because his distracted father or mother forgot he hadn't been dropped off at day care, should the parent be prosecuted? That's one of the questions posed by this tragic portrait of the rising phenomenon of hyperthermia in yesterday's Washington Post Magazine.

Warning: The story is extremely graphic, so while I urge you to read it for its cautionary message -- that leaving a baby in the car has happened to all kinds of people -- it's not for the faint of heart.

If you don't want to attempt it, please go directly to the most important part: the tips on how to prevent this from happening to you and your child. They include leaving your work i.d. badge, cell phone or purse in the back seat with your baby; having a day-care provider call you right away if the baby hasn't shown up as expected; and putting a stuffed animal in the front seat with you to remind you that the baby is in the back.