Gas Station Advice

I am a mother of three children and I always pay at the pump with my debit or credit card. I know AMPM does take cash at pump. It is better to be safe than sorry I think.

I know this request is OLD but I just wanted to add....

NEVER, NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A CAR, NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND!!!

Does not matter if it is legal or not (by the way, it is illegal in some states).

Get a gas card or two and use them just for gas. Not only will you always be able to pay at the pump but you can also track how much you are spending on gas. Just pay it off every month!!

I've been a Mom for 5.5 years and have NEVER had to go inside the station. If the pump or pay thing wasn't working then I'd go somewhere else or bring my child inside.

visit www.4rkidssake.org for more information.
M.

I used to leave the windows open a crack to let air in (you could do it on the opposite side of the gas pump. I then locked the doors and kept a close eye on him the whole time. Luckily, you can find gas stations where you can pay at the pump and not go to the cashier. I'd recommend that.
--J.

I hate getting gas as well. It doesn't matter what the law is, your love for your child is what matters. Always take your baby in with you even if it is for a minute. Life can change within one second.

K., this is one of those many dilemmas you will face as a parent! Use your common sense and pick safe gas stations and pump your gas in broad daylight. If you can, use a credit or debit card so you can pay right at the pump and not leave your car. If you have to go to the attendant, just lock the doors of your car, with the windows rolled down a few inches, and leave your baby. Try not to do this if you can't keep your car within sight.
S. A.

Dear K. -

Please, please, please NEVER leave your child in the car while you go to pay! I'm horrified at how many mommies do this. Several years ago a close friend of mine did this and in those few short moments away from the car, a man jumped in and stole her car with her baby in a carseat in the back (he didn't realize there was a baby in the car). He drove for miles before dumping the baby in a ditch. Thankfully an elderly couple saw the carseat and rescued the baby unharmed. (The man was eventually caught). For everyone, NEVER leave your children unattended anywhere! I'm appalled at how many parents leave their kids, little kids (!) by themselves at a table in the food court at the mall while they stand in line somewhere. This is how kids end up on milk cartons - you think it won't happen to you but it can. Be safe - either get an ATM/credit card or fill up when you're without your child!

Sorry, but I have to laugh a little bit at the "is it even legal" part of your question. My answer is if you ca see the car from where you pay, leave him in the car with the door locked and (obviously) keys with you. If you can not see your car, there is an excessively long line, or you feel uneasy about leaving him for any reason, take him with you. Keep in mind that gas fumes aren't good for you, so they're even worse for him. The less time he spend exposed to those fumes, the better. By the sounds of it, you are a GREAT mom! :o) ~J.

PLeeeeease don't take mommy advice concerning the well being of your baby from a gas station attendant. Why not do what's safest & bring the baby with you if you're parked far away, or if the baby isn't within an arm's reach, the baby won't be a baby forever, you won't always be lugging around a big car seat, etc...

i only pay at the pump now. even cash. if i can't see my car while i am paying and pumping (and am only a step away) i go somewhere else. i am not ultra paranoid about someone stealing my car or my child or sneaking in the car, but as a mom i try to avoid inviting trouble.
S.

hi K..
it is legal to leave a child unattended. but next time just use the machine that is there on the island that way you are within the child's site.
i know it is kind of uncomfortable to leave a child unattended in a vehicle but because it is only a matter of minutes vs. going into a grocery store to only pic up 2 items. but using the island is the quickest and nearest option.

No, you cannot leave your baby in the car. Even for a moment. Use a gas station that has pay at the pump features or take your baby with you; every single time. In California you cannot leave a child under 6 unattended in a vehicle.

I go to gas stations where I can use my credit card right at the pump!

I am also a first time mom!!! I have always roll down the windows and leave my child in the car as long as I pay at the pump. If I have to go into the gas station for any reason I take him with me... Anyway in California it is legal to leave your child in the car if they are attending it.. YOu aren't really leaving them you are right outside the window. :) However it is illegal... to leave your child in a car with the windows down and unattended.. Meaning you walk away from the car or are not watching...

Hope this helps!!!

