Leaving Kids In The Car.....

[SMBT]

Just wondering if other parents leave their kids in the car when running a quick errand (eg, into a petrol station to pay or into the corner store for milk etc)????

Yesterday, I had to go to the post office up the road to get a parcel. DD had just finished a bottle and fell asleep and so I left DS with her, gave him his drink bottle, opened all the windows an inch and it wasn't a hot day either and told DS to sit and wait for me too get back. He was playing with a toy car. I watched them the whole time through the window except when i was being served. When I came out 5 minutes later, a man was standing about a metre and a bit away from my car. I said to him:
me:` What are you doing?"
him Your son was yelling out
me: he's fine
him: he was calling you
me: so im here now go away
him: your not supposed to leave your kids in the car you know
me: i have my windows down they have drinks and i was only gone for a minute
him: it doesn't matter you shouldn't do it
me: dirty look and told him to get stuffed (a bit harsh i know)

After i got in the car I was sooooooo angry and yet felt extremely guilty too. I think i got on the defensive because I don't like leaving my kids in the car but when DD was asleep and I was only gone for a couple of minutes I felt extremely hard done by. I rang a couple of my friends, well three, and they all told me that they do exactly the same thing. One of my friends also said that a man had done the same thing to her a couple of weeks earlier and she felt that bad about it she got the two girls out of the car and took them inside the corner shop.

I would never have left my kids for longer than that amount of time. I would have taken them in if i knew i was going to be longer. I sometimes think that people exaggerate about this issue. It wasn't like i was leaving my kids to go off and do my whole shopping routine etc.
What do other people think about this issue?????

[JeSsIkA]

Hi,

i only leave my 2 kids in the car when i am at the service station, whether i am paying for petrol or getting milk/bread etc..and my partner thinks i am terrible for doing that. if i do anything else, i get them out..which is a really pain in the butt. my i am scared of coming back to find someone waiting for me to get back so they can tell me off.

[whatwasithinking]

I only leave the girls in the car when I am at the petrol station - with the doors locked and key safely with me. I feel guilty every time.

But you have to admit at least the man was being a good citizen - you may have been a bit harsh to him. Sorry

[whatwasithinking]

Forgot to also say

Remember though - the man wouldn't have known where you were so he was just doing the right thing in keeping an eye on things.

I do if I see kids in the car.

[mum33]

i leave DS when i go pay for petrol however i lock the car and the petrol station is one we visit often and they know me so i feel its ok. but that only now coz its winter and i can have the windows up enough so someone cant reach in and grab him while the car is locked. dont know what i would do in summer.

[rynosmum]

I never leave DS in the car. I either take him with me when I pay for petrol or will get petrol when he isn't with me.

For the extra couple of minutes it takes to get him out and put him back in, I believe it's worth it - and I get an extra cuddle or two as well. :)

[sshellzp]

me: dirty look and told him to get stuffed (a bit harsh i know)


I would have told him to get stuffed too. I dont think it was harsh at all.

[Ana Gram]

I have a heavy toddler who doesn't like doing what she is told and thinks it is funny, big boobs and a bad back, so no I don't always get her out of the car. Especially if she is asleep, as she screams bloody murder if she gets woken up and gives you quite a remarkable death stare for the next 10 minutes. But I only do it if I can still see the car and am buying only one thing.

[pebilz]

I used to do it at the petrol station but not anymore. I just couldn't live with myself if something happened....someone can steal your car, kidnap your bubs, crash into your car.,....... anything in a matter of seconds even if you don't take your eyes of them....I know I sound melodramatic but is the extra few mins really worth the risk? I mean my daughter can get a bit antsy as all she wants to do is walk around and doesn't like being held when I'm trying to pay but I'd rather a small tanty then the alternative. When I have my new bubs we'll be using a capsule so it won't matter if bubs is asleep.

:smiliedance:

[nicoleE]

i think (weather pending) it is fine to leave them in the car for a very short while as long as child locks are on so they cant (if old enough of course) get out by themselves.

sorry but i think you were a bit harsh on the guy... he perhaps should have given you the benifit of the doubt believing you had it under control and you were really only gone a couple of minutes etc, but he was looking out for your kids, I think there should be more people like him that are outspoken about the safety of kids. You might have been a decent parent but some people are not and we as a society have to look out for the kids welfare.

going to my work car park one day i noticed a car outside with an asleep toddler and a baby in, no adults in sight, and no shops nearby. I did not hesitate to report it to the car park teller on my way to the car as it was a warm day, no windows down but the doors were unlocked! i saw them go out there and get on the phone to someone. I was glad i reported it, just incase.....

[misskittyfantastico]

Nup. No way, no how would I ever leave my baby in the car. I wouldn't leave my bag or purse behind so I'd hardly leave my baby.

[Rockett]

No,I don't.I could never forgive myself if something happened.

[nemosmum]

I would never leave my child in the car, sorry not even for a minute, its just not worth the risk.

To be honest I think the man was only saying what alot of people who walked past your car were probably thinking. Obviously people dont know your only in the shop for a minute, they are looking out for the welfare of the children iykwim

You got defensive because you admitted to feeling guilty, I think thats your inner voice telling you what you did was wrong.

However Im sure you are a great mum and would never put your kids at risk:) So dont beat yourself up about it.:hugs:

[*Sal*]

When I had one baby, no I never did it, but now I have 3, so it really is more of a hassle to get them ALL out when you are just paying for fuel or buying bread and milk.

I always feel guilty when I do leave them in the car though, and I only do it if it's not a hot day and I can still see the car.

[Foxy]

Nup I wouldn't leave my bag or purse behind so I'd hardly leave my baby.

I agree! I wouldn't leave my purse sitting on the seat, so why would I leave something even more "valuable" in the car. I always think, even if it's for just a minute - what if something happened to me (eg collapsed or something) and no one knew that my DS was alone in the car?

I always use pay at the pump servos or wait until DS is not in the car to get petrol. If I cannot avoid it, I take the minute to get him in and out and let everyone in the shop tell me how gorgeous he is.

[dee dee]

I would never, ever leave my dd in the car alone. I know it can be a pain in the butt getting them in and out of the car, especially when you have several stops to make, but I could never live with myself if I left dd in the car, and something happened to her.

I think the guy thought that he was doing the right thing in looking out for your kids. I think that it is nice to know that there are still people out there who genuinely care for others. Too many people just go about their own business not worrying about the welfare of others. I think that is a sad and scary reality of life today.

[tommylu]

I would NEVER EVER leave my kids in the car ! its just not worth it ! I have 4 kids so i know the pain in the butt it is to take them out ! BUT i have never done it and never will.if i need petrol i get it when they are not with me. and the bread and whatever else "I NEED TO GET" can WAIT !
For those who do leave them even if its "only for a minute" why is it that you all feel so guilty about it afterwards ? Maybe cause you know you shouldnt do it ?!?;)

[Ana Gram]

For those who do leave them even if its "only for a minute" why is it that you all feel so guilty about it afterwards ? Maybe cause you know you shouldnt do it ?!?;)


I don't feel guilty actually.

[dannii]

i dont usually leave my kids in the car, even when paying for petrol i race in with her, its a pain in the a*** but paranoid something happening. or like what happened to you someone sticking their 2 cents in!
In saying that i dont think badly of what u did, as i have run into the corner store for a minute and left my 9 yr old in charge.
It really is hard, especially when they have fallen asleep and you just have to run in somewhere!

[the_queen]

I never leave DS in the car. I either take him with me when I pay for petrol or will get petrol when he isn't with me.

For the extra couple of minutes it takes to get him out and put him back in, I believe it's worth it - and I get an extra cuddle or two as well. :)


^ What she said :D

Before Curtis was born I thought maybe I'd change my view on this issue, thinking that yes it is easy to take one kid in with you, but it might be more difficult with two. But now he's here, and I have been in the situation, I just couldn't leave them in the car.

I've told this story before, and I'm sure everyone here's kids would never be so psychopathic as to do this ;) but when I was little, mum used to leave us in the car all the time when she ducked into the shops, and one day I fed my sister a Serepax tablet that I found in the glovebox. She had to have her stomach pumped and could have died. Now, I don't have any strong tranquilisers in the car (or anywhere else for that matter!) but my point is, anything can happen in the blink of an eye.

When bad things happen in a situation like this, the mother always says "but I was only gone for a minute".

[xkwzit]

Hi All

I have actually done it at a petrol station, but only once - and I will not do it again. Afterward I kept thinking about all the what ifs:
What if the car had caught on fire?
What if something happened to me? Who would know the kids were there?
What if someone tried to steal the car (or the kids)?

I know that the probability of any of this happening is really very low BUT...

I could never forgive myself if it happened so I will not leave them alone in the car, not until they are old enough to get out if they needed to (and then I prob won't leave them alone because they CAN get out if they want to - :laughing: ).

Cheers

[LucyE]

I occassionally do this if DS has fallen asleep and I don't want to wake him. Usually it's when I have to pay for petrol (no pay at the pump option here), or go to an ATM. I normally try to plan my week so that I can avoid these situations but sometimes it can't be helped and I would rather leave DS sleeping in peace than have an overtired grumpy child for the rest of the day. I ALWAYS lock the car, have our 40kg german shepard in the car at the same time, and am within sight the whole time. Pre-baby I thought 'no, I could never do that' but the reality of everyday life is that sometimes it is just easier.

[SMBT]

OMG! I am never leaving my kids in the car again. Not after a lot of the responses i received. I do want to clarify something though - MY CAR WAS LOCKED - a few people have stressed this point. There would have been no way i would have left it unlocked (I'm not stupid - lol - or maybe i am for leaving them both in there in the first place).

I just want to say that it definitely is harder with two kids in dragging them out of the car.

Although I agree with one reply (can't remember the member name) but yes ` I supppose I did feel guilty, because I don't usually do it - and got caught out.'

Another thing I agree with is - `yes I got defensive,' but the only reason I did was because I believed the man was accusing me of being a BAD MOTHER, that of which I know that I'm not - I'm not perfect but I don't believe myself to be a bad mother, I try to do the best for my kids, but we all slip up every now and again.

Thanks for the replies - I will drag them both out everytime from now on (especially seeing i spoke to a girlfriend and she said that we can get fined for leaving the kids in the car these days and it is ILLEGAL - didn't know that!)

:(

[Ange&Seth]

For those who do leave them even if its "only for a minute" why is it that you all feel so guilty about it afterwards ? Maybe cause you know you shouldnt do it ?!?;)


I do leave my son in the car when getting petrol and no I don't feel guilty about it in the slightest. I never leave him in the car in any other instance, unless I am standing right beside it. I would also like to point out that I don't feel it is anyone's place to tell me that by doing this I am doing something wrong. There are alot of what-ifs, like what if the car got crashed into while I wasn't there. Well, how about this one? What if an out of control car came crashing through and hit me while I had DS in my arms?

[Leeny]

I've never left DD in the car, and i wont ever do it. I cant help feeling if i ever did it "just this once" that something would go wrong. And to the car being locked thing, im not saying its wrong, but i do just wana say, what if an electrical fire started in the dash, or the baby started choking? It could be the 30 seconds to unlock the car door that makes the difference. Trying to unlock a car door when your panicing isnt easy.

I only have the one baby so i have no idea what its like to handle 2 children, But if you feel guilty, just take the extra few minutes next time, but if you dont feel guilty, just do what you feel is right. Your not a bad mum, dont stress about it. :)

[nemosmum]

I would also like to point out that I don't feel it is anyone's place to tell me that by doing this I am doing something wrong.


Some one mentioned that its illegal and that there are fines in place for leaving your children in the car, enough said:)

[natasha]

There was a mother in England that left her baby in the car whilst she went to pay for petrol. She watched the car the whole time. And then she watched a man break into her car and drive off, with her baby inside. She started screaming but by the time she had got outside, the man, car, and her baby had gone!

Luckily the man dumped the baby by the kurb a few roads up, the mother saw and went running to her baby. The baby was ok except for a few scratches.

I will remember this story every time I even think about leaving DD in the car. Can you imagine how she must have felt for those few minutes!! To see someone break into your car and drive off with your baby!!!!!!

[tommylu]

I don't feel guilty actually.


