Beyond ‘Never Forget’: Simple Hacks to Prevent Forgotten Baby Syndrome

What is Forgotten Baby Syndrome

Forgotten Baby Syndrome (FBS) is a phenomenon where children were unintentionally left in cars for a prolonged length of time.

Malaysia’s average air temperature can range somewhere between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

This usually means that the inside of cars can reach double the temperature in just a little over an hour.

For adults, this may not be too big of a problem.

But for children, this can be a fatal move.

Young children tend to produce more body heat compared to adults, and they do not have the proper ability to regulate body heat, too.

So, combining this with the rapidly-increasing temperature of a car’s insides is a recipe for tragedy.

Now, most of us may think: ‘I would never do that!’

But in reality, this can happen to anyone.

Why Forgotten Baby Syndrome Happens

So, why have there been so many cases of FBS recently?

According to experts, FBS is usually a memory-faulty issue.

In the United States, there are 28 recorded deaths of children as a result of FBS.

10 of these cases are unintentional cases where parents had completely forgotten their child in the car seat behind them.

This is just one country’s statistic of FBS cases.

In recent months, there have been multiple recorded cases of FBS in Malaysia.

So, clearly this issue is a worldwide problem.

Forgotten Baby Syndrome Prevention Hacks

Now that we understand just how dangerous FBS is, how do we prevent our children from becoming the next victim of it?

Here are some prevention tips for you.

Toy on the Front Seat

Keeping your child’s toy, such as a stuffed plush toy can help you remember that you have your little one in the back seat.

Visual reminders are proven to be an effective way to remember.

This is as you will have the tendency to associate the item to your child. 

In turn, when you look at the toy in the seat, you will remember that your child is sleeping, or sitting quietly in the back seat. 

You can also do the reverse; leave something you cannot leave in your car in the back seat.

This way, you will definitely remember to check the back of your car before you leave your car. 

Routine Checks

Another method you can use to prevent FBS is by routinely checking your car before leaving it.

Make sure to check even on days you do not have your child with you to make it a habit.

Once it becomes part of your routine, it can act as a safeguard from accidentally forgetting. 

In the case where this happens, you will definitely notice your toddler in their baby seat.

Subsequently, you will have prevented your child from becoming part of a dangerously-rising statistic.

No Distractions

This one seems very obvious, but do not text and drive.

Or play with your phone in general for any reason.

As aforementioned, a big reason why FBS cases are rising is due to inattentive parents who forget.

Things like answering a call mid-drive, or texting while driving makes you lose focus.

The Basal Ganglia is the part of your brain that is in charge of reinforcing your habitual and motor behaviour.

When you come across a deviation from your routine, this part makes you go on autopilot.

This is what causes the lapse of memory.

Smartphone Reminder

Instead of using your smartphone while driving, use it as a reminder method instead. 

You can have a reminder, or a checklist to make sure you double check everything before leaving your vehicle.

Alternatively, you may also put your child’s picture as your phone wallpaper, or even make the note a wallpaper.

Either way, so long as there is a reminder on your smartphone, it will help big-time.

Middle Seat

Ensure you have your child in your view by placing the baby car seat in the middle seat.

The middle seat of the back of your car is actually one of the most optimal baby car seat spots.

This is because having it in the middle row lowers the probability of injury in the case of a car crash.

Additionally, it will also let you remember your child is in the car with you as you will have to check your rear-view mirror when driving. 

You should also pick a suitable car seat for your child, as well.

Daycare Call

If your child attends a daycare, make sure to ask them to call you if your child does not arrive by a certain time. 

This way, the time spent by your child in the car can be decreased dramatically, which can be vital in this case. 

Some Ministries in Malaysia have began the process to make nursery calls compulsory to avoid more unfortunate cases of FBS from happening.

Be a Responsible Citizen

Prevention of FBS does not end with just the parents taking action. 

The community must also play the role of a responsible citizen, too.

Make sure to find help if you come across a child locked inside a car, or inform the parents if you know them.

Every minute counts in FBS cases; so make sure we don’t become a factor to another recorded FBS case.

You can also check out the sharings from our mummy columnist on more ways to prevent FBS. 

What Else is Being Done

Many sectors of the Malaysian Government are doing what they can to prevent further cases of FBS.

Currently, leaving your child unattended in a car is considered a crime in Malaysia.

Offenders who are guilty of this offense are charged with a hefty fine of RM50,000, as well up to 2 years behind bars.

Additionally, there are Ministers that are pushing for nurseries to compulsorily call parents if their child has not arrived at the time they should. 

In technology sectors, many tech companies are working on products and applications to prevent more cases of FBS. 

One example is the Holmbergs DigitalSafety, which is a belt buckle product for your car seat that can warn you if you forget.

This is just one of the many innovations that has been made to combat this unfortunate issue.

Hopefully, with all these steps, we can create a future where Forgotten Baby Syndrome is no more.