I only go to gas stations where I can swipe my credit card at the pump.

I only pay at the pump when I'm alone with the kids

Get an ATM card!!!
Pay at the pump!! take your keys & lock baby in the car so no one can open a door & take your purse or baby!
Almost all bank offer VISA or MASTERCARD ATM cards that work everywhere.
Or get a credit card that you guys only use for gas.
Be smart- be safe!!
I play peek-a-boo through the window to keep my son entertained while I pump the gas. It passes the time and makes it more fun.
Take Care!

I use a credit card and pay at the pump. I wouldn't leave my children in the car (especially at a gas station) I think it's illegal to leave your child in the car for longer then 60 seconds...so unless you're fast, I wouldn't do it...it's better (IMHO) to pay a little more then the 'cheapo' stations that only take cash and go to a station that has the credit card at the pump option...or debit card at the pump.

I'm expecting my first baby in Feb. and I hadn't thought of this so I was really glad you asked and was glad to see some of the responses. Thankfully I always pay with my debit card at the pump but some people don't use debit or credit and have to go inside, so I would say take baby with you there are laws against leaving children in cars unattented so I say better safe then sorry or just make Hubby fill the tank for you all the time LOL.

I also found myself in that position many times and felt so uncomfortable. What I finally ended up doing was finding a gas station that accepted debit/credit cards at the pump. that way you pay and pump while your baby is safely away from the fumes and you don't have to leave him for a minute. Some of them will still require you to go inside for some stupid reason (i.e. zip code, receipt) so I steer clear of those stations. Costco gas stations are great! Although, if this isn't an option for you, taking baby out of the car is probably better than leaving him in the car alone. I don't think you should let the opinion of a GAS STATION attendant sway your good sense either. Stick with your gut instinct.

I am a mom of four terrific kids. I only use gas stations that have a pay at the pump option. I have done this since they were invented. I do not even go to the ones that have the pay at a seperate island option. Paying for gas while your child is in the car is certainly not safe. Too many risks. If you do not have a pay at the pump station. Ask hubby to gas your car one day each week and then you won't have to worry about it. My husband does this now, it works out great for us.
many blessings, B.

Yes, it is legal to leave your baby in the car at a gas station, however, I would definitely use my best judgment! Some places just are not safe! I would lock the doors to the car and choose a pump where I could see my car, just to be cautious. I too hate gas stations, but unfortunately they are a necessity of life!
Do what feels right! Follow your intuition!

K.-
Hi there! I've been there but now I use my credit card and it is ILLEGAL for you to leave any child under the age of 12 in a car (whether the engine is on or off). I just found this out. Or if your have a considerate hubby ask him to fill up on gas for you because you have the baby. Good luck!
C. (mom to 3 boys six and under)

I feel ya!!!
That is why I only go to GAS STATIONS thet have (automated) credit card or ATM option on the same pump...that way I do not have to go pay cashier!!!
Most of Chevrons do!!! Love, G.. :0)

I have a 9 month old baby and Ever since I remember, I have had to put gas in my car almost all the time by myself. I did not find an issue at all since I am used to pay with my card at the ATM machine. I am sure your gas station has one where you can easily get out of the car, then pay with your card right there next to the pump, and at the same time you are next to your car monitoring your baby and whatching him/her through the car window all the time... It is the best way, believe me. I would feel so lazy to go to the gas station and take out the baby every time I need gas. It is not only a pain, but it is not good to expose your baby to smell the chemicals of the gas, he is better protected if he is inside and you taking all the precautions and propper procedures to do so. Please, choos a safe area gas station and never take your eyes out of your baby... As a new mom, I had to learn how to multi-task and I am having such a hard time becasue i am a very focused person, but Oh well, who said that being a mom was easy... but it is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me at the same time. So, God bless you for being a momy.
Good luck!

I always pay for gas using my debit card, so I have never had this problem before, but I would definitely take my baby with me.

With the rare times that I do end up having to pump gas without my husband being around, I always just use my debit card and pay right at the pump instead of using cash. That way, I can leave my son in the car and not have to worry about leaving the car with him in there, or taking him out of the car and going to the teller to pay. :-)

I only go to "pay at the pump" places. After watching Oprah and all her child safety issues... I am terrified to leave my kids in the car. So many moms turned their back for a second and someone stole their car....I do have my moments, but weigh all the options first.
Are you in a place where they have pay at the pump stations?

As long as it is not hot outside, leave your baby in the seat, lock the car, go to the window and pay, and come right back to fill your gas tank. Alternatively, if you use your ATM or credit card, you can pay at the pump and avoid the trip to the window. Finally (my personal favorite), I decided a long time ago that filling the car with gas was a "job" that I was not good at, so my husband takes all the cars on the weekend to fill them up, regardless of how empty or full they are, and I make other "jobs" my priority.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I don't want to be the .001%, or whatever "rare" percentage rate it probably is, that is on the news crying b/c their car was hijacked with their child still in their carseat. It can happen in less than a few seconds! Why take the chance, no matter how remotely slim the chances are! That would be my thought above all else.

Please dont leave your child in the car. Yes they can be kidnapped but it is more likely that they will die from the heat in the car. In the winter this isnt a problem but it gets hot here in the summer! Try sitting in your car for ten minutes in the sun and see how hot it gets in there. Children and animals die all the time because they were left in the car. The parents always say that they didnt realize how hot it can get or they didnt think it was hot enough that day. I never want to say oops when it comes to my daughters safety.

I always take my daughter out of the car, from the day she was born. There is never an excuse to take such a risk with your child.

Sorry for the rant but I dont think that taking an extra minute to take a baby out of the car is that bad. Are we really that rushed?

Hi K.,
One thing I ALWAYS do...Lock my car when my baby is in it just in case someone wants to jump into my car and steal it while I pump gas. This way I have time to draw attention to the situation if this were to happen. The other thing I do is leave my windows up in the winter and summer open(crack) the windows open on the other side for air until I get back into the car. I usually always pay at the pump with either card or cash. Its ashame we have to be so careful these days but better safe and informed than heart broken later. Blessings~

Being a new mom, it's easy to get nervous with these kinds of things - and it's okay! If you are not comfortable at gas stations, try to choose one where you can pay at the pump, then just roll down your window and you can look at your little darling as you full up - other wise, try to fill up when you are with your husband or a friend. It's better to be safe than sorry! Just remember to try to relax, if you are stressing out about this - your baby will pick up on it. Good luck!

Me personally I just leave my kids in the car. It's a fast in and out thing, and theres usually plenty of people around so nothing can happen. Just take the keys and losck the doors. To me it's just a hassel to take them out for that short time. Then again myt kids are 5 3 and 2. I don't think it matters. Or if it bugs that much, then wait till your hubby can go with you.

Dear K.,

Don't leave the baby in the car when you leave the car area. That person who told you to do that it is not correct. I almost said something very rude. Nowadays is not the time to listen to advice from strangers, for sure.

C. N.

I just go to the gas stations where you can pay at the pump. You know... those machines so that you can pay in cash outside too. That way I am still very close to them. I'm glad you posted this. It makes me feel better. When I first had my son I worried a lot about this and felt silly. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Hi K.,
No! Don't leave your baby in the car. That attendant doesn't know what they're talking about. There are other people who wait to see a mom leave their baby in a car just so they can call the police!!! It happened to a friend of mine.
You need to get a gas card or use your credit card. That way you don't leave the baby unattended. Just remember to wait till you're done pumping to get back in the car due to possible static electricity....not loony here. There are signs about this on most gas pumps.
Hope this helps. I am a mom of an 8 and 4 yr old.
K. M.

Hi K., this is such a good question, its such a dilema, i know. Im sure every single parent has gone through this one time or another. This is what i have learned. It is not illegal, meaning there is no written law against leaving your child in the car, i know that i will probably get reemed for this, but i know for a fact that there is no written law, so that leaves it up to you as a parent to make the right decision. If you are at a gas station where the pump is right by the window and you lock all the doors and you are in and out in a couple of minutes then i dont think there is anything wrong with that. I have 3 kids, can you imagine having to take all 3 of them down with you. If this is a problem for you, then what i would do, is go to a drive-up and use a credit or debit card. In my situation, i only go to Costco for gas, you drive right up, and never have to see an attendent, and they do have the best gas prices anyways!
Good Luck, A.!

It's never ok to leave a child alone in the car.

I don't remember the last time I paid cash for gas. I would recommend that you use pay at the pump to avoid this problem.

You don't have to get the baby out of the car to wait in the cold while you pay for the gas, it's not like you're going to the post office and gonna stand in line for awhile, or grocery shopping. I don't know where you buy your gas, but if where you pay is quite a way from where you pump the gas, you could pull the car forward so you could have better view of the car. I try to go to the station at the least busy time of the day just because I hate sitting in long lines, but I go to Costco gas and can pay at the pump.

everybody leaves their children in the car when going into the gas mini marts. Don't take very long and ALWAYS lock your kid(s) in the car!!

H.

It is legal to leave your child in the car while you pay and pump your gas.
Is is safe?
Is it smart?
This world is full of child snatchers and molesters! Would you risk having your child taken from your car?
Of course you would have your eyes on your child the entire time... but the 'bad guys' are fast! Ask someone who has had a child taken- they would say it was a split second!
Not to mention, it is Christmas season, where people are stealing cars because there is a possibility of there being merchandise in the trunk. With all of that adrenaline pumping, they wouldn't even think of looking in the back seat.
If you relax in your risk taking on one thing, one time, it probably will continue.

I AM EDITING MY RESPONSE AFTER READING EVERYONE ELSE'S!
I HAVE 5 CHILDREN! AGES 8,8,4,2, AND AN INFANT. I TAKE THEM IN THE GAS STATION EVERY TIME. WE HAVE TO STAND IN LINE (SOMETIMES FOR MINUTES) RIGHT NEXT TO THE CANDY AND GUM! YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS... THEN WE PAY FOR THE GAS THE SAFE WAY!
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HELPLESS CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THEY HAVE NO WAY OF PROTECTING THEMSELVES!

Hi K. I feel your pain. When my daughter was very young I too dreaded the gas station. My best suggestion is to use a station that accepts debit or credit cards at the pump, that way you don't have to leave your baby out of arms reach. Some stations also have machines that accept cash and are also very close to your car. It can be very nerve recking to wonder what to do in this short period of time but it's better to be safe than sorry. Someone could see you at the gas station leave your child for what in reality is only less than 1 minute, but may not understand your situation. Use the debit card it works, it gave me piece of mind.
Mutual Gas Station Hater
C.

I always try to use the "pay at the pump" option. If that's not available then I do leave my kids in the car but wait for the pump closest to the pay station to be available and lock the doors while I'm away. Not ideal, but I have two kids and there's no way I'm going through the hassle to get them out and back into their car seats for a 20 second transaction.

my baby is 14 months and i always take him into the gas station with me to pay. i'm way too paranoid to leave him alone in the car in fear of it getting stolen or a gas pump blowing up, but that's just me. a lot of people tell me my paranoia is over the top

The best advice I can give is to put gas that has an ATM, and like the other moms say lock your doors with the keys in your pocket.

This is a no brainer and all of the advice you are getting is good. Do not leave your child in the car and walk away, even for a minute or two!
Amen to - avoid gas stations where you have to walk away from the car to pay!

Also, I just saw a news video of a fire starting at a pump. the fire spread fast and there was very little time to escape the flames. I know these incidents are rare, but I wouldn't want to be more than two feet away from being able to grab my baby and get away!

Find a gas station that lets you pay at the pump with your credit/bank card. If that isn't an option for you, just roll up the windows and lock the car (leave baby inside fully strapped into the car seat, of course) and pay the attendant from the outside window. If you have to go in to pay, find another gas station! If your nervous about paying at the pump have your husband or a friend show you how. It's easy!