Thats GREAT that you dont feel bad BUT as far as im concerned its a no brainer.

Whats more important?? Petrol, ATM,bread,milk,cigarettes or whatever it is you just "pop out to get" OR

Your Childs Safety ???

[Ana Gram]

My child is safe thankyou for your misplaced concern.

[natasha]

My child is safe thankyou for your misplaced concern.

I bet the women in my story thought her child was safe also. You never know do you. Why put them in unnecessary danger? And to all the people who will come back and say 'well if you do this and that, isn't YOUR child in danger?':ecomcity: :ecomcity: This is something you could quite easily avoid. Can you imagine if you child was stolen from your car??? You sure as hell wouldn't be coming on here telling us that's it's no biggie and your children 'are safe!!'
I'm sure many of you have left your child in the car at one point or another, but think about it will you, it's so so dangerous! I know it's a pain in the **** to get them out n take them with you, but think about the consequences if you choose not to.

[Leeny]

I know it's a pain in the **** to get them out n take them with you, but think about the consequences if you choose not to.

Couldnt have said it better myself.

[Ana Gram]

I bet the women in my story thought her child was safe also. You never know do you. Why put them in unnecessary danger? And to all the people who will come back and say 'well if you do this and that, isn't YOUR child in danger?':ecomcity: :ecomcity: This is something you could quite easily avoid. Can you imagine if you child was stolen from your car??? You sure as hell wouldn't be coming on here telling us that's it's no biggie and your children 'are safe!!'
I'm sure many of you have left your child in the car at one point or another, but think about it will you, it's so so dangerous! I know it's a pain in the **** to get them out n take them with you, but think about the consequences if you choose not to.

And thankyou for you misplaced concern bordering on judgement. We are quite happy with the way things are working now thakyou very much.

[misskittyfantastico]

Does it really matter whether concern is misplaced or not?

[Mamaduke]

I would never ever leave my boys in the car, whether that be paying for fuel, running into a shop...it's just not an option for me.
I won't judge any of the parents who do, if you think that your child is safe then that's up to you...but I will call the Police if I see a child left unattended in a car at the shops.

[onabreak]

I only ever leave my daughter in the car when I pay for petrol. I hate doing it but it is so much quicker to duck in and pay and then jump in the car and drive off. If I see that I might be much longer in the petrol station I will take her in with me for sure. When I do leave her in there though I do lock all the doors when I go to pay.

[Ange&Seth]

...but I will call the Police if I see a child left unattended in a car at the shops.

I like to think that I would as well, but I would probably watch for a bit first and time how long I actually witnessed the child/ren being left alone in that car.

[Ana Gram]

Does it really matter whether concern is misplaced or not?

Yes as it is unwarrented and unnecessary.

[JnA]

I don't leave Jade in the car by herself. That's my decision for me and my family.


Other people's decisions for their families are their own.


I do dislike it when 'the village' decides to raise the child.

[Baby Girl]

Oh Jade rocks - I agree wholeheartedly - DP was raised by the 'village' and I was not and we have very differing opinions on it....

Back to the topic...

I leave both DD's in the car at times but I always lock it and only leave them if I can see the car. Paying for petrol, returning a shopping trolley to those bay things, checking my PO Box, ducking in to return a DVD etc. They have survived this long and I survived being left in the car at times too!! I bet we all did - ask your parents.......

Oh and I don't feel guilty either....

[mum33]

in my day (and i am not that old) people left kids in cars and unlocked while they went into the shops, even left houses open while poppin down to the shops. cant do that no more sadly...too many weirdos and criminals.

lmao @ chellegoth...you tell them!

[Irish Dad]

Hi Kristie I think there was probably weirdos and criminals about even in your day old lady :yes: I guess you were lucky enough just not to meet any of them :eek: I've done the same but only if I can see the kids and I'm at the cash machine or something and I'm very close. A car was stolen from the petrol station near me with a child in the back seat and they didn't notice, when they did they dumped the car :mad: I don't think it makes you a bad mum I know what its like to have screaming kids, hell I got enough of me own and know its tough sometimes :D

[nemosmum]

I guess what it comes down too is what you feel comfortable doing iykwim

I cant even check the mail when ds is asleep coz I have visions of getting locked out of my block of units or something like that, it scares me just thinking about it:eek:

But I have a friend who used to leave her son asleep at home while she drove down the road to the fruit hop to pick up her weekly supply of fresh veg/fruit. She was totally comfortable with it.

