Parenthood
Mom warns parents about baby mirrors after dangerous encounter
I never thought of the danger of this but it's vital to know.
Michael Dabu
06.26.24

Emily Perna from West Virginia experienced a terrifying moment when she was getting her 20-month-old son, Luca, out of the car.

What seemed like an ordinary day quickly turned into a frightening ordeal as Emily noticed smoke coming from Luca’s car seat.

The cause of the smoke was unexpected and alarming: the angle of the sun reflecting off a baby mirror, which had focused the light enough to start burning the car seat.

This incident highlighted a little-known but serious danger, prompting Emily to take immediate action.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

Upon seeing the smoke, Emily’s first instinct was to protect her son.

She quickly unbuckled Luca and got him out of the car, her heart racing as she tried to figure out what was happening.

The car seat had started to turn brown, and the smell of something burning filled the air.

As she inspected the seat more closely, she saw black spots forming, indicating that the situation could have escalated into a fire if not addressed promptly.

Emily’s swift reaction prevented what could have been a disastrous event.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

Once Luca was safe, Emily focused on identifying the source of the smoke.

It didn’t take long for her to realize that the baby mirror attached to the car’s back seat was to blame.

The mirror, designed to help parents keep an eye on their children while driving, had inadvertently turned into a dangerous fire hazard.

The angle of the sun had reflected off the mirror’s surface, concentrating the light onto the car seat material.

Realizing this, Emily immediately detached the mirror to stop the burning.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

Looking back on the incident, Emily felt a mix of shock and relief.

The close call left her shaken, but she was grateful that she had acted quickly enough to prevent any serious harm to Luca.

This experience underscored the importance of being aware of potential safety hazards that parents might not typically consider.

Emily’s primary concern now was to raise awareness among other parents about the hidden dangers associated with baby mirrors, especially during the intense summer months.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

Emily’s story serves as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to child safety.

The incident occurred in a matter of moments, highlighting how quickly things can go wrong.

Emily’s quick thinking and rapid response were essential in averting a more severe incident.

She wants other parents to understand that such risks are real and that it’s vital to be prepared to act swiftly in similar situations.

The speed at which the car seat began to smoke was a wake-up call about the importance of constant vigilance.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

As a precaution, Emily has decided to stop using baby mirrors in her car altogether.

The scare she experienced was enough to convince her that the convenience of these mirrors was not worth the potential risk.

She hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage other parents to consider alternative ways to keep an eye on their children while driving.

Emily’s decision reflects a broader concern for child safety and the need to be proactive in eliminating potential hazards.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

Emily’s main goal is to inform other parents about the potential dangers that baby mirrors can pose.

She emphasizes that such incidents are not just theoretical but can happen in real life, as her experience shows.

By raising awareness, she hopes to prevent similar scares for other families.

Emily’s message is clear: parents need to be cautious with baby mirrors and consider the risks, especially during sunny days when the sun’s rays are strongest.

YouTube - Inside Edition
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YouTube - Inside Edition

The risk of fire from reflections is particularly high during the summer months, a time when many people might not think twice about the angle of the sun.

Emily stresses that the increased intensity of the sun during these months can turn ordinary objects into fire hazards.

Her advice to other parents is to be mindful of where they place reflective items in their cars and to check regularly for any potential risks.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

Emily’s ordeal left her feeling both shocked and grateful.

The fear she felt in those moments when Luca’s car seat began to smoke is something she won’t soon forget.

However, she is thankful that she was able to act quickly and prevent a more severe incident.

Emily’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of being aware of potential dangers and taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of our children.

Her experience serves as a call to action for parents everywhere to stay vigilant and prioritize safety at all times.

Watch the video below to learn more.

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