We all know that a quick trip to Target rarely ends up being quick. You start with the Dollar Spot, then move on to the kids’ clothing section, and before you know it, the Hearth & Hand display has you adding everything to your cart. What was supposed to be a brief visit turns into an hour-long shopping spree costing $200.
That’s why a mom’s Instagram post went viral when she admitted to leaving her baby in the car while she dashed into Target. Fortunately, it turned out to be a hilarious joke rather than a case of neglect.
In early March, influencer Bonnie Engle shared a reel that has since garnered millions of views and over 1,000 comments. The video begins with a close-up of a handwritten sign taped inside a car window that reads: “My baby is OK. He has his snacks and a drink! I’m in Target. Be back soon!”
Initially, this message is alarming, especially given the tragic stories of children left in hot cars. However, as the camera pans out, we see that Engle’s “baby” is actually her husband.
“Please no judgment,” Engle captioned. “He is safe & well.”
Her husband is seen happily munching on popcorn in the driver’s seat, clearly content not to be tagging along on the shopping trip.
Commenters were relieved and amused to find out it was all a joke. “For a second I was about to get really upset … I was not expecting that,” one person wrote. Another commented, “My heart dropped and then I LMAO.”
The video sparked laughter, with one mom declaring it “genius” and another saying, “I’m dead.”
With 114,000 Instagram followers, Engle has built a loyal audience by sharing humorous skits about the ups and downs of parenting. Her relatable content, especially for moms of three who often feel overwhelmed, keeps her followers coming back for more.