That said, I guess you dont think anything bad will happen until it happens iykwim OR until it happens to someone close to you.

I couldnt risk it:no: And the fact that its illegal adds conviction to my descision:yes:

[Jem]

I guess it also depends on where you live.. i live in a country town..

I only leave the kids in the car if DD is with them..

otherwise i make sure that i only go out and do things when ds1 is at daycare... too awkward with both the boys :yes:

[Ana Gram]

It also depends on your situation. I have put my back out three thimes getting my toddler out of the car, luckily at home. On these occassion, I could barely move let alone carry my child, run after my child, or drive my car. The chances of something bad happenig are actually smaller than me putting my back out!

[Mummytoone]

:banghead: Sorry I don't do it! :banghead:

:yelclap: I could have been that 'old' man as I would have said something to you!

[LucyE]

Ummm, not sure what state everyone else is in but to the best of my knowledge it's NOT illegal to leave a child in a car without an adult. The wording is deliberately vague and talks about supervised or unattended. You can debate whether being within a few metres and full sight of your child and car is within those limits. It is illegal to leave your car unlocked in public if you are not within a certain distance from it. For that you can be fined.

[jackieb76]

For those who say that they would never leave their child in a car whilst they paid for petrol, if you had placed your child in your car in front of your home and then realised that you had left something inside your house, would you just 'pop' back inside to get it? Would you get your child back out of their car seat and walk back inside with them or would you just run back inside? Just interested in people's thoughts on this.
There is also a chance that your car could be stolen from your driveway yet I am sure most of us don't take the same precautions as we would if stopped at a petrol station. I do occasionally need to pay for petrol when I have my baby in the car and I do so, after locking the door. I think that the law is rather vague and is to mainly cover incidents where parents have left their children whilst they do their food shopping or a spot of gambling at the club.
I don't feel the need to judge other parents on this issue just as I don't wish to be judged either. It is a hot topic and there is no right or wrong, just informed 'individual' choices.
Jackie

[Tam-I-Am]

I don't think its any wonder that 90% of the views expressed on this thread agree that its WRONG WRONG WRONG to leave your child in the car - anyone who's expressed a differing view has been shot down and then crucified!

Lets think about this for a moment. How many times have you heard about petrol stations exploding? Cars driving into other cars at petrol stations?

What about a hold up at a petrol station?

Hmmmm.....I know what I've heard of far more often.

[JnA]

I believe it comes down to a question of probability.

If you believe the odds of having you car stolen (or run into) in front of your house are lower that those of having it stolen at a petrol station, corner store etc, you actions would differ.

My SIL used to come over to my place, and if her baby was asleep in the car when she got here, she would leave them asleep in the car with the drivers door open and the front door open. But she would never do that in a public place.


It's all about odds. Let's face it, life is all about odds. What are the odds I'm going to get hit by a car today. Lower if I have my wits about me and take precautions.

Some people will wager more on a gamble others are a little more cautious.. that doesn't make anyone more right or more wrong... just different.

[NZMama]

When I had just the one DD I didnt leave her in the car till she was around 4 (still young I know). I have always had a remote control alarmed key lock on my cars (not to mention immobiliser) and Ive always fully explained to her not to touch the doors or the loud siren will go off. She knows this and feels safer for it too, we have also been through what will happen when we were at home and I demonstrated for her. I am always in direct eyeline and I run in and out as fast as I possibly can, if it cant be done quickly I dont bother. I tend to only do it for ATM's (parking directly in front of one) or paying for petrol. I actually fill the car up then park the car outside the front door, I dont leave it on the forecourt.
But I agree I try to do everything when I dont have the kids with me, unfortunately this isnt always possible.

If I do happen to leave them in the car then I try to do it as safely and quickly as possible.....

