Baby Left Screaming In Refrigerator While Babysitters Laugh

If it isn’t stressful enough to find a responsible person you trust with your kids, news stories like this can make a parent feel like they can never let their children out of their sight.

Two Massachusetts teenage girls were arrested after posting a video of themselves placing a baby into a running refrigerator and closing the door. They then proceeded to laugh as the baby screamed hysterically.

Fortunately, the 8-month-old baby was not harmed and returned safely to a parent.

The growing trend of teenagers doing stupid and dangerous stunts over live video via Snapchat and Facebook is a growing concern for many parents, but now parents of younger children have cause for concern too.

The girls’ video was originally posted on Snapchat, an app that allows its users to post videos and pictures instantly to keep friends and followers up to date on, well, everything. These posts are then deleted after 24 hours.

This video could have easily gone unnoticed by most of the world, except that the social media posting was brought to the attention of the Danvers police department.

Shortly thereafter, the girls were arrested and charged with child endangerment and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The Washington Post reports:

The footage appeared to show a babysitter laying the infant sideways on a shelf, saying “bye” — and then closing the door. The child could be heard screaming from inside the appliance.

Then, the video showed a girl holding the infant as someone said: “See, she’s okay!”

After appearing in juvenile court, they were released to their parents.

In the Washington Post interview, the baby’s mother wants her story to be a warning for all parents:

“I was horrified. I was in shock… I’m traumatized from that. I don’t want anyone near my child anymore.”

“I know she wouldn’t hurt my daughter and that wasn’t her intentions. I think it was all foolishness, stupidity. I will no longer be leaving my children with my niece or her friends again ever in my life.”

The mother is now warning others to “be careful who you leave your children with.”

“You can’t trust anyone,” she told the station, “not even your own family.”

With stories like this becoming all too common, parents of young children need to be extra careful who they allow to babysit their child.

Choose someone you have known for years, like a close friend or family member.

Only let teenagers who have a proven track record of responsibility and respect watch your child.

Get references – as many as you can! Sites like care.com make it easy to see reviews on caregivers with a proven track record, good or bad. Many of these caregivers have also undergone background checks and are CPR certified.

If you decide to have a teenager babysit, talk to their parents first. Make sure they are not having trouble at school or have a particular behavioral issue that makes them unsuitable to watch your child.

When in doubt, follow your instincts. A parents’ intuition is a powerful tool. If you feel “off” about someone, even if you don’t know why, do not let them watch your child!

Many young parents are opting to bring their young children with them on date night.

You can also have a quiet date night at home after the kids are in bed.

While these might not be the most romantic dates with your spouse, the day will come when the kids are older and you can date the way you used to again.

Your child’s safety is what is most important.

What about you? What would you do if you were the parent of the baby in this story?

What about of one of the teenagers? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!

Here is the horrifying video taken by the babysitters: