Leave Child in the Car or No ?

I have a 4 y/o and a 2 y/o and I have never, ever left them in the car alone. Ever. And TRUST ME, there have been times when I've wanted to. Try getting two boys to cooperate while Mom has to use the bathroom! But, I'll take all the hassle in the world rather than live with the possible consequences of leaving them.

Congrats new Mama!

T.

Pay at the pump. Only go into the gas station when you don't have the baby with you. Or you should bring the baby into the gas station if you don't pay at the pump. I would hate to see a little baby in the car - if even for a second - if I were driving by!

Depends on where you live. When I lived in Chicago, I would leave the baby in the car to run into White Hen to grab a gallon of milk & there would be cops in there & it didn't faze them a bit. Then I read about the woman at the Crestwood Walmart who was arrested for leaving her baby in the car while she ran to put some money in the Salvation Army container. All charges were dismissed, but how humiliating.

Never! E., weird stuff happens all the time- always when you least expect it. And it can happen ANYWHERE.

What if someone robs the gas station? What if the person in front of you in line starts an argument over his payment and you end up being in there for 10 minutes instead of 10 seconds? Or worse- what if something happens out in the parking lot when you are not there?

Just for example- my finacee and I were just in a car accident this week. We were parked- totally stopped- and someone else just plowed into us from behind. No warning at all. This kind of thing can happen anywhere and it could happen to your car, sitting at the pump, too. With the baby alone inside.

Aside from all the other possible dangers, I know it is illegal in some states (like mine) to leave your child unattended in a car. You just never know what could happen. Is it REALLY worth the risk, just to make it more convenient for you to grab a soda? I would definitely say no. Just pay at the pump instead.

I also have to add that after reading the responses here,I personally think it is sort of disturbing how many people say don't do it - not because your baby might get hurt, but because some 'kook' may call the cops or yell child endangerment.

You know what- would you rather have someone say something in a potentially dangerous situation, or keep their mouth shut??? YOUR baby might not be endangered at that particular moment, but someone else might have left the kid in there for an hour!

I say when a child is involved, thank god for people who pay attention and are willing to stand up for THE CHILD being safe and not worrying about being embarrassed or having some mom get p***ed off at them! A child's potential safety is more important. Speaking up could save a child's life, so I think everyone should back off of people who speak up out of concern for a child's welfare.

Also, do a lot of these people live in super safe gated communities or maybe rural areas? We live in a very nice suburb outside of a major city but I have learned to always keep my car doors locked when I am out of the car.

Maybe you live someplace safe enough that you don't think of safety issues like that- or all of these other people who leave their kids in the car do too. But where I live you would just never do it. Random crime happens EVERYWHERE- suburbs, small towns, nice neighborhoods- not just in the city or in poor areas.

I just don't get all the hating coming from some of these other posters- it seems like they got caught leaving their kids in the car and are taking out their embarrassment by being hostile in some cases- not cool.

I've heard that if a cop comes by while you are in someplace for just a minute, you could get arrested. Possibly others would know for sure?

Would you leave your entire cash life savings in plain view locked in your car? NO? Then why take the risk with your child's life which is priceless.

I know this kind of thing is more common in small towns and in the burbs. But I live in Chicago and would never, under any circumstances, leave a baby or toddler or even my 4 year old in a locked car to go do anything, even for a minute. I know this sounds super paranoid... When the baby falls asleep in the car and I have things to do, unfortunately the things have to wait. I usually just drive around until she wakes up or look for a drive-through Starbucks.... FYI there's one on north lincoln avenue: )

I used to leave my baby in the car to go in and pay then 1 day a thought occurred to me and maybe it's unrealistic or morbid but what if something happened to you outside the car? Like the station getting robbed or you get hurt and are unable to let anybody know you have a baby waiting for you in the car. Perhaps morbid thinking but it made me stop leaving her in the car. I just try to get gas when someone is watching her or I just suck it up and bring her in the station with me.

