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30th August 2024
11:04am BST
Sometimes - and by no one’s fault - a seemingly minor oversight can quickly escalate into a scary situation for any mum or dad.
A recent Reddit post from a concerned mum told the story of a critical safety warning that every caregiver should take on board.
In her account, the mother recalled a harrowing experience with her one-year-old child and the car’s remote lock system.
She shared: "This was a while ago but remembering still breaks me out in a cold sweat. My car has an auto-unlock when it detects the key inside the car.
“But you know when it doesn't unlock automatically? When your 1 year old in the car seat presses the lock button right as you close the back door."
She had packed her phone, bag, and stroller and only needed a moment to open the driver's door.
However, in those few seconds, her little girl accidentally pressed the lock button, locking herself inside the car.
Describing the panic, the mum said: "I don't even know how long she was in there. Realistically it was only enough time for me to hysterically circle the car a 3-4 times, but it felt like 20 minutes."
Thankfully, her baby, who was pressing random buttons, managed to unlock the car just as she was about to call for emergency help.
The mother’s story highlights some important safety points to avoid a repeat of this situation:
1. Keep car keys out of reach: Ensure that car keys are stored safely away from young children. A few seconds of distraction can lead to dangerous situations.
2. Double-check before closing doors: Always check that no children or pets are inside the vehicle before closing the doors and walking away.
3. Have an emergency plan: Know the procedures and contact numbers for emergencies in case of accidental lock-ins.
This mum’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly situations can become dangerous and the importance of being vigilant and always having a plan.
