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A lanyard that can be worn by the driver of a car any time there is a baby in the carseat to help remind them baby is in the car.
About this project
Since 1998, there have been an average of 37 children dying in hot cars every year. This equates to one child every 10 days being lost from a tragic accident that should not occur. But how can this happen? How can someone forget their baby is in the car.
There are actually several factors that come together in this type of accident. The first is that the safest place for young children is in a rear facing car seat. These devices help to protect very young children from head and neck injuries in the event of a car accident. But car seats and air bags do not mix, so it became necessary to put children in car seats in the back seat of the car. Now a very young child, especially one that may have fallen asleep, is out of sight and often times out of mind. Then add all of the other distractions while driving (traffic, the radio, the phone, worry about work, etc).
We also know that children are at the highest risk of being left in the car if they are traveling with a parent or guardian who would not normally have the child with them. Mom usually drops the baby off at daycare but today she must rely on dad or a grandparent to do this for her. We are all creatures of habit, and will often go through our routines almost on auto-pilot.
So, if you are a parent you may say "I would never forget my child!" But what if you had to leave that child in the care of another family member, a babysitter or a friend. Would you trust them completely?
Sadly, by all reports, any technology to help alert a baby has been left in the car is years away. Sensors must pass government safety testing to prove it will work with babies of all sizes. Will the sensor be in the car seat or the car itself? What type of power supply will it have, and how dependable is that power supply? Will the alarm come from the car or be in the form of a text or alert to a smart phone. But then every one who may have the baby in the car with them must have a smart phone and have the app ready to go, and have cell coverage. Ideas are out there but are still waiting for proof they will work.
My idea is much more low tech. My idea is a lanyard, clearly marked with "MY BABY IS IN THE CAR" in black letters on a yellow background. It does not impede with driving, is clearly visible to the wearer and to anyone they pass. All that is needed for this to work is a dedication to wear the lanyard, put it on before the baby is put in the car seat, and don't take it off until the baby is out of the car seat. If you get out of the car with this around your neck, you will see it or someone you walk by will definitely notice and should bring your attention to the fact that you forgot something very important!
Risks and challenges
I already have a company that has the specifications for the lanyard and the placard. We have samples and they look great, are easily visible from a distance and are very sturdy. They can start printing and can have them shipped within 2 weeks of receiving the order. An application for patent of this design has been submitted. The biggest challenge will be marketing. The lanyards will first be sold on line, but my goal is to have these in any store that sells baby supplies or car seats.
This is not a make it rich idea. I want to try to sell these as economically as possible so that everyone can afford them.
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