Totally agree with Jodi: People need to mind their own business. I do not think a mother that understands the drama to get two or three you ng kids out of the car to make a payment in the gas station would call the police.
I think if someone wanted to steal your kid, they have a better chance taking it from you while you walk into the gas station than breaking a car open. Plus those crooks know there are cameras all over the place.
As a single mother with serious back problems, yes I do leave the kids in the locked car (especially if they just fell asleep from the ride)as long as I can see my car. I would not go in a store where I am away for too long or out of sight.
Do what you are comfortable with and if you want to make sure, just stop a cop next time you drive by one and just ask what is acceptable.

Never leave your baby unattended/alone in the car no matter how safe you feel it may be. In today's world you can never be too careful.

ALWAYS TAKE THE BABY WITH YOU!!!!!! ALWAYS!!!!!
It takes one second for something horrible to happen1 Even with doors locked IT IS NOT SAFE!

I have triplets, and even though it's a royal pain, I never leave them unattended in the car. If I need to stop at the gas station, I make sure the gas station offers pay-at-the-pump services. Maybe nothing would happen, but I'm not going to tempt fate. I actually had a friend who left her sleeping baby in the car for a few minutes... Someone called the police and she was arrested. Months later, the baby died due to some congenital abnormalities. By then, my friend was going to trial for negligence. It didn't help that they were now referring to her baby as her "dead baby." She was convicted. Yikes--don't risk it!

Always take the child in with you! A neighbor of mine ran into a restaurant to pick up food and let one of her kids use the washroom. She left her 9 yr old, 6 yr old and baby in the car. It was nice weather so not hot or cold in the car. Someone called the police. She got lucky they allowed her to bring her kids home but had to turn herself into the police later that day and was arrested then. DCFS got involved and she can longer work with kids and she also had to take parenting classes. This has cost her family a lot- reputation, money, time, was in the paper etc...

So besides from a safety point of view and someone being able to snatch your child from even a locked car- there could be other issues as well! I will admit, I used to leave my son- 20 years ago in the car all the time! Now there is just no way you can trust anyone!!!!

Blessings to you and yours!

If you are pumping gas and paying at the pump, then I see no reason to take the baby, as long as there is proper ventilation.

If you are walking away to get a receipt, to pay, etc... NO, it is not okay. Sorry, even a quick trip into a convenient store to grab a drink, when your car is in eyeshot... is sooo risky.

Yes, it's a pain in the neck. Some things just aren't worth the risk.

I take the baby in with me at all times...even still at age 2 1/2.

I know I might be in the minority, but it is just a risk I don't want to take. There are way too many freakjob weirdos out there preying on children to take a chance. I'd never forgive myself.

Pay at the pump and then play 'window games' with the baby - it's lots of fun!

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time. There may be a new mommydrivethru coming to your area. Owned and operated by Mark Industries LLC, franchise opportunities are available. It is a drive thru for Milk, formula and the essentials. You can even order in advance and have it ready at drive thru. Started in El Paso, TX They also make an award winning products like the Help Yourself Feeding Solution Baby Feeding Tray that grows with baby. Never leave baby unattended in a car. mommydrivethru com

I either pay at the pump, find a drive through (for coffee) or take them in with me. I am pretty uncomfortable not being able to see my kids. With a baby, you probably have the car seat that is easy to latch in and out of the base, I think doing that is worth the peace of mind that your kids are safe by your side.
K.

What you have to consider is what is safer for your baby. In the case of going into the gas station, I think it's perfrctly reasonable to leave your baby in the car. You should literally be in there no more than 1-2 minutes, since you're just paying for gas and/or grabbing a quick item. Make sure that you're alwyays parked where your car is in view at all times, of course lock your car, and if at all possible don't make your gas stops at night.

Any other place, you probably want to err on the side of caution, and take your baby in. Yes it may be more of a hassle, but it's worth it to know that your baby is safe with you.

NEVER EVER EVER LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR. It takes 2 seconds to forever regret it. I want all these women/Mothers to think about how helpless your children are to defend themselves from the MONSTERS WHO PREY ON SMALL CHILDREN. Then think about the horrible things that COULD happen. Next I want you to imagine them calling for their MOMMY while they are doing these horrible horrible things. But where are you? Buying Milk. For who?
You kid is gone?
I am sorry but I am a strong believer that your children should always be with you.
It is mothers who do who are the reason we see these abuctions on the news and I am really sorry but I cant believe you would even consider it. That is how I feel and I am pretty darn certain most police Social workers and Police Detectives would share the same opinion. Better yet... Ask John Walsh how he feels about it. You can catch him hosting America's Most wanted. All they ever found was his son's head.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Walsh

If You're in Illinois, it's illegal to leave your kids in the car. At all. Ever.

I know of someone who left her kids in the car when she ran in to Starbuck's and she STILL has to have DCFS come and check her out every few months. They will hound you. It's not worth it.

Take your baby with you.

I would seek out pay-at-pump. Even with my older kids, I don't leave them to go pay in the shop (we live in an urban environment, so I have to be extra cautious.) i would never leave a baby locked in a car, in any weather. You just never know.

Hello. I work for DCFS at the Child Abuse Hotline. It is NEVER ok to leave any child alone in a car no matter how long. Horrible things happen in seconds. Believe me. I have seen it. I totally understand the desire. I have 2 toddlers and am a single parent. Please take the baby in with you or go when you are alone.

I would never leave my child in the car unattended. I always try to plan ahead to make sure that either someone can come with me, or leave her with someone. I know there are emergencies where things happen, and you aren't able to plan ahead, but in that case, you should always take your child with you. Anyone who tells you that it's ok, is an irresponsible parent and it's parents like them that end up on the news because their child was abducted, and they "just turned their head for a second". Don't be naive, we don't live in a perfect society.

no matter anyones opinion it is illegal and you can get arrested for it. It isnt worth the risk. I would just take the carrier in, and one day there will be a Mommy Drive Thru that you can just pick up those odds and ends from!

I'm not sure of your situation; but, on those ocassions I would make sure I had purchased gas the times he was not with me. I would purchase gas when I got off work before I picked him up; or on days when he was not with him, etc...salon, my doctor appts. Now, it will happen that you may have to get gas with him...HE always went with me !

Take your child with you!! Virtually every gas station has pay at the pump! Plus, especially in Chicago, you hear about babies/toddlers basically getting kidnapped when the parent leaves them in the car and the car gets stolen at a gas station. Please don't take the risk with your precious little one.

Hi E.,

I would use a pump that pays with a debit card that way you are near by when exiting the car.

Don't forget that lots of accidents can happen at gas stations. Cars get bumped, people aren't careful about how they use the pumps, etc. In addition to the legal issues, it might be a good idea to consider the safety problems.

Take the baby with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No It is not! I think the child will be sacred or someone could break the window and take her!

I would take the baby in at all times. It might seem like a nuisance, but besides the heat sorry to say this, there are other things that can happen. I did take the babies in at all times. I know, I know, unlocked the car seat, pulled the things over the babies heads, pulled the baby out, oftentimes, sleeping, crying and struggling. But that is the most precious gift you have on earth so to me it was worth it. It's a good thing you asked. I can see you will be a good mom.

I always left my babies in the car with the doors locked, parked right in front of the gas station. i could keep my eye on them at all times and i was only in there for a minute. I think it's fine!

Never, Ever leave your baby in a car not for a second unattended. If you can't take the baby out of the car into the store or wherever, then take another responsible adult with you or leave the baby with someone while you shop. Or stay at home. Remember you are responsible for your baby's well being.

Please take the baby in with you at all times. Nothing in the world is worth protecting more than your baby.

Imagine something WAS to happen or what if someone was to take your precious bundle in the few seconds you are not around and the people in the surrounding area decided to "mind their own business" and not help you out.

I know you didn't make the "people need to mind their own business" comment but WOW what ignorance.

Although it is a pain in the neck, I never left my babies in the car for any length of time. You just never know.
That is where the "pay at the pump" thing comes in handy!

