The woman, whose name was not released, is accused of leaving the child in a car parked outside the Stop & Shop grocery store at 760 Villa Ave. on Monday, police said.
According to investigators, officers responded to the scene after someone spotted the child and called police.
Officers determined the child was not harmed or in distress, and then spoke with the mother, who was later charged with leaving a child under 12 unsupervised in a motor vehicle, according to police.
Officers also reported the incident to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, according to police.
In a statement, police also warned drivers and parents about the dangers of leaving children unattended inside of a car -- particularly during the hot summer months. The high temperatures on Monday reached into the low 90s, and storms moved through the area. Police did not give details on the time of day or temperature when the incident occurred.
Anyone who spots a child left alone or a pet who may be exposed to extreme heat inside a car should call Fairfield police at 203-254-4800 or call 911.
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