“Don’t slate me”: Is it okay to leave my baby alone in the car?

Is this ever okay?

Being a mum is no easy feat. Every decision weighs down on your shoulders and sometimes you can't help but second-guess everything. One mum has found herself asking is it ever okay to leave her baby alone in the car. She explained to Mumsnet, "Please don't slate me for this!" The woman explained she is currently expecting her first child. It's an overwhelming time and there's just so much to learn. She asked, "Is it safe/normal to leave a baby alone in a car while going into the shop? Not for long, e.g. if you have filled the car with diesel and are going into pay? Or you've stopped at the local shop to go in for milk and bread, the baby is asleep and you won't be longer than five minutes." She clarified, "I'm not talking about stopping off at the shopping centre and going in for an hour." The woman used to mind her nieces and nephews when she was younger. She said she would often leave them in the car when she flew into the shops. It'd usually only be for a minute or two and the car was always locked. However, this was over 10 years ago and she fears things may have changed. "In fact, I remember them being left outside in cars by their own parent if they were asleep when visiting the home house. Granted, I grew up in a cul-de-sac which is very quiet and have known all of those neighbours my entire life." She asked, "Honestly, what is the done thing these days?" The mum-to-be said she lives outside a small time with around 1500 people. What do you think? Is it ever okay or is it better to be safe than sorry?