I personally would not. Things happen so fast. When my kids were babies, I would only go to gas stations that accepted my debit card. Nowadays, just about all of them accept debit cards.

i would say take the baby inside with u all the time i know it can be time consuming and a hassle and i personally don't see anything wrong with it during reasonable weather but if so happen someone see it and don't agree with it might call the police or the police might just be around you could get arrested for it.

Hi E. I would have to say NO!!! We live in should a crazy world now. Someone may hijack the car( even though you may have the keys, these thieves know ways to get it started) Try if possible to leave your child with someone or just take them with you. As far as reasonable weather, a car heat up very fast. So it's best to be safe then sorry.

Hi E.,

Although it is a hastle to bring your baby with you everywhere you go............never leave her in the car unattended. Always bring your baby with you!!!!!!!

Congratulations and Good Luck!
A.

Please don't take any chances. It doesn't take a predator long to observe a child left alone and break the window to pull child out. I think it's great that you are asking about this. I have 2 kids 4 and 2 and I have always taken them with me inside of a location where I'll be gone for any amount of time. Hope this helps.

NEVER leave a baby in the car!!!! PERIOD.I know it is not always convenient, but don't give in to the urge....

NEVER leave the baby in a car alone! Take her with you.

I would say 'no' -- get a debit/credit card & pay at the pump. That's what I do. :)

I always pay at the pump so I can keep an eye on my daughter & she can see me also.

Nope. Not even for a minute. Not even to run upstairs and get something you forgot. Not even to pay for gas. Not even if the baby and car are within your eyesight. It's not so much for the baby's sake, because you wouldn't do something dumb like leave her in a hot car with the windows up, or walk away from her. It's more the strangers that you need to worry about. Lots of individuals out there are looking for an easy way to make themselves seem like a hero, and "child abandonment" is as good of an excuse as any.

One time when my daughter was an infant, I buckled her seat in the car, then I went to RETURN A SHOPPING CART to the corral at the Jewel. She never left my sight, but some busybody walked by and started yelling about how there was an abandoned baby in the car. Whatever, dude. If I left her strapped in the cart in 20 degree weather while I took it back, he'd probably say I was exposing her to the elements. (G-d forbid these people are involved when a child is in danger for real...but I digress.)

The ONLY time I leave my daughter in the car is at the grocery store and that's just long enough to put the cart away. If the car is going to be out of your site and/or you are going to be far enough away to not do anything if something happens, then you should take the baby with you.

My friend was at a post office and got out of her car and walked about 6 feet to put a letter in the post office box that was outside. She was looking at her car the entire time and was outside with her car in complete sight. A cop was parked a few spaces away doing the same thing and he gave her a ticket. He said that it is illegal to even walk more than 5 feet from your car leaving kids in it. So she never did that again. I have two kids and it is such a pain, but you can't walk into a building leaving your kids in the car even if it is for a few seconds.

This is a question my mom's group was curious about. We were told that it is against the law to do it. So if you do it just make sure there are no cops around or ask them if they'd mind watching your child while you ran into the gas station. Like most moms we've all done it from time to time especially once you have more then 1 kid and it's hard to drag them all in especially the young ones still in carriers. I should add that when I have done it, I've pulled the car up to the door and always had them in my sight with the car doors locked.

I have had this conversation with my husband several times who's a police officer. It's really a personal thing. According to him, who's been an officer for 12 years, there's nothing wrong with leaving your child/ren in the car, with the doors locked and the keys not in the car and they have to be in your sight at all times. I think it's completely unrealistic to take your children out of the car with you, only get gas when you're alone or have your husband do it. I would never get gas if that were the case! There are way more hazards outside of the car than there is leaving them in the car where they are safe, locked away, away from fumes and chemicals and are being watched over. I have never seen a woman in the gas station who's taken their kids out of the car to get gas, not that I can remember anyway. So you're supposed to pump gas and chase after little kids and where is there a good place to put a carseat when gas fumes are spewing from everywhere? I mean you have use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Yes, bad things can happen to even to the safest of people but you can leave them in the car and use reason and judgement to determine is it a good idea to do it at that time (weather, how far is the pump from the station, is it a safe area, etc).

Never, never leave your child in the car for any reason. That little bit of time may save you a lifetime of regret

R.

Um, NO! I would take both of my kids in to the gas station with me or like some of the other responses have your husband do it.

In response to having your baby in the pool. I personally wouldn't do it. Just get him used to being in a bathtub first. There will be plenty of time for playing in a pool.

Pay at the pump or get gas when baby isn't with you. Or have hubby or someone else fill your tank.

Hi

Well personally I try to park at the pump closest to the store and I run in and pay. But if its a gas station where the pumps are further from the store then I would bring her in. There a lot of gas stations where the pumps are very close to the store and it literally takes 5 seconds to run in and pay and come back out having your child in sight the whole time.

I would be VERY Careful, you could be arrested. People are watching these kinds of things very closely. I'd pay at the pump if at all possible. Kids have been taken in cars too while the mom/dad went into pay. Even 1 second out of sight is too much. Sorry to burst you bubble. I did it many years ago, but now-a-days, the public knows to call the police if they see a kid alone in cars at ANY time. Good luck.

I have only left my child in the car when I pay at the pump and I am there to see her at all times. I do believe it's unfortunate though that people feel the need to call the police on a woman who left the kids in the car in decent weather to run in the store. I would never leave my daughter in the car, but people need to mind their own business...these women are not criminals and do not deserve to be treated as such.

E., congrats on the baby! Only leave the child in the car if you pay at the pump. NEVER leave the child in the car even to run into the dry cleaner, post office, or gas station to pay inside. NEVER NEVER NEVER. If it is hard for you to run these types of errands and carry the baby with you, try to run these errands alone. IMy advice if you go to the grocery store/Target/Walmart, park next to the cart return, if possible, so that you can put the baby in the car and return the cart and not be away from the car. Also you can grab a cart easily when you arrive and put the baby in right away so you don't have to carry the car seat very far. Not sure the other advise you will get, but I bet they follow the same as mine.

I'm pretty sure that as long as you are in sight of the car when you go in, you can't be charged with any crime. The woman who got arrested at the Wal-Mart was in sight of the car, that's why the charges were dropped.

Always take them with you. Do you have a base for your carseat? If so, the car seat is easy to pop out. Better safe than sorry!

I pay at the pump and if I can't pay at the pump, I go to a different gas station.

Hi E.
your really not suppose to leave the baby in the car for any reason,but i kno how it is your jus running in and out, but ever since i had my daughter and if i had to get gas i usually got it the night before so that my husband could watch her or have him get it or where ever im at someone watch her for me but if i was by myself i always have my debit card that i use only for gas. the bast idea is a gas card or a debit card that you can jus ude for gas..

As far as gas stations go, if you and baby are alone, only do pay-at-the pump. If for some reason the pump malfunctions and says you have to pay inside, you have to take baby in. I have had this happen when my two-yr-old had just fallen asleep on a trip, and boy was I mad! But I would never ever go in somewhere and leave him in the car. If it's something that only takes a moment and I only have to go just outside the car (like pumping gas, or placing something in a mailbox) of course I leave him in. But I never would go so far where I couldn't see him. Besides a safety and responsibility issue, it's illegal leave your child in the car to into a building.

Dont listen to everyone. People are so rediculous with giving advice sometimes......

As long as your child is within viewing range, you are fine with goingin to pay for gas. I have two children and do this.

Obviously, there are times where its not okay...really cold weather or really hot weather, but otherwise for 45 seconds to 120 seconds to pay for gas and grab a soda, you will be fine!

Back when my daughter was born you could leave the child in the car for a quick run into the gas station. Now with carjackings and such i would never attempt to do that with my grandchildren. Also i have heard of people getting arrested for doing it even if the vehicle is within their site. Please never leave your child in the car alone.

I'm assuming you mean when you go in to pay. If you're just talking about pumping gas (pay-at-the-pump), by all means, leave him/her in the car. If you're going inside, however, take the baby with you at all times!!! It's just not worth the risk.... not to mention, I believe it's illegal.

I think it's ok if you are going in to pay for gas only provided you have a view of the car while inside. It'll be difficult for someone to get the baby out.

