Babies “forgotten” in the car: when technology helps prevent tragedies

The summer of 2025 has already been marked by a series of particularly shocking tragedies in France. On June 26, 2025, a two-year-old baby died after being left by his father in a car exposed to the sun in Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône). Six days earlier, in Ussel, Corrèze, a 14-month-old baby was found in critical condition after spending five hours in a vehicle in the sun. In April, a three-month-old infant died in similar circumstances in Grandpuits-Bailly-Carrois (Seine-et-Marne).

These tragedies illustrate an unfortunately recurring phenomenon known as "forgotten baby syndrome." Under stress, fatigue, or a disruption in routine, parents may unintentionally forget about a young child in the back seat of a vehicle. Due to the configuration of some car seats, the stealthiness of toddlers, and the hectic pace of daily life, all it takes is a moment of inattention or a change in the usual route for tragedy to occur.

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With an outside temperature of 26°C, the interior temperature can quickly rise to over 40°C. So, with the heatwave... Ten minutes is enough to kill a very young child in the car.

Innovative technological solutions are emerging to prevent children from being left behind in vehicles and thus save lives. Some are integrated directly into the vehicle.

For example, VitaSense's is a radar sensor installed behind the roof of the passenger compartment: it detects, using very weak radio waves, even the slightest movements of a child – including the breathing of a sleeping infant, even under a blanket.

If it detects a presence after the vehicle has stopped, it can trigger alerts ( horn , smartphone notification, etc.). Several manufacturers already use the technology, or similar ones (Tesla, Continental).

There are also sensors integrated directly into the child seat: they detect the presence of the baby on board and immediately alert the parent via an application or an audible signal if the child is forgotten in the car.

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Common solutions include: Cybex SensorSafe (integrated into the harness and connected via Bluetooth to send notifications and monitor temperature and safety), Chicco BebèCare (integrated sensor with smartphone or SMS alerts and vehicle location capability), and universal systems like Remmy Car Baby Alert (presence sensor under the seat, audible alerts).

There are also universal sensors and accessories that can be added for vehicles or car seats that are not originally equipped. Smart detection cushions, such as the Bébé Confort e-Safety or the JBM cushion, use pressure sensors placed under the seat cushion: they detect the presence of the child and, via an application connected by Bluetooth, send an alert to the parent's smartphone if the parent moves away from the vehicle while the child is still on board .