Stupid question, but can I leave my baby in the car for this?

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I leave my kid in the car if I am within sight for under a minute (pumping gas, dropping library books etc.). My car has a fob so I leave the car running to keep it cool in summer or warm in winter or leave all the windows down if the weather’s nice and just bring the fob with me. The car won’t drive if the fob isn’t in the car. Literally will not switch out of park, so I am not concerned about the phantom carjackers DCUM always brings up.

YOU LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHILE YOU ARE PUMPING GAS

[Anonymous]

OP here. Seems like people are a bit divided on this but to clarify a few points: I don't go inside the building and drop-off takes about 30 seconds to 1 mins max. Unfortunately, I can't have a friend stay by the car because drop-off time is rather loose (anywhere from 7:30-8:30) so it is really rare another person is dropping off at the exact same time I am on a regular basis. I haven't made any daycare mom friends yet but once I do, maybe we can coordinate better

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for your quick responses. I'll plan on taking the baby in the carseat every time.

Good idea. Someone may report you if you leave the baby in the car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Seems like people are a bit divided on this but to clarify a few points: I don't go inside the building and drop-off takes about 30 seconds to 1 mins max. Unfortunately, I can't have a friend stay by the car because drop-off time is rather loose (anywhere from 7:30-8:30) so it is really rare another person is dropping off at the exact same time I am on a regular basis. I haven't made any daycare mom friends yet but once I do, maybe we can coordinate better

I think the take away from this thread is that some people will judge you for this no matter how reasonable. If I were you, I'd do it because what you describe sounds perfectly, 100% safe. I might take a precaution or two to avoid locking the baby in the car (double check it's unlocked or even leave a door ajar, or make sure drivers side window is rolled all the way down).

You might also mention it to the daycare -- this is not an uncommon problem. Ask them how they'd like you to handle it. This might prompt them to create an accommodation for parents in your situations (if you have younger kids in the car, you can park in the curb lane for drop off) or will at least alert them to the issue. And that will also let you know what their stance is on it, and thus the likelihood that someone from the daycare will call CPS on you because you left your baby in the car for 30 seconds.

I think what you are proposing is totally fine, but you do have to contend with all the nut jobs who seem to think it's dangerous for no reason.

[Anonymous]

Pretty sure any veteran mom of 3 or more is going to figure out a way to leave that baby in the car.

[Anonymous]

No - you carry the car seat if your toddler is well behaved. If the toddler is a runner or you have to bring a bag of stuff every day, get one of those minimal strollers you can pop the car seat into - so you don’t have to drop your baby if you need to run after your toddler.

[Anonymous]

No you can't leave your baby in the car and the fact this needs to be explained to you makes me feel like you should take some parenting classes before having more children. Sheesh!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for your quick responses. I'll plan on taking the baby in the carseat every time.

Good for you. Don't ever gamble on your kid(s) unless you absolutely have to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No you can't leave your baby in the car and the fact this needs to be explained to you makes me feel like you should take some parenting classes before having more children. Sheesh!!

Wow you're mean. Did you even read OP's post?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I leave my kid in the car if I am within sight for under a minute (pumping gas, dropping library books etc.). My car has a fob so I leave the car running to keep it cool in summer or warm in winter or leave all the windows down if the weather’s nice and just bring the fob with me. The car won’t drive if the fob isn’t in the car. Literally will not switch out of park, so I am not concerned about the phantom carjackers DCUM always brings up.

Why on earth would anyone be removing their baby from the car to pump gas??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I leave my kid in the car if I am within sight for under a minute (pumping gas, dropping library books etc.). My car has a fob so I leave the car running to keep it cool in summer or warm in winter or leave all the windows down if the weather’s nice and just bring the fob with me. The car won’t drive if the fob isn’t in the car. Literally will not switch out of park, so I am not concerned about the phantom carjackers DCUM always brings up.

Why on earth would anyone be removing their baby from the car to pump gas??

Np. Agreed that’s a bit crazy. But to people saying that carjackings with babies in the car doesn’t happen - it does. Happened in my neighborhood and here’s one from just a few months ago. Never leave your car running and unattended in DC.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/woman-carjacked-at-gunpoint-while-putting-baby-in-car-in-northwest-dc.amp

[Anonymous]

Some of these responses make it impossible to get out of the car and walk around to open the door and get the kid out. You.are.leaving.the.child.alone.in.the.car when you walk around. Our preschool had about a thirty foot walk to the door. Parents regularly did this...got out, walked kid the 20 steps up the walkway, while the car ran and baby slept. There was nary an eye batted and certainly no carjackings or infant deaths.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you actually have to go into a building, you need to take baby with you. If you are walking your to the door and dropping off, leave baby in car.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Clearly everyone says no, you shouldn't.
And you shouldn't. But not because there is any danger to the baby. Of course there isn't. What you want to do is perfectly reasonable and in most other times and places would be what every mother does.

However... here in 2023 in the US, it is a dangerous thing to do not for the baby, but for you. Within just a few days of doing this, you will be called into the daycare directors office and chastised. You will also become the focus of mommy gossip and glares and judgement.
There is a non-zero chance someone will report you to CPS.

So, sadly, you need to take your baby out of the car.

This.