How to never forget a child in the car: 7 simple habits
It happens to loving, responsible parents. Most often on a day when the routine changes: a different parent does the drop-off, a short night, an urgent phone call. The brain switches to autopilot, and the thought "my baby is in the back" slips away.
On a warm day, a closed car can heat up by about 20°F (11°C) in just 10 minutes, and cracking a window barely helps. These habits help make sure it never happens to you.
7 habits that protect your child
Look before you lock
Open the back door every time you park, even when you're sure the car is empty.
Put something you need in the back
Your phone, bag, work badge or even your left shoe. You won't leave without it.
Keep a soft toy in the front
When your child is in the car seat, move a toy to the passenger seat as a visual reminder.
Make a deal with the daycare
Ask them to call you if your child hasn't arrived by the usual time.
Be extra careful when the routine changes
A different driver, a different route or an unusually busy day are exactly when it happens.
Lock the car and keep keys away from children
Some children climb into parked cars on their own and can't get out.
Use an automatic reminder
BabySafe is a free app: the moment your phone disconnects from the car's Bluetooth, it alerts you with voice, vibration and flashlight to check the back seat, even on a locked screen.
BabySafe is a reminder aid. It does not detect the child and does not replace a parent's attention.
If you see a child alone in a car
Call your local emergency number right away (911 / 112). Every minute counts.