A baby's body can overheat to a fatal degree in as little as 15 minutes when left in a hot car. This is not a matter of hours; the danger is immediate and severe. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and their thermoregulatory systems are underdeveloped, making them incredibly vulnerable to heatstroke.
The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket rapidly, even on a mild day. For example, on a 70°F (21°C) day, the interior temperature can reach over 115°F (46°C) within an hour. Cracking a window does little to slow this heating process.
| Outside Temperature (°F) | Time to Reach Dangerous Interior Temperatures (Minutes) | Maximum Interior Temperature (after 1 hour) |
|---|
| 70°F | ~30 minutes to reach 100°F+ | ~115°F |
| 80°F | ~20 minutes to reach 100°F+ | ~125°F |
| 90°F | ~10 minutes to reach 100°F+ | ~135°F |
Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104°F (40°C), and a temperature of 107°F (41.7°C) is often fatal. The most effective strategy is prevention. Always "Look Before You Lock" by making a habit of checking the back seat every time you exit the car. Place an essential item like your phone, purse, or left shoe in the back seat with your child as a physical reminder. Never underestimate how a change in routine, lack of sleep, or stress can lead to a tragic memory lapse. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.