When I go to the gas station if I have to pay the attendent as opposed to paying at the pump (which I prefer) I make sure to park at the pump closest to the attentdents station and lock the car doors so no one can get into my son. Plus I watch the car the whole time I am inside. If there is a long line though I will go and grab him and bring him in with me. I hate leaveing him in the car for more than a few minutes. If you feel better bringing your baby in with you the attendent can't tell you that you can't so keep doing it. It is about keeping your baby safe so do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

I understand where you are coming from. I felt the same way when my twins were little. I chose to go to stations that had pay at the pump service. Even now, I hate to go to the attendent. I do leave them in the car to do so though. I feel it's more dangerous to have them walk up there with me. Someone could run them over. I'm not sure what the law states in regards to gas stations though....but that's what I do. Hope it helps.

If you can, I would get a gas card(Shell, Chevron, ect.). This is what works for me. You do not need to go to an attendant; you pay at the pump.

I just use a credit card so I don't have to be away from the car.

I only go to gas stations where you can pay at the pump with an ATM/Credit card. I will go out of my way to find these stations. DO NO leave your child in the car... EVER. The car could lock/malfuction.. I've seen it happen and the mother and child were hysterical. It was in the middle of summer and about 90 F...They had to come and slim jim the door open but it got hot in that car fast. Anywho... Pay at the Pump is my advice.

Lock the door and take your keys for the 2 minutes it takes to pay. Just don't put your alarm on!

Hello, I am a mother of two boys a 6 year old and a 5 year old and I have never ever left my boys in the car while paying for gas unless someone is there in ther car with them. When both my boys were little I use to watch my friends son as well he is 15 months older than my oldest and even with all three boys I would pull each one out of the car seat and carry or walk them in to the store and put them back in before pumping and if needed get them back out before going and getting my change. I didn't want to chance anything happning to them you always hear the storys of kids getten taken or the cars getting stollen with them in it.
Now is the gas station has a place that you can go that is a few feet from the car and there is nothing that is in your way of seeing your car, then get out lock the doors and take the keys with you go pay but never take your eyes off the car because you never know what could happen. I am sound a little paranoid but my kids are safe. Hope that helps

I always just go to gas stations where I can pay at the pump so I just leaves the kids in the car since I am right there. If you don't have one near you that has pay at the pump maybe you can just park at the closest one to the window and lock the baby in the car since it will just be a minute. Good luck.

I would not leave my baby in the car alone. What if someone decided to steal the car. Do you have a credit card? you can pay at the pump with your credit card and you don't have to leave your baby alone

I have 2 boys ages 7 & 2.5 yrs. If I need to pay inside, I park as close as possible to the door, lock my car being sure the alarm is set & run in quick. Even it means I have to wait while there's another pump open. If it's summer or at all warm out, I crack the windows a smidge. Unless it's well over 100 degrees, your kids will be fine in the short amount of time it takes to get gas. But, as most have said, pay at the pump w/your ATM or credit card. I still lock my car even when I do that.

Perhaps you can try paying with a credit card so you never have to enter the station. Best of luck!

I always pay at the pump. If I go to a station where the card machine at the pump is out of order, I will drive to another pump or another station. I will not leave my kids in the car to go to the window unless the car is at the pump closest to the window, and I will never leave them in the car to go into the stations with the mini mart type of counter.

C.

Technically it is illegal in California to leave children unattended in the car. If caught you'd be charged with child endangerment. While I like to pay cash for most things, I do use my debit card at the petrol pump so that I don't have to leave the vehicle. I have to lock the kids in the van and run about 10 feet to show my military ID to the clerk inside but I park at the pump closest to the convenience store so that I can see the van at all times. Doing things like going up to an ATM or pumping petrol with kids is not easy. I like drive-up ATMs for the same reason. Or like you, I try to get petrol for an errand trip when my husband is with me or get him to do when he's out or do it myself if I'm ever out without kids (which is pretty rare since I don't like to leave the baby a lot).

I feel the same way. It is an inconvenient situation. I try to only visit pay at the pump stations, but when the card reader is out of order and I have to go in I absolutely hate it because I will not leave my kids in the car, so I unload them when I have to walk away from the pump. My theory is better safe than sorry. I always think of those awful stories you hear of people hijacking cars with children in them.

It's been a long time for me since I had to do that,(my kids are now 14 and 15) but I remember leaving mine in the car and hated it as well. I locked the doors but still it scared me. I think you should do what you feel is right. There is a reason it bothers us to leave them alone. Instinct tells us to worry for a reason. Too many possibilities of them being harmed when we aren't near I think. So just go ahead and rely on your instincts to tell you what to do. They are usually right. Forget the people at the counter who tell you to leave your kid in the car. They aren't responsible for your kid if something were to happen to them, so how could they even feel the right to give advice?
I worried a lot as a new mom. Luckily we're born with the motherly instinct to guide us. Can you imagine if we weren't?
Take that worry as a sign that "someone" is telling you what you should do. I think you did the right thing.
Lot's of luck and good wishes to you!
Happy Holidays!

Hi,

Usually, When I am getting gas. I used either my credit card or AtM. I dont pay cash or go to the attendant. TOO much handle for me. I dont feel save leaving my baby in the car at all, even for just a second. Too many crazy people out there,some may say it is ok to leave them for a second.. some may report you for leaving your baby in the car. If the gas station doesnt take ATM or credit card,., I just go to another gas station.

Why dont you try self serve gas stations. That way you stay next to your car at all times. If you dont have a credit card, I would pull my car up to the pay station and lock the doors, but if that makes you nervous too, just get into the habit of filling up on the weekend (even if you're not on empty) so you can leave your child at home and go out to gas by yourself and not have to worry about needing gas in the week when you are alone with the baby. Hope that helps.

K., I know just how you feel!

I have 3 boys, all under the age of 6 and I've felt like that since my first was born in 2001!

Even if it is legal, it's scary to leave the kids in the car by themselves. It would only take a second for someone to take off with them. That's my fear.

I won't even stop at a gas station if they don't have a pay by credit/debit or cash machine at the pump. There's no way I'm getting three kids out of the car, just to turn right around and have to put them all back in again.

So ... good luck. If you find the magic answer, please let me know!

Warmly,
R.

Hi K....I didn't leave my baby in the car at gas stations until she was a little over a year old (except if she was sleeping) Even now (she's 19 months old), if I have to pay cash and can't use my debit card at the island (which is my preferred method), I park so the cashier window is in view and as close as possible to my car, I let my daughter know I'm going to put gas in the car, tell her I'll be right back and tell her that she can see me. The SEE ME part has been a big deal since I have a very anxious child who can't stand to be away from me. As long as she can maintain some "control" over the situation by keeping me in her line of sight, she does very well. This has worked in buffet-style restaurants when I want to just grab one more thing or refill my glass, etc, as well. Otherwise, if I can make it home without having to stop, I ask my husband to run out and fill up the car for me after we're home. I hope this was helpful!

What i do is try to find gas stations that are pay at the pump,like arcos always are and you can pay with cash outside also.Otherwise I try to park as close as possible to the attendee and make sure there is only like one or two people in line so I can run in and out fast as possible,and lock the doors and windows except a small crack.But you're not the only mom in the world that's done it.

I always just pay at the pump. I don't think I would feel comfortable leaving my kids alone in the car. Is paying at the pump an option where you live?

The best solution is to choose a gas station where you can pay at the pump with debit, cash or credit card. Some gas stations still offer Full Service, if budget allows, go to one of those. I wouldn't recommend leaving your baby in the car for any period of time.....too many crazy people out there.

I think legally you can only leave your child for 5 mins. in the car. I guess if the weather permits, lock the door and do it if you have to but it's not the best option. I hate leaving my kid in the car but sometimes it's just so much quicker without taking the kid out. I guess if you have the time, taking the extra precaution is also the better route to go. I have 2 kids now and never even consider leaving my kid in the car before but now with 2 kids, I have done it occassionally b/c getting 2 kids out of the car is crazy for a 2 mins. errand. Good luck. Listen to your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable leaving the baby in the car, then I say don't.

Whatever you do, u NEVER leave your baby alone in the car. Protest that gas station and go to another one. If need be, travel a little further for the secure safety of your child.

Go to stations where I can pay at the pump.

