LETTER | It is regrettable to note that there have been many cases of forgotten-baby syndrome where toddlers, babies and even kids have been left behind in vehicles by their parents or guardians.
It has been more frequent lately, where these parents are unaware that their precious children are even in the car and the worse happens.
No one likes to read, hear or see this heart-wrenching news. I for one do not have the stomach for these tragic events. However, no matter how painful or disheartening the news, we need to put an end to those instances.
Now, the recent tragedies - although saddening - serve as a clarion wake-up call for all parents to ensure the safety of their children.
I would like to personally share a few methods to ensure the worst does not happen.
Among others is to be in frequent communication with your spouse about the whereabouts of your baby or toddler.
For example in this scenario, if you or your spouse drive separately to work, ensure the person who has just dropped off the child at the nanny’s, immediately calls the wife or the husband and informs them that the baby has been placed into safe hands.
It might seem like a hassle to do so, but believe me it goes a long way. Make the call a habit. Once it becomes a daily routine, your other half will pick up the red flag and notice something amiss should there be a break in the daily tradition.
Another method is - depending on the position of your baby carrier seat (rear facing) - to purchase a baby car seat mirror.
This will enable the driver to look into the vehicle’s rearview mirror and at the same time, monitor the baby in the car seat. This nifty and affordable gadget is easily available on online retail platforms.
Of course, we have all heard of placing valuable items such as laptops on the floor of the back of our vehicles. It is a method no doubt, but should be secondary to your overall awareness of the situation. However, it still serves as an effective way.
We can rely on gadgets, habits and even technology to remind us, but the responsibility for the safety of our children falls on your shoulders. There are no two ways about it.
You have to make sure that you are always alert to the whereabouts of your baby or toddler. You owe it to your children.
Parenting can be difficult because you’d be deprived of sleep, frequently stressed, generally tired all the time and not to mention the responsibilities at work.
However, make the best of the situation. Try to overcome the issues faced. Work out a schedule with your spouse to ensure not only your own well-being but that of your child.
Every parent loves their children unconditionally, some might even argue that a parent’s love for their kids is the one true love that exists. So let’s prove it. Let’s keep our kids safe.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
