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Parents Leave Infants in Cars While They Hit the Bar
Jul 18 2008 by Courtney Messenbaugh
7/18/08
It’s a No-Brainer That Can’t Be Said Enough
Never, ever leave your child alone in the car. This seems like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating after two recent incidents of parents leaving their infants in the car while they were drinking in a bar.
Earlier this week, a Clarksville, Tenn., couple left their 5-month-old baby in a pickup truck with the windows rolled up for three and a half hours while they were in a bar. Fortunately, a police officer heard the baby’s cries and rescued her before it was too late. The baby is OK and, needless to say, the parents are in police custody, charged with child abuse and neglect. It’s uncertain whether these parents will get their child back. I hope they don’t.
“I could use a drink.”
Most of us have said it, but we didn’t immediately go to a bar in search of a drink — especially if there was a baby in the car.
Sadly, a 3-month-old baby died last week after her mother left her in a car for six hours while she went to a bar. I’ve been going (mentally) postal on these people, and my new hero Nancy Grace, the feisty former prosecutor and mother of twins, tore them apart on her show “Nancy Grace” on CNN.
I’m judgmental about this because I’m in the opposite extreme. I’ve never left my son alone in the car for even a minute because I’m a paranoid freak. Whatever, I’m a freak. Better that than the subject of “Nancy Grace.”
The fabulous Janette Fennell, president of the equally fabulous nonprofit Kids and Cars, was on Grace’s show Wednesday night and said, “Was there a problem obtaining child care? Not when both parents are found inside the bar drinking! Could they not afford child care? Not when they could have saved plenty of money by purchasing drinks from a liquor store and staying home to drink!” As always, Janette is incisively on point. These people simply aren’t thinking about their kids, they’re putting their own desires first.
So, for all of you out there who think you need a drink, either count to 10 and wait for the feeling to pass or open up a bottle at home (and only have one drink, for crying out loud; things aren’t that bad — you’re not on “Nancy Grace” ... yet). No matter what, don’t ever, ever, ever leave your baby alone in a car, windows up, down or sideways, for even a minute!
User Comments
Kitty, your story made me laugh and cry (that’s what 36 weeks pregnant will do to a gal!) - thanks for sharing!
People must be ignorant of the law. Which is not surprising. If more people know the law of not leaving kids (babies) in the cars by themselves maybe that make them think twice.
Courtney,
My goodness 36 weeks, you’re ready to pop!
I have to admit, as much as I loved babies, I have so much more fun with my kids the older they get it seems. I’m a lucky one, as most mom’s beg to differ on that!
Wishing you the best on your baby journey!
Courtney,
My goodness 36 weeks, you’re ready to pop!
I have to admit, as much as I loved babies, I have so much more fun with my kids the older they get it seems. I’m a lucky one, as most mom’s beg to differ on that!
Wishing you the best on your baby journey!
I just dont understand. everytime i get out of the car i check the carseats even if i dont have the kids with me. I dont understand how anybody could forget there kids are in the car
When I hear stories like this, I think why are these people are allowed to have/keep children. Most times the instances we hear about are the third or fourth strike agains the parents. Who gave the kids back to irresponsible parents? Nowadays in order to adopt a pet you have to have a full background check, home visits, etc. But anyone can have a child. Its so sad when there are so many good families out there who cannot have children. They would willing adopt one.
This is crazy… I dont understand people. Common sense. There should be a mandatory class required to be passed when you reach a certain age so that you can entire society. There are plenty of times I want to go have a drink after work, but would NEVER leave my daughter in the car while I went into a bar! The only time she is left alone in the car is when I step out to talk to someone and at least one window is rolled down and I am only about 5 ft away max. As far as needing a drink goes… I have taken my daughter into the liquor store with me on more than one occasion… for drinks later that evening when she was not with me. Geez I just dont get people
parents negligence would risk their babies lives inside the car {speedycarparts}. it’s never been advisable. they re irresponsible!
My gosh! This is so pathetic. I learned my lesson the hard way shortly after having my first son awhile ago (ok so a rather long while ago!). I had him in the back seat of my hideous nissan that I drove at the time. I turned off the car, got out, instantaneously hit the lock button without thinking and left the key in the ignition (the beeper never did work on that car). It was about 95 degrees outside and I was panicked. I called the fire department, a lock smith and anyone else I could think of to ensure someone would make it quick. I gave it 5 minutes, then I couldn’t take it anymore. I ended up bashing in the front passenger window.
My husband thought I was a lunatic when I got home that night, as the fire department was there the moment I broke the glass. Go figure.
Always pay attention to your little ones, especially these days with our rather hectic lives and those darned things called cell phones that we just love.
As a side note… Is it just me or does Nancy’s hair always look like a helmet? ~giggle~