[sam's mum]

Ummm, not sure what state everyone else is in but to the best of my knowledge it's NOT illegal to leave a child in a car without an adult. The wording is deliberately vague and talks about supervised or unattended. You can debate whether being within a few metres and full sight of your child and car is within those limits. It is illegal to leave your car unlocked in public if you are not within a certain distance from it. For that you can be fined.

I am in Queensland and the wording does not seem to be vague at all. The Queensland Transport website states:

Secure your vehicle before you leave it unattended if you are going to be more than 3 metres away. Unless there
is somebody 16 years of age or older in the vehicle you must:
• apply the parking brake
• switch off the engine
• remove the ignition key
• lock the doors if possible.
However, if somebody over 16 years of age is staying in the vehicle, the doors do not need to be locked and the
ignition key may be left with them. Never leave children younger than 16 years or animals unattended in a vehicle.

Yes the law says that you need to lock vehicle, it also says NEVER leave children younger than 16 years unattended in a vehicle. They are unattended if you are more than 3 metres away and there is not someone 16 or over in the car with them. There is no mention that it is ok if you can still see the car, or if you are just going to be quick, or if you have a medical problem.

Whether you think it is safe or not is immaterial. Some parents think it is safe for their 15 year old to ride a motorbike and let them do it on their own property - this is fine. It is still illegal to let them do it on the road, just as it is illegal to leave your kids in the car.

[Ange&Seth]

I'm sorry, I missed seeing your police badge :rolleyes:

[sam's mum]

wow, and here I thought that I was just responding to someone saying that it wasn't illegal.

[MooandMum]

whenever i am unsure of what to do, i think what would the headline be in the next days newspaper! i know you might think i am mad, but it really helps me :laughing: i just know what it's like - i have 2 under 2 and going to the shop and doing quick errands is my absolute nightmare. But it is true, if anything was to happen you would just never forgive yourself. and when you read it the next day in the newspaper what would it say. you may think i'm absolutely bonking mad, but it really helps.:ecomcity:

[Ange&Seth]

wow, and here I thought that I was just responding to someone saying that it wasn't illegal.

Sorry Sam's mum - this wasn't directed at you. I really should have clarified that in the first post :o

[pookiesossige]

I've left my 2 year old sleeping in the car to pay for fuel- in a country town, car locked and moved up to the door of the servo after filling up, I know, but still illegal.
And this is after working briefly for the Dept. of Human Services!! (with the Child Protection team). From memory, police would forward info to the c.p intake team regarding children left unnattended, although it wouldn't go further then that with C.P unless there were other issues or it happened repeatedly ect. But they police would get a letter to the adult who was driving the car at the time, stating that they may be required to attend a court hearing. This was in Vic, about four years ago I think.

[MummyCharmzy]

I've read through all the responses to this and like the majority I will not leave my children unattended in the car for any length of time. I either get my petrol when they are not with me or I take them in with me, usually get it when they are not with me or send DP to fill up for me.

Not worth the risk. Yes 'chances are' they would be okay but I'm not prepared to risk it. I don't want to be that 'one in a million'.

I've seen first hand what can happen when a young child is left in a car unattended. A few years ago there was horrible screams heard from my next door neighbours house when she left her two children outside as she ran back in for something... the one in the car knocked the handbreak off and the car knocked the 18 month old over and ran over his HEAD. Thankfully he was eventually okay but that certainly taught me a VERY valuable lesson.

Its not worth the risk, ever

[Mamaduke]

On Christmas Eve a few years ago in a small town in Victoria a mum stopped outside the shops to quickly run in and get something. She left her young son in the back seat of the car, and being a small town, there was someone standing, watching the car while she went into the shop.
That person watched in horror as a semi-trailer that was passing through the town changed lanes and ploughed straight into the back of the car.
That little boy sadly died.

[LucyE]

Sam's Mum, I admit to not being completely up to date with my knowledge of current laws but after a quick search, I can not seem to find the passage you quoted within the QLD legislation. If it came from the QLD Transport website, then it is probably just general information and advice but not actual law that can be acted upon by police officers. The current reprints that I looked up mentioned the other elements that you quoted and the new admendments regarding the 'if a person over 16 years of age...' but I could not see the part that says "Never leave children younger than 16 years or animals unattended in a vehicle". Please correct me if I am wrong because I genuinely would like to know.

This issue is just another one of the many decisions that we have to face each day. It's part of being a parent. We weigh up the risks and do what we feel is the least dangerous. We all try to make the best decision/choice for our family based on our individual circumstances. We may not agree with each other, but let's not judge others or start name calling when we are all doing the best we can for our children.

[V8]

I must say i have never been in this position. My DH and i go everywhere together as i am his full-time carer. If i go into the servo or atm or anywhere, DH always stays in the car with DS. So there's always someone looking out for him. I wouldn't be able to leave DS in DH's care for any longer periods, just short times are ok and usually if DS is asleep.

I remember when me and my twin sister were little we were left in the car while my mum went to the church and my sister and i released the handbrake. Lucky mum ran to us and reefed it back up as another car was backing out and we could have hit eachother.

[bellagirl]

I have left my child in the car, but only if I can still see her and am within about 30 secs of running to her if she did start crying or anything else god forbid.
I do agree that man was doing the right thing, but i dont think you reacted to him because you were guilty, you reacted because you know your a good mum and you would never do anything to your baby to put him in harms way.
I understand why you told him to get stuffed, it was an insult to you, your a good mum.

[sam's mum]

I did a direct copy and paste from the Queensland Transport website. If you do a search for unattended vehicle, it is document five, and is from a pamphlett called on the road driving skills. This is an excerpt from the larger book that you study before taking your written driving test. This law did change last year and was introduced as stated in my previous post. This is not a pamphlett of general information and advice, but one of road rules and laws. I am glad that people are talking about this topic as I don't believe that enough people take it seriously that something can happen. Human being learn from experience. If you went back forty years ago babies were carried in your arms in the car, not in a capsule, and everyone thought that this was perfectly safe - and then we learnt there was a better way. I can't believe the number of people from my mother's generation who don't understand why I don't just breastfeed while we drive along if the baby is hungry and we want to drive somewhere. After all - they did it and look how fine their kids turned out.... The thing is that the kids that didn't turn out fine aren't here to put up there hands and say DON'T DO IT.:no:

[nemosmum]

Great post Sam'smum:thumbsup:

[LucyE]

Sam's Mum - I'm sorry but after looking up the phamplet you described, I will still have to disagree and say that I believe that the quote "Never leave children younger than 16 years or animals unattended in a vehicle" is general advice. If you use the same search terms and look at the next result down, you should find an unofficial document (as all online available legislation is), look at section 213 'Making a motor vehicle secure', you will see the other components you have quoted without the above line.

I think it is very telling that they include subsection 4 which states "In addition, before leaving the vehicle the driver must remove the ignition key if there is no-one 16 years or older remaining in the vehicle". If it was 'illegal' to leave a baby in the car alone, they would not need to include this. Anyway, this isn't legal advice but my own interpretation of the legislation that I can find.

I agree that as a general rule you shouldn't leave your child in a car unattended if possible, but everyone has different circumstances. I will not be made to feel guilty, for the rare occassions that I have left DS in the car when we are in a small country town where everyone knows us. It's not something that I would do when visiting the city because of the different conditions. Yes we learn from past experiences and preferrably other peoples' mistakes but you can also reach the point of being paranoid and having fear rule your life. If in the unlikely scenario, the servo was to explode (just one example that has been given here already), it's not going to make much difference if your child is in your arms or if you are a few meters away.

And if I ever saw a child left unattended in the carpark of a shopping centre, I'd be the first to call the police. It's a judgement call I'd make based on that particular situation.

[Harlequin]

I came across this :
http://www.kidsafensw.org/docs/Kidsafecarsbooklet.pdf

Which states on page 19 (11 if you use the pdf page thingy) that
"In new south wales it is against the law to leave a child unattended in the car and you can receive a fine of up to $22,000 for this offence"

So if that's true, it is illegal in at least one state. I think nsw may be the only one.

