HPD: Baby Dies After Dad Forgot Her In Car

[rem16]

HOUSTON -- A baby died after her father forgot to take her to day care Friday morning, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said the father discovered his mistake when he got to the day care at Crawford Street near Rosedale Street in southeast Houston Friday evening. He was there to pick up his 7-month-old daughter and her brother, who was taken to the facility separately.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/15608043/detail.html

Very sad. I've heard of having things on your mind, but this is just awful. :1222423:

[packy]

Yes it is so sad.

I know it may be asking a lot but wonder if it would help if daycare people had a calling policy if they haven't been notified that a child would be absent. It's not their responsiblity but it may help in some cases.

[Roenick]

Very sad. I bet he's just beating himself up over it.


My mom owned a day care/school. They would call if the child wasn't there within 3 or 4 hours of the usual time just to double check.
Parents were suppose to call and let them know but some didn't always do that.
Moms was a large corporation but I think it's usually the small in home that really pay attention to a child not showing up.

Maybe because I don't have children but I do not understand how one can forget. I usually look in my car once I get to work to make sure I didn't drop my phone or leave a my lunch or snack in there.
I also become such habit that on weekends I even start to drive to work... I'd think daycare would be always on my brain.

[nanabillie]

In my husband's car, the seat belt alarm won't stop until the passanger fastens their seat belt. Naturally, it doesn't alarm when no one is with him. Why can't someone invent an alarm like that for car seats. And make it mandatory to use, just as car seats are and seat belts are, in our state. I'm sure some day someone will, but so many babies lives will be lost the longer it takes.

[annalyzer]

In my husband's car, the seat belt alarm won't stop until the passanger fastens their seat belt. Naturally, it doesn't alarm when no one is with him. Why can't someone invent an alarm like that for car seats. And make it mandatory to use, just as car seats are and seat belts are, in our state. I'm sure some day someone will, but so many babies lives will be lost the longer it takes.

If they can't remember their own baby FGS how are they going to remember to use the alarm? People like that just boggle my mind. How in the hell do you not remember your child is in your back seat??

[Emyo]

If they can't remember their own baby FGS how are they going to remember to use the alarm? People like that just boggle my mind. How in the hell do you not remember your child is in your back seat??


And it does happen too often. There is also a big discrepancy in who is charged and who isn't.

moo

[Harmony]

Yes it is so sad.

I know it may be asking a lot but wonder if it would help if daycare people had a calling policy if they haven't been notified that a child would be absent. It's not their responsiblity but it may help in some cases.

That is a great idea! My son attends a huge high school and they have a similar system set up when students are absent. An automatic recording notifies the parent.

[nanabillie]

If they can't remember their own baby FGS how are they going to remember to use the alarm? People like that just boggle my mind. How in the hell do you not remember your child is in your back seat??

I'm thinking like, somekind of alarm someone could invent. Maybe it would automatically set when a baby is put in the car seat and would alarm when, heck, I don't know. Something. Seems like a lot but maybe when the keys are taken out of the ignition. I don't have one ounce of invention in my brain, but you know someone could come up with something. I was thinking yesterday, if I was rich like Oprah or Dr. Phil, I would pay someone to work on an invention to save these babies.
Something,...anything. It is so heartbreaking.

[Roenick]

They could have a pad that activates a light that is remotely connected (or small wire) to the dashboard. When any weight is in the car seat the light stuck on the dash would go on.

Now we have safety issues: battery malfunctions, people still not paying attention...
who ever produced and sold these would have to have strict warnings that the product is not intended to save a childs life. Parents still need to slow down and think and remember what they are doing and that they have their child with them.

[Phil]

In my husband's car, the seat belt alarm won't stop until the passanger fastens their seat belt. Naturally, it doesn't alarm when no one is with him. Why can't someone invent an alarm like that for car seats. And make it mandatory to use, just as car seats are and seat belts are, in our state. I'm sure some day someone will, but so many babies lives will be lost the longer it takes.

I think so many babies lives will be lost because of stupid parents like this. Yeah, let's have an alarm to hit this idiot in the head with a hammer.

[Ross]

So sad for that child.Sometimes we all forget things & im no exception,but to forget your baby .Im done dont even what to be siting in judgment of this guy.............

[Ross]

And it does happen too often. There is also a big discrepancy in who is charged and who isn't.

moo



Who is charged & who isnt...I dont get your point?

[Roamer]

I've forgotten my keys, my purse, and numerous other things, but how in the bloody hell can someone forget a baby???? :mad:

[Ross]

I've forgotten my keys, my purse, and numerous other things, but how in the bloody hell can someone forget a baby???? :mad:


Thats my point.How in the hell can they?In my opinion this guy is 100% the blame.:mad:

[Try2Win]

In my husband's car, the seat belt alarm won't stop until the passanger fastens their seat belt. Naturally, it doesn't alarm when no one is with him. Why can't someone invent an alarm like that for car seats. And make it mandatory to use, just as car seats are and seat belts are, in our state. I'm sure some day someone will, but so many babies lives will be lost the longer it takes.


excellent idea. get a patent on it asap. jmo

[nanabillie]

I sure wish I was smart enough to do it. I'm a Nana and it breaks my heart everytime I think of a child suffering.

[Texas53]

Thats my point.How in the hell can they?In my opinion this guy is 100% the blame.:mad:

I'm just wondering had it been the mother, would she have been charged? I've read of cases where the dad forgets the kids but doesn't get charged. But if the mother does it, she always gets charged. I am guessing its assumed that mom is the caretaker and should never ever forget a child and dad isn't around the kids much because he is working.