With the current state of the world in mind, I would take my child in with me. I would not bother with the carrier. I would just carry the baby. If the car is taken, so is the baby. Sometimes you get the baby back, sometimes you don't. Do you want to take the chance?

pumping gas? absolutely ok.....going into the station NO WAY I don't think your child is necessarily in danger, but the KOOKS out there will see this as abandonment etc so don't give them a window of opportunity to call you unfit. Years ago (as in when you were growing up )....a parent was considered good if they kept their child within sight....today its a different world. Any child more than 10ft from their parent or caregiver is considered at risk....sad isn't it?

I would take the baby with you at all times even if it is just for a minute. You never know what could happen. If you are pumping gas and you never leave the side of your car then I would say it is OK. But I wouldn't walk into the station to pay or pick up an item from the store without taking the baby with.

Hey there! I disagree with the posters who say to always take your baby with you. I think the baby is safer in the car locked than in your arms. Think about it. If somebody was gonna steal your baby it would require much more effort to break into a car than to just yank the carseat out of your arms; cars are stronger than people. That said, I don't advocate leaving your child in the car at all if you have any choice; have your husband put gas in the car as much as possible, and pay outside at the pump-- never leave that baby out of your sight for a minute! If you have to run all the way into the gas station... then I guess I'd take the baby with me just because if something happened and you got stuck inside the station you'd want the baby with you.

If you are pumping gas and then paying with credit card or just running up to the booth with your card/cash, then you can leave baby in the car - just make sure there is ventilation on hot day. If you are actually going into a store and so can no longer see baby, then you take baby with you. If you leave baby in the car, make sure the keys are with you.

If I pay at the pump, my son stays in the car because I am right there. If I go in the store, he comes with me.

Hi E.: here's a suggestion, perhaps use your bank card at the pump but I would not ever leave a child in the car unsupervised.

Personally, I would only go to gas stations where you pay at the pump. I'd pay and stay with the baby. I would never ever ever leave the baby in the car, doors locked or not, regardless of the weather.

Pay at the pump. Never leave a baby alone in the car. Many people are careless at the gas stations, and if there was a freak accident involving your car you wouldn't forgive yourself if your baby got hurt.

If you have a credit card, use that at the pump, and you won't have to go in to pay.

I always try and pay @ the pump,And if i have to walk in to pay for whatever reson I take my 2yr old with me.
I'm to afraid that some crazy person will take off with my son.

With you. It's law I believe and general safety. What's a missed nap in their lives besides something dangerous that is permanent?

Hi mom you should take child in at all times this world has change when you think you are safe your not plus its a law good luck

Hi E.,
I applaud you for asking for advice. You should never leave your little one in the car for any amout of time. Anything can happen! In my mind, when you leave a child in a car you are assigning the car the responsibility of baby sitting. This situation is not like being at home and leaving the baby in the bed so that you can thake a shower. At home you can control the environment for the most part.
Take your baby with you!

If you are leaving the car for ANY time--take her out. It's never worth the risk even for 30 seconds! My kids are 8,6,3 and I still ALWAYS take them out even for a simple coffee run in the morning!

I would never leave a child in the car. That is a good way for them to get abducted. Things can happen quickly and when you're least expecting them to.

I pay at the pump with my debit card so that I never leave my children or my vehicle alone.

I've always struggled with this myself. Its only for a minute or two while you run in, but then I think of all the news reports where someone else thought the very same thing and it went very badly. My daughter will be three soon and I have yet to leave her behind. It's more work, but I bring her with because I'd rather be safe than sorry. Even when I stop at the dry cleaners, I bring her in. Perhaps I am too careful.

I always try to pay at the pump. If you are going in, I would take my baby with me. There was a news article in IN that a child was taken when a caregiver went into the gas station to buy something. This was a toddler of 2 or 3 yrs. If baby is still in the infant carseat, you can just pop them in and out in the seat. Better safe than sorry.

If your pumping gas it's fine, if your going into the store you need to take the baby with you.

I think you can get a ticket if your caught in the store with your child left alone in the car.

Not safe at all!