Terrifying reason people are being warned not to use ‘baby on board’ stickers

If you've just bought your little bundle of joy home from the hospital, chances are you're eager to proudly display a 'baby on board' sign on your car.

However, rather than encouraging more cautious driving and a safer environment, it might actually be causing problems.

Law enforcement officers have advised against the practice, warning that this sort of sticker, along with personalised bumper stickers, can make you a target.

You might think it's just showing off pride or care for your offspring, but it can apparently give out the wrong message.

Lynn Haven Police Chief Ricky Ramie told WJHG that any form of bumper sticker can be 'an advertisement for any burglar or theft suspect', especially for ones that show an interest like football or fishing.

They can suggest that you'll be away watching a game or have expensive equipment in your home.

You might think a sticker will increase safety for your baby, but others warn against it (Getty Stock Images)

For 'baby on board' stickers in particular, it could mean you're 'likely distracted and an easy target', the Allen County Sheriff's Department said.

In a post on Facebook, it added: "We love to show off the things we are proud of, but are you putting your family's safety and security at risk? A consideration next time you go to put that sticker on your car..."

However, some commenters on an Instagram video have argued it's not the case, and that the stickers are to help emergency services.

"Those stickers are for emergency services. They let them know that there's a chance that a baby is in the car and they need to check. If someone wanted to do harm to a child then they would just wait near a school and follow you home!" insisted one user.

Another motorist replied: "If a car with this sticker is in front of me I know: The driving parent might be distracted, or tired, or - especially if a new parent (what I can‘t know) is driving slower than other drivers and my reaction is more understanding and more distance to the car in front of me."

The Sun reports that Safety 1st, the company believed to have originated the signs, says the point of them was 'encourage drivers to use caution when approaching cars with younger passengers'.

The internet is divided on whether they're a good idea (Getty Stock Images)

However, it now seems many people use them with the thought of an accident in mind.

One argued: "I was told it basically shows that you'll have expensive baby/child items, like toys, prams/strollers, bikes/scooters and some other valuable items."

On Reddit, one concerned parent asked if the badge increased the risk of child trafficking offences.

"The child trafficking thing is a myth!" wrote one commenter. "I personally DO give more space to drivers with a baby on board sticker. Have been doing it for the past 15 years. So I know it does have that effect on some people, despite no one on Reddit admitting it. Same with student driver stickers."

Someone else added: "Those stickers are pointless. No one drives safer seeing that sticker nor is less annoyed of slow driving because of it. It’s just a weird way of announcing you have a baby in a very public way."