Jen

Hi there
there are some things in life one just has to do; in this case lock the car while you pay for gas or use a credit card when pumping. Know that there will be times when you must make those kind of choices just to have a life, and I do not mean anything out of the ordinary. You must also give yourself a break and know that your baby will be ok if you are not there every single minute. What the law says probably shouldn't always really even be of a concern, for people of the law have children too, don't they. i do not mean to break the law or anything, but jeeez give a mother a break. So ; Trust and give yourself a break, relax and know you are supported.
all the best
A.

I would lock the car, put the keys in my pocket, and fill my gas tank and take care of business. Then I would unlock my car to return to my child. I would also consider getting a gasoline credit card so I don't have to use the kiosk, but can use the credit card option at the pump, assuming that is available at your local gas stations.

Where I live it is illegal to leave a child in the car even for a moment. Also, it would be quite unfortunate if someone took that opportunity to take your car, and your infant happened to be in it. Where I live there are many gas stations that have the option to pay at the pump. Is that an option where you live? I once found a station where they actually still had attendants pump gas for patrons, and would go there if I happened to have my child in the car.

use your credit card at the pump
you never have to leave the car
this is a good time to clean any garbage out of your car
good luck

if possible, use an ATM card. Its something I do all the time. Or, I have my husband go before gas gets too low, that way I dont have to deal with it with the baby. Good luck!

i always use a credit card and pay at the pump so technically i'm not leaving the car, i'm just right outside.

First off if at all possible I just pay at the pump. If that is not a possibility then if the baby is not freaking out I would just leave her in the car with the window open and park as close to the pay station as possible. There are all kinds of laws about what you can't do, but I think a little good judgement is necessary and if you can see your baby and she is safe it seems to me that letting her sit in the car will not be the end of the world, if it is a fast little jaunt not more than a few feet away.

Hawaii has not yet made this illegal. But be aware if you do leave your child in the car lock it don't leave it running. We have had some incidents where people stole the running car but little did they know they had a little one in the car. They did leave the car running with AC under shade later and we found the child so be careful.

My suggestion is get a debit card or credit card. Then you can just pay at the pump.

F.
I hope this helps

Last I heard, it was illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle in CA. Even though it's a hassle to pull the carseat out, I would take the little munchkin in with you. I've always taken my son with me, it's worth the peace of mind knowing that your child is right there.

Who cares what the law is, do what is in the best interest of your child/ren. When I go to the gas station I use the ATM/debit machine and still I LOCK THE CAR WHILE PUMPING. Even though I am right there. Someone can jump in the car and drive off even when the gas is pumping. People who steal cars steak out gas stations because sooo many people leave their keys in the ignition when pumping their gas. Your childs safety is the most important.

Hi K.,

I usually go to gas stations that have ATM options right at the pump so I never had to have my baby out of my site and he can still stay in his car seat in the car. I do have your problem when I"m at the store though. Do I leave him in the car by himself while I return the cart to the store or do I take him w/ me to return the cart and haul him and his car seat (which is heavy!) back to the car? If the weather permits, not to hot, not to cold, I'd leave my baby in the car w/ the doors locked and always have the car in my sight while i'm paying for gas or returning the cart....that would be my best advice. If a stranger comes to the car, at least your in running distance or yelling distance....hope this helps.

Hi K.,

Usually I try to go to gas stations that allow me to pay at the pump either with a credit card or debit card. If that is not available, I leave my children in the car and lock the doors, making sure I have the keys with me. I don't believe that this is illegal.

At most gas stations, you can pay by using debit or credit right at the pump. That's what I do. I just roll the back window down so I can keep an eye on my son while I'm pumping my gas.

I use my credit card at the pump so I never have to leave the vicinity of the car. It a lot more convenient than having to wait for my husband to go with me.

Hi K.,

The gas station attendant was probably well-meaning when they said that, but don't trust anyone with the safety of your baby. I don't ever leave my child unattended in a car. So yes, bringing them with you is the best thing. Good luck. I don't like gas stations either.

When I am alone I just try to go to gas stations that I can pay at the pump :-)

how about just using your credit or debit card and paying right at the pump?

