We’ve all seen the heart-wrenching headlines: “Baby left in car, dies.” It hits hard, like a punch to the gut. We can’t help but wonder, “What kind of parent would do that?” The truth is, it could happen to any of us. And I’m speaking from experience.
As a new mom juggling two little ones under two years old—my daughter was just a year and a half, and my son was a mere 10 days old—I found myself in a whirlwind of chaos. Maybe you can relate to those early days of parenthood, or maybe you’re living through them right now. It’s like diving into a rabbit hole where night blends into day and every second feels like a marathon.
“Don’t take it day by day,” a friend advised me. “Take it minute by minute.”
My newborn refused to sleep unless I was standing and bouncing him while singing a slightly edited version of “Nothing but a G Thang.” Meanwhile, my toddler, who had just transitioned from being an only child, decided to embrace the Terrible Twos right on cue. So, between my son’s cat naps, my daughter was ready to party—complete with whining about not getting enough blueberry muffin.
I was fueled by adrenaline, hormones, and way too much espresso, but a fog of exhaustion settled in. And then came the day I almost did the unimaginable.
After a morning jaunt to get coffee, I rushed home, desperate to use the bathroom while my daughter fussed about her muffin. My phone rang, and Howard Stern’s voice blared on the radio. In that chaotic moment, I forgot my son.
It was shockingly easy to overlook the sleeping baby nestled in his rear-facing car seat. If it hadn’t been for the uncomfortable pressure of my breasts, reminding me of the little one I’d only met ten days prior, I might not have realized he was there.
“There but for the Grace of God go I,” I murmured aloud as I scooped him into my arms. His soft head nestled against my shoulder, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
I’m not a perfect mother, but I adore my kids and strive to be the best I can be. From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I recognized that motherhood is a precious gift. And for those parents who have tragically forgotten their babies—who will carry the weight of that loss forever—they likely did their best as well.
It’s terrifying how easily it can happen. A sleepless night, a shift in routine, or a simple ringing phone can lead to forgetfulness. Autopilot kicks in, and before you know it, you’ve driven from point A to point B, unsure how you got there.
Many of us have been there, haven’t we?
So, how can we prevent this from happening?
After my close call, I came up with a list of strategies to help me remember what should never be forgotten:
- Put your purse or phone in the backseat: We always check for our phones after driving, so placing them in the backseat can serve as a reminder that our little one is there too.
- Engage with your child: Even if they’re just 10 days old, chatting with them can keep them in your mind.
- Set reminders: Use daily emails or phone alarms as little nudges.
- Check in with someone: Create a system to confirm that all kids are accounted for at daycare or school.
- Leave a toy in the front seat: A visible reminder can help jog your memory.
- Strip: In winter, leave your jacket in the back; in summer, leave a shoe. You won’t get far without them!
- Use technology: Consider gadgets designed to alert you if you’ve left a child in the car.
Please, take measures to remind yourself never to forget your children. We all like to think we’re not “that kind of parent,” but the unfortunate truth is that many who have forgotten their kids likely felt the same way.
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Summary
Parenting can be chaotic, and it’s easy to forget a child in the car during moments of distraction. This article shares a personal story of a near miss and offers practical tips to help parents remember their little ones.