by Joe Symmes

Created on: July 28, 2011   Last Updated: July 29, 2011

"I'll only be in the store for a minute and it really doesn't feel too hot today.  Yea, I'm sure the baby will be fine.  Look, she is sleeping so peacefully in her car seat…"

Stop!

Hot car deaths are a serious matter.  According to Parenting.com about 37 children die each year.  USA Today claims 49 young people died of heat stroke last year after being trapped in hot vehicles.  This needless loss of such young and tender lives is tragic.  Thankfully this horrific event can easily be avoided.

The best defense of hot car deaths is not allow the situation to ever occur.  When dealing with a child's life, there is no such thing as "I'll only be gone a second."  No child should ever be left unattended in a vehicle.  There are no time or temperature exceptions to this rule.  Due to the greenhouse effect, a vehicle's interior can warm to surprising temperatures in shockingly little time.  The potential of losing your child, not to mention the personal anguish this would cause you, is not worth ever taking this risk. 

Steps to avoid the situation -

It only takes a minute to bring your child with you when you leave your vehicle.  If the stop you are making or errand you are running can't be completed with your child in tow, then do not bring him/her with you when you leave home.

Short term day care could be another option.  Many child care facilities provide hourly services for just such situations.  A few dollars spent on professional care could not only prevent the loss of life, but a life-time of anguish for other family members.

Bring along another responsible adult.  If taking your child to a short term day care facility is not realistic, bring a competent care taker along with you.  Having another responsible party in the car at all times can ensure the child is safe and doesn't get too hot.

Team up with another trusted parent and swap children for a few hours.  A scheduled play-date can not only be great fun for the child, but also allow you to make numerous stops much more quickly.

The bottom line is that hot car deaths are a real issue.  Literally life changing, this horrible tragedy can be avoided through common sense and forethought.  Remember these tips and never, ever, leave your child unattended no matter how short the stop.  

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