However, charged or not, this man will go to his grave knowing he forgot the child, and had he remembered, the child would still be alive today. Thats a lot to live with for the rest of your life. JMHO

[Roenick]

SNIPPED
this man will go to his grave knowing he forgot the child, and had he remembered, the child would still be alive today. Thats a lot to live with for the rest of your life. JMHO

While I believe this statement is true... I'd have believed it more so 20 or so years ago when I didn't see so many children dying in the hands of parents/guardians.
I catch myself not believing people whose children die while in their care like this. I'm sure we just didn't hear about them years ago - I understand the media plays a big part of that today, but these mothers that drown their kids or get so wrapped up in a new love affair... There is so much more help out there today and less stigma of asking for help that I find no reason a parent should feel the need to end a childs life.

How can a parent not remember their child or see bruises or character changes... (I'm adding in abused children also, where a parent says they had no idea a sig. other was abusing the child).

Accidents do happen - I hope this was the case, and if so - I hope the father seeks help for any emotional distress he will deal with.
I feel cynical for thinking it could have been on purpose. I'm not saying or implying this is the case but we've all seen it before.

The hustle and bustle of daily lives gets in the way of family. People wanting the bigger house, nicer car... when do we stop and realize that our children are being put on the back burner. What I remember from my childhood never cost a thing - and my parents never forgot me in a car

[emmeblu]

If they can't remember their own baby FGS how are they going to remember to use the alarm? People like that just boggle my mind. How in the hell do you not remember your child is in your back seat??


Amen! With summer coming, I am sure we will hear another mess of stories where these busy parents "forgot" their babies were in the car.
Just really makes me sick. WTH? No one has to be so busy or is so important that they cannot slow down long enough to take care of the kids.

:(

[Boscorelli]

How can a parent forget a baby;especially on route to the daycare center,in the first place? This is not the Ist case of this kind,nor we it be the last.
One of the most horrible horrific cases I read about was ;about a woman who left her child in the car,in the hot sun;when she returned the child was dead.The temperature inside the car was 104 degrees.She was convicted of child negligence,child endangerment and sentence to 5 years or more.
I do understand only to well,that raiseing children,working,brings on added stress in life;but one thing must be clearly understood and that is: to bring a child into the world was a decision and the responsibilities/obligations are numerous.
I made a conscience decision not to have them.I have also never regreted this decision.
We do live in a very fast paced world 24/7 non stop;but when there is a child/children involved the parents must put on the emergency brake and come to a complete STOP and THINK.

Boscorelli

[Faith]

I will never in my life understand how you can forget a child in the car.

[Boscorelli]

Hi Faith
The parents are trying to 'juggle' to many responsibilities at the sametime.In other words they have their PRIORITIES in the wrong order.
Yes I understand time pressure,work schedules,transportation problems etc;but they never sit down and start planning at least 5 years in advance.
This is an absolute must,to be prepared for what is comeing .

Boscorelli

[DownRiver65]

How can a parent forget a baby;especially on route to the daycare center,in the first place? This is not the Ist case of this kind,nor we it be the last.
One of the most horrible horrific cases I read about was ;about a woman who left her child in the car,in the hot sun;when she returned the child was dead.The temperature inside the car was 104 degrees.She was convicted of child negligence,child endangerment and sentence to 5 years or more.
I do understand only to well,that raiseing children,working,brings on added stress in life;but one thing must be clearly understood and that is: to bring a child into the world was a decision and the responsibilities/obligations are numerous.
I made a conscience decision not to have them.I have also never regreted this decision.
We do live in a very fast paced world 24/7 non stop;but when there is a child/children involved the parents must put on the emergency brake and come to a complete STOP and THINK.

Boscorelli

Exactly right!! As Roamer also stated, we've forgotten a lot of things but never a child. Boscorelli said she made a decision not to have them because she felt it was best for her. I applaud anyone who makes that decision as it is best for them. I've got friends that have been married over 40 years and made the same decision because they didn't want to raise children. One reason was she was a school teacher and it would have been no break to come home to more kids. The other reason is they wanted to be free to do some other things. Unfortunately some of these "part time" parents should have thought it through and not had children if they couldn't or didn't want the obligations that go with it.

It's a rotten shame that children have to die because of parents like this.

[animallady]

I wonder which parent usually took both children to daycare. Not really germane I guess, but I'm curious. The daycare was in southeast Houston. If they lived in that area a ride into Rice isn't a picnic during rush time. He was just unlucky that his five-month-old baby was such a good baby; quiet and needing no attention at all during the ride. Maybe it is safer for a baby to be placed in the front seat after-all. Apparently he didn't feel it necessary to steal a glance into his rear-view to check on his child. Apparently he and his wife didn't touch base during the day because a mother would most likely have asked about her baby. I can't help myself; I am usually suspicious of lethal stupidity when the victim is a child.

:1222423: for a precious child, forgotten

[Boscorelli]

Hi Annimallady;
I like your phrase 'lethal stupidity' in dealing with the mindset of these parents.
Why are carseats required to be in the rear of the car and not upfront?
I think your suggestion,should be taken seriously.If the child was in the front seat,then the parents would have a full visual;yet this is no valid excuse for the parent not to check the back seat.
Yes I do understand the rush/rush,hurray up do it now scenario;but we are talking about the welfare of a child.
Last week,I did a large food shopping.When I got home,I realized that I had forgotten to buy 3 items.I was momentarily a little ticked off with myself;but I can always buy these items the next time.
I am quite sure this man,checked himself to see he had his wallet,keys etc.so how could he forget the baby when he drove to the daycare center,in the first place?
I don't have children,because I simply don't want them in my life;these people made a choice to have a child.
This child is safely and securely in HEAVEN and will know only joy and happiness for all ETERNITY:love0085::1222423:

Always nice taking with you Boscorelli