No sane parent would intentionally leave their child in a smoldering car all day, but unfortunately tragic mistakes like this happen.

In light of such an incident in Ellicott City recently, Howard County health, police and fire department officials today gave parents tips on how not to be the one who forgets their child.

A 23-month-old girl died of heatstroke after one of her parents unintentionally left the child strapped in her car seat in front of their home. Police said a "change of routine" caused the parent to forget that the child was in the car for nearly nine hours.

An average of 36 children a year dies from hyperthermia, or overheating, after being left unattended in a car, according to Howard County officials. A child can die if left inside a vehicle even if temperatures are as cool as 70 degrees. Cracking a window does little to cool down the inside of a car.

 Peter Beilenson, Howard County Health Officer, urges parents to take these precautions:

• Start a “Look before you leave routine”: be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Do not overlook sleeping babies.

• Place your purse, wallet or cell phone on the back seat as a reminder you have a child in the car.

• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat; when the child is put in the car seat, place the animal in the front with the driver.

• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call if your child does not show up for daycare.

• Look into new child reminder technologies that connect wireless car seat alarms to key rings.

Maryland is one of 15 states with a law that prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. Criminal charges can be brought against parents.