OMG thank goodness for that lovely lady bringing him home!! Glad he's safe and you are NOT a bad mother!!!!!!xxx

I'm glad he's ok hun. Hugs x

Oh no. Your heart must have been in your throat!

Dont beat yourself up-it could happen to any of us and he is safe!

Glad he's ok and 3 cheers for the woman who stopped many would have commented and walked on.

If it's any comfort my mum remains grateful to a lady who knocked the door one night and asked "Do you have a wee girl in pink jammies?" my mum was puzzled, "yes" the lady replied "she's leaning out of the bedroom window."

We lived 5 floors up and the lady had guessed my mum had put my sister to bed and she had got up and opened the window with my mum oblivious to it.

my friend had a similar experience but worse. she had left her toddler watching tv whilst she showered and heard a knock on the door. it was a man with her toddler. he had managed to open the door and was toddling down the STREET a few doors down. luckily a neighbour saw him and brought him back. she keeps her doors locked now.

O.O Why would you ever let your 18 month old outside unattended? I mean I understand you were popping out and checking through the windows, but really I couldn't imagine not being right by my baby's side while they were outside! I understand we can take our eyes off them for a second but this doesn't seem like that kind of thing

And the person who left their toddler to watch tv while they showered??? Is this common?? My daughter stays in the bathroom with me while I shower or comes in the shower with me.

How nice and judgemental when she already feels very guilty.


& Ive left my 3 year old downstairs whilst I shower for atleast a year. I lock the doors but more to keep people out, not keep her in.

I let my kids do things like that all the time. Your not a bad mom for it. You learned a very important lesson -- kids are more adept and craftier than we give them credit for! Every mom learns that the hard way at some point. Just be very thankful you learned it in a way that your LO wasn't harmed.

My front yard is fenced with a 3 ft chain link fence. I open my front doors and let my kids come in and out all the time (they are 1.5 and 2.5). I have a clasp on the gate that it is impossible for their little fingers to open. I have no problem staying inside to cook dinner while I check on them every few minutes. They run around, toss balls, chase each other, play with sticks, play in their sandbox and generally have a great time. I feel strongly I am a much better mom allowing them out in the fresh air to play and explore than I would be to keep them cooped up in the house and sat with me.

Besides, they LOVE that bit of freedom. It allows them to stretch their wings and feel like big kids. It builds their confidence. I eliminate as many hazards as I can and then check on the frequently. I hope this little scare doesn't put you off from doing the same! Now you know.. never assume they can't figure something out. Always be sure!

And to the poster that was so astounded at leaving a kid to watch TV or whatever while you are in the shower... I have been known to do that. Honestly, I am grateful when they actually WILL sit still to watch a show while I shower. Otherwise I have the scenerio that I posted on FB about a week ago... I quote myself:

Some people allow their children space? My son doesnt have to be glued to my side he often goes outside to play by himself, and i pop my head out every few mins. Hes also free to explore the house while im in the shower, however he often chooses to follow me in but my house is pretty baby friendly (except the stairs - no baby gates as they wont fit, but hes very good on them). Hes a happy confident toddler who knows im there if he needs me but doesnt feel the need to have me by his side constantly.
I guess i dont understand why some people feel the need to constantly 'be there'