A look into the "overlooked newborn syndrome" phenomenon
Rising Concern over Forgotten Baby Syndrome
The tragic phenomenon known as the "Forgotten Baby Syndrome," where parents unintentionally leave a baby or young child alone in a car, has been a subject of concern worldwide, particularly during hot weather. This syndrome, studied notably in countries like the USA, Brazil, Italy, Spain, and France, has led to the death of hundreds of children, with 21 deaths reported this year alone in the United States [1].
To combat this syndrome, various technological solutions have been proposed and implemented. Car seat alarms that detect occupancy and alert parents if a child is left behind in the seat are one such solution [2]. Additionally, smart car sensors integrated with vehicle systems to detect child presence and notify the driver are being developed [2]. Aftermarket safety devices, such as pressure-sensitive pads or Bluetooth-enabled monitors placed under or in the child’s car seat, can also alert caregivers [2].
Some newer cars come equipped with rear occupant alert systems that automatically remind drivers to check the back seat before exiting [2]. Automakers are also working on further systems, including those using artificial intelligence [2].
The Austrian Society for Child and Youth Medicine advises placing a toy or a diaper bag on the passenger seat to remember the presence of the baby [3]. The organization "No Heat Stroke" recommends placing the child's stuffed animal on the passenger seat or arranging a check-in call with the daycare if the child is unexpectedly absent from the group in the morning [4].
It's important to note that heat plays a significant role in the Forgotten Baby Syndrome. A parked car can heat up quickly, with temperatures inside becoming life-threatening in a short time. After just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can reach 31°C [5]. After an hour, the temperature can rise to 50°C [5].
Researchers refer to the phenomenon of children being left in hot cars as the "Forgotten Baby Syndrome." This syndrome often occurs when parents temporarily forget that their child is in the car during drives, especially when the child falls asleep [3]. The 'intentional memory' helps people carry out planned actions in the future, but can be outsmarted by the 'habitual memory' in cases of forgotten babies [6].
Heat is critical for babies and toddlers, as they sweat less, have a higher metabolism, and produce more heat [7]. Therefore, they are at a greater risk of dangerous overheating than older children.
While no single solution has completely eliminated Forgotten Baby Syndrome, these technological interventions have demonstrated promising potential to save lives [2]. Researchers and safety advocates continue to work on improving and popularizing these technologies to reduce such incidents further [2].
References:
- https://www.noheatstroke.org/statistics/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7028799/
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/aktuell/news/213384/Wenn-ein-Kind-in-einem-Auto-vergessen-wird
- https://www.noheatstroke.org/tips-for-parents/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/heatstroke
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1068596/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7028799/
- To ensure the well-being of both children and parents, it's crucial to integrate mental-health education about the dangers of leaving children alone in cars during a heat wave into parenting guidance.
- Encouraging health-and-wellness practices, such as regular car seat checks, can promote a science-backed approach to preventing tragic cases of the Forgotten Baby Syndrome, contributing to the overall safety and security of our children.
