Imagine this: You’re home alone and suddenly, you remember you forgot to pick something up at the store—which is just down the street.
The only thing stopping you? Your 9-month-old baby is sleeping in the crib.
Would you step out for a few minutes to go to the store?
Asian grandmother with Newborn Baby in Hospital. Thailand.
This is the question that has started an interesting conversation on theAsianparent Community, a new Q&A platform for parents.
The concerned parent who posted the question anonymously asked: “Is it okay to leave a sleeping baby at home while you run out for a quick errand nearby?”
“A short while in an adult’s world can mean a long time in a child’s point of view.”
“Personally I wouldn’t do it,” said one mom. “Anything can happen and I’ve heard too many stories of kids getting hurt because they were left alone for a while. A short while in an adult’s world can mean a long time in a child’s point of view. I’d get someone I trust, maybe a family member, neighbour or friend who lives close by to watch over the baby. Alternatively, I’d just wait for the child to wake up. No errand can be more important than baby’s safety right?”
Another mom agrees: “A big no. Anything could happen in a split second. I remember one time I put a DIY headband on my 2-month-old [little one]. She was sleeping soundly when I tried to put it on. Left it on her head to check my laundry when I get back after not more than 10 [seconds] the band was already covering her face! she looked cute [though] looking like a pirate but it could have been worse…”
All respondents agreed that no errand is more important than a baby’s safety and that if you absolutely must step out, then you should take the baby with you—babywearing or in a stroller.
One dad from Singapore offered a more practical solution: “I find that I can run 80% of errand online nowadays (in Singapore), anything from grocery to lunch to getting things mailed. Maybe try to see if there are online solutions?”
Though the incidence rate of crib death and SIDS in Asia is fairly low as opposed to Western countries, it always pays to be extra careful when it comes to the safety of our little ones.
It’s also worth noting that, at around five or six months, babies start to roll and know how to find a comfortable sleeping position, reducing the risk of crib death.
But SIDS isn’t the only cause of crib death, a recent study found that there are more and more infant deaths due to seemingly harmless padded blankets or crib bumpers.
What do you think, moms and dads? Would you ever leave your sleeping infant alone even if it’s just for a few minutes?
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them with us!