Personally I wouldnt do it. I'd worry too much about what might happen in that short moment.
I remember when I worked in a video store several years ago as a teen, seeing some woman leave her kids in the car to go god knows where, to the bank or something. The kids ended up in the front seats banging on the horn and flicking switches, I was watching them intently from the counter just waiting for them to release the hand brake and roll the car into the parked car in front. *shakes her head*

[FourAngelKisses]

I came across this :
http://www.kidsafensw.org/docs/Kidsafecarsbooklet.pdf

Which states on page 19 (11 if you use the pdf page thingy) that
"In new south wales it is against the law to leave a child unattended in the car and you can receive a fine of up to $22,000 for this offence"

What do they class as a child though? Living in a small town with a population of only 3000, I leave my 7.5 and 8.5yr olds in the car while I run in to get a loaf of bread or something, knowing that I will be gone for 3mins maximum. They just sit there listening to the radio. If I was in a town with a population of more than 5000, I would never do it. And if they were irresponsible kids, I certainly wouldn't do it. I do take them with me where possible, but 9 times out of 10, they don't want to go with me. I can't physically drag the two of them in while carrying Matthew, so it's easier to leave them in the car where I know they will be okay.

[Harlequin]

I'm guessing 'child' is anything under 'teen' (11+) ??
No idea though.

[arthursmum]

The kids ended up in the front seats banging on the horn and flicking switches, I was watching them intently from the counter just waiting for them to release the hand brake and roll the car into the parked car in front. *shakes her head*

I remember being left in the car often (only for a few minutes) with my brothers and we'd turn EVERYTHING on - radio, wipers, headlights, indicators - so that they'd all go on when mum returned with the key:laughing: we were just so funny! The handbrake was a matter of MANY debates - once the car rolled a bit we'd all scream and the handbrake would be put on again.

I wouldn't leave my baby in the car unattended as i couldn't live with myself of anything happened. I left him once 'just for a minute', i could see the car the whole time, i felt so awful and neglectful and stupid and he seemed SO vulnerable in there. Will not do it again.
BUT i reckon if you think your child's ok, then it's your call.

[mum2bubba]

Well neither my partner or I drive so its never really been an issue..yet.
I don't think theres anything wrong with it if you're just going to an atm or to get petrol or whatever especially if its taken ages for your kids/babies to fall asleep.

My SIL leaves all 4 of her children (ages 10 to 4) at home by themselves while she doees the grocerie shopping and she is gone for an hour or so. :rolleyes:

I had to go round the corner to help Grant pick something up from hard rubbish collection (wasn't even gone 2 minutes) and Hayley was in her cot fast asleep, she was 8 months at the time.

[SMBT]

I understand why you told him to get stuffed, it was an insult to you, your a good mum.

Thanks for the above statement BELLAGIRL!! I have been thinking more on the issue and what I have said in previous posts and came to the conclusion that - If I was a bad mother (which he was implying), then why would I care what he thought and why would I be feeling so concerned now after the act itself. As a `bad mother' wouldn't care at all.:thumbsup:

I still can't believe how much me posting this topic, would make such an impact on everyone (as it does get a bit heated in parts).

Just want to say thanks for all the replies, a lot of you made me fell guiltier than hell and I haven't left my kids since that day.:yes:

Although I have asked the ten mothers in my mothers group and they all leave their kids in the car for exactly the same things. I have warned them about what happened to me though and they all said the same thing, that they would have told him off aswell. One of my friends actually said that at the same post office (only the other day) she did exactly the same thing, because the glass windows let you see into the car anyway. I'm not the only one!:eek:

[Harlequin]

The handbrake was a matter of MANY debates - once the car rolled a bit we'd all scream and the handbrake would be put on again.
.


Hahaha that cracked me up! :laughing:


Regarding the legalities, I wrote to kidsafe wa and a lady replied with this:



Hi Irene,


Recently new provisions were introduced into the Child Welfare Act in WA
that meant if a child was found to be left unattended in a car that the
parent or responsible adult could be prosecuted and from memory allows
for fines up to $30,000.


So yes it is illegal in WA to leave a child unattended in a vehicle and
the behaviour of leaving children unattended in vehicles can also be
very dangerous and possibly life threatening. I cannot confirm the
legislation for you in other states though. Let me know of you need
further information.


Kind Regards


Melita


So we know its illegal in at least NSW and WA. Something tells me it may actually be illegal everywhere, you just gotta locate the law relating to it.