I * never * go inside to pay. I always pay with a credit card at the pump. Don't you have those where you are? I would be nervous to leave my 7.5 yr old son & 3.5 daughter alone in the van while I ran inside to pay. What if there was an accident? Car catches on fire and I wasn't right there to pull them out? I know it sounds crazy, but I just 100% avoid running inside to pay. I guess you * could * leave the baby in the car, but I would not.

pay at the pump is the only way to go with kids in the car!

What state do you live in? In California, we pay at the pump. AM/PM allows you to pay at the pump, even if it's cash. I wouldn't leave the baby in the car ever. Even when I go to the ATM and my car is parked right in front of the ATM machine, I take him out and hold him. I just have this phobia of someone stealing him, the car being hit, a carjacking, etc. It's better to be safe than sorry.

I wouldn't leave my child in the car. I'd take him/her up to the window - I didn't have to go up to the window when I'd pump gas as I used my card at the pump. To make myself feel better about this I'd crack the windows about 5 inches and put the car keys in my pocket and lock the doors. (We have a high crime rate where I grew up so I wanted to make sure no one could get into the car) and then I'd pump the gas all the while having my eye on my son. I didn't have to do this very often as I would do this other trick - might not work for SAHM's.

I worked so I also planned ahead and whenever I needed gas I'd leave for the day care earlier so I'd drop him off about 20-30 minutes earlier and go get gas on the way to work. I also would do this if I needed a sitter for evening work engagements, I'd tell the sitter that I'd be later than I really would be so I could stop off and get gas. I did this also for other errands I needed to run that were faster and easier to do with out my son.

No matter what anyone tells you only do what you are comfortable with when it comes to your child. I always took my child out of the car whenever I thought it was best - my instincts would often tell me not to leave him even if I was going to be right there at the pump.

I wish you well!

I had the same problem! Now, if I'm by myself, I park at the pump closest to the attendant/door...lock the doors and run in quickly. So far, it's been fine. I realized it was really only about 30 seconds or so that my little guy was alone and a lot of the time, he's asleep anyway. Well, hope this helps.

I hate gas stations also.

What I usually do is go to the nearest pump to the window. When I get out of the car, I lock it. I always keep my little girl to where I can see her and she can see me.

Hi K.,
I'll tell you what really saved me at the gas pump!! I got a debit card connected to my checking account when my son was a baby, and what a difference that made!! Ask about it at your bank. I never have to leave the car at the pump - I just pay at the pump, and the money comes from my checking account, not a credit card. This was the way to go for me.
I have honestly never left my son in the car to wait for me. I feel strongly about this. It somehow always has worked out. (he's eight years old now!!) When he was a baby and I had to pay the gas station attendant, I really did get him out of the car and take him in with me (before I got my debit card). I know it's a pain, but it was important to me. What if there was a delay and I was gone a bit longer than I meant to be? I never wanted my son to need me and find himself alone! I also feel worried about reports of car theft or child theft. My son is a well-adjusted, confident person now, and I think the extra little things my husband and I did to make sure he felt as loved and supported as possible while he was small made a difference.
One last thing - don't let the advice of the station attendant get to you. As a mom, always follow your gut instinct. If a thing feels wrong to you then it is wrong. Trust yourself - you actually know deep down what is right for you and your baby.
I hope this helps!
Warmly, G. Parish (proud mama of Loren Nicholas!)

Please don't ever leave your kid in the car. I have a 15 month old and I take her out of the car everytime I get out, even at the post office when its just a quick in and out. People are scary.

Pay at the pump is always best. leaving a child in the car even at eye shot is illegal and very unsafe. My husband fills my tank up on the weekends for me and during the week day I use ampm gas station....they take cash at the pump.

Hi, At a recent parent ed class Im taking they explained to us that it is illegal to leave your child unattended in the car, even for a split second and even if you can still see them, so please as inconvenient it is take the baby with you. Lots of gas stations offer pay at the pump, which is a nice option for us moms getting gas, which I hate doing myself.
L.

I would've done the same thing as you (bring the baby to pay). I haven't had this issue, because we use a speed pass (Mobil) or debit card to pay for gas. I just pay at the pump. Is that something you could do?