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Does Leaving An Infant Unattended For 11-16 Hours Cause Mental Trauma?

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2015

Question: I recently found out that my daughter, between the ages of 4-7 months, was not well taken care of by a family member that was taking care of her for 10 days at a time. my understanding is that she was fed well and slept but was left in her car seat for 11 hours one time and 16 hrs another. She was not changed during those times either. beyond those details, all I know is that she received very little interaction/affection. we are sick to our stomachs to say the least. what damage had been done? can it be reversed? what can we do to combat the effects? we are looking into legal action-- but wanting to know what we are dealing with as soon as possible.

Thanks so much

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Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
I would like you to kindly elaborate her symptoms for example if she is having dashed in her diaper area or is scared a lot and thus not feeding properly or is unconsolable.
In case all you want is to punish the care taker for the reckless behavior then why did she do that to the baby or what was she doing when the baby was strapped to the car seat.
Please elaborate on each aspect.
I understand your anger and anxiety but I need full description without which I can't guide you regarding the possible damage to the child.
Waiting for your response
Regard
Dr Manisha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (13 minutes later)

Thank you so much for responding. She has never had a diaper rash, a few times some redness that resolved itself with A&D. At all of her well-baby checks she had been on track and on perfect health. She seemed despondent, kind of staring off in the distance and tired when we would return, but within two days she was back to get happy, smiley, giggly self. We figured it was from the separation. As far as the family member is concerned, we believe it is a mental health issue that wasn't being managed .It sounds like symptoms of severe depression. She always presented normal when we and others were around her though. Because she is a relative (on my husband's side) the family is trying to work with her in order to hopefully get an honest account of what happened and get her help.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No evidence against her in this issue

Detailed Answer:
Now I can understand the whole issue.
Actually legally you cannot prove anything against her until you have a video proof.
Because in case you want to book her under battered baby act then there should be evidence of physical damage on the body of the child or a video and that too needs forensic clearance labelling it a genuine one.
In my opinion there is no need to opt for a harsh legal step and rather talk to her on one to one basis and solve the matter.
In case you have any questions about it, I will be glad to answer.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (8 minutes later)

Thank you so much. I certainly am angry, but if we can be reassured that our daughter is resilient enough to have bounced back once we were reunited, I feel like I can move toward a more compassionate stance. I was pretty sure that even if we wanted to take legal action, there isn't any evidence or recourse, really Does it seem than, that other than the obvious discomfort and stress she was under as a result of not being responded to, there is little chance of long term effects?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No long term effects

Detailed Answer:
No mam, usually there are no long term effects till 9 months of age when child starts developing stranger anxiety because it is after that milestone there is a hint of good or bad or at least unknown person starts developing in child.
The only damage that could be there is a slight weight loss which will catches up soon with warmth and love given by you and your partner.
I know what you are feeling as it is most painful thing to know that one's child is or was suffering and that too when you know you could have helped him out easily.
But these things are also big lessons in life (without much at stake) so that we mind our behavior and routine to suit ourselves and our children.
May god bless your little XXXXXXX with the best of everything in life.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar