MyFoxAtlanta

lots of people are talking about the two tragic deaths of kids locked in hot cars. (one in northwest harris county yesterday, and one in webster on wednesday.) please please talk about what has happened. the more people talk about it the more people will be aware enough to not let it happen to them.

how could someone forget?? i don't know the circumstanced behind these two incidents, but i have read a few of the heartbreaking stories online. in one case a dad of a 6 month old forgot to take his child to daycare because he was forced to take a big construction detour and then got a distracting cell phone call. in another, a grandfather forgot about the child because he was preoccupied by his new diagnosis of leukemia.

in 1990, about 5 children died in hot cars. that number has steadily climbed, and in 2005 more than 40 kids died in hot cars! we say our lives have gotten crazy busy? well i guess so. this seems to be evidence.

i know we all think this couldn't happen to us, BUT just to make sure, here are a few things you can do or put in your routine that will be added safety.

-- be cautious about any changes in your life or your routine (how many times have you tried to remember one more thing in your morning routine, only to forget something else. or if a major event happens to you or your family, being mad or sad has a way of zeroing out your brain.)

-- have the person dropping off your child call you -- or you call them to make sure your child got there.

--have checks/balances with daycare (this is great for new parents. have the daycare call if you infant doesn't show by a certain time. and promise to call them if your baby won't be there that day.)

-- put a large baby toy on your key ring to remind you

-- slow down, have a checklist when leaving your car

-- get an car seat safety sensor (and unfortunately these are big sellers because no one think it will happen to them.)

i could not find any child safety seat sensor on the babiesrus web site. that surprised me... but here's a company that sells a few different types of safety sensors... www.babyalert.info. another blogger, shelbo423, has told us about www.securebaby.com which sells a huge number of safety systems. thank you for that! (fyi i have scoured that site and not seen any system specifically designed for car seats. but the "loc8tor plus" looks multi-functional.)

my heart goes out to the families of these little boys, 3 and 4 years old. if you know someone with babies or toddlers.. please tell them about these sad events so it doesn't happen to them.

andrea's spare time

DON'T FORGET YOUR CHILD!

awatkins

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