the front

One way is by placing a toy on the dashboard when your baby is in the car, and in the child car seat when they are not in the car.

You can also put a reminder sticker on the wind shield or the driver’s side window.

> Put your belongings in the back

You can place your bag, purse or laptop in the back seat to prompt you to check the car before leaving.

> Look before you lock

Make it a habit to check the back seat before locking the car, even when your child is not with you.

> Position the child car seat in the centre or left of the back seat

This position ensures better visibility of your child through the rear-view mirror.

> Use devices, apps and technologies

Many devices, such as seat sensors, alarms, cameras or GPS trackers, are now available to help alert you of your child’s presence in the vehicle.

> Remind each other

Always check with your spouse to make sure that they have dropped off your child at the destination.

Ask daycare/kindergarten operators to notify you if your child does not arrive on time, and in turn, you should always notify them if your child will be late or absent.

Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.