Tragedy ensues as parents momentarily leave their infant in the vehicle - Children Left Unattended in Vehicles by Their Parents
Rising Concern over "Forgotten Baby Syndrome"
The tragic phenomenon of children being left unattended in cars, known as the "Forgotten Baby Syndrome," continues to be a pressing issue in many countries. This year alone, 21 children have lost their lives due to heat stroke in cars across the US, according to the US information platform "No Heat Stroke."
This syndrome often occurs due to memory failure caused by stress, lack of sleep, or a break in routine. The brain's intention memory, which helps recall planned actions like dropping a child off at nursery, is overridden by habitual memory that runs on autopilot, creating a false memory that the child was dropped off on time.
Key Factors and Preventative Measures
Key factors contributing to Forgotten Baby Syndrome include stress and tiredness impairing memory function, disruption of normal routines, and the child being asleep and quiet, reducing sensory clues to their presence.
Preventative measures to avoid leaving children in cars include always placing essential items for the child (diaper bag, toys) in the back seat to serve as reminders, placing a personal item such as a purse or phone in the rear seat as a cue to check there before leaving the vehicle, and using technology like car seat alarms or apps that alert drivers if a child is still in the car when unlocked or when the car is turned off.
Establishing consistent routines to drop off children first before proceeding to work or other destinations, creating mental or physical checklists, and having another caregiver or family member confirm that the child has been safely delivered when possible are also effective strategies. These strategies aim to enhance intention memory cues and reduce reliance on harmful autopilot habits that lead to forgetting a child's presence in a vehicle.
Technological Advancements
Automakers are also working on further systems, including those using artificial intelligence (AI). Advanced systems use pressure, ultrasound, or infrared sensors to detect movement or body heat on the backseats. Some car models have rear seat reminder systems that remind the driver to check the backseat after parking the vehicle.
Heat-Related Risks
Heat is critical for babies and toddlers faster than for adults, as they sweat less, have a higher metabolism, produce more heat, and have a larger skin surface in relation to their body weight. At high summer temperatures of 30°C outside, it's 56°C inside the car after an hour. A parked car in direct sunlight heats up quickly, becoming life-threatening for babies in a short time.
Global Impact and Awareness
The Forgotten Baby Syndrome has been extensively studied in the USA, Brazil, and Italy. Tragic incidents have been reported across the globe, such as in France, where a father left his son in a car on a company parking lot and could not revive him, and in Spain, where a two-year-old boy recently died due to being forgotten by his father in a car.
In Italy, child seats with an alarm system have been mandatory for children up to four years old for about five years. The Austrian Society for Child and Youth Health advises placing a toy or diaper bag on the passenger seat to remind you of the baby's presence. Arranging a control call with the kindergarten if the child is unexpectedly absent from the group in the morning can also help prevent forgetting.
It is crucial to raise awareness and take preventative measures to protect our children from this preventable tragedy. By following the suggested guidelines, we can help ensure the safety of our little ones and prevent such devastating incidents.
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