It's only January, but here's a strong contender for bad parent of the year: A Michigan woman left her 4-month-old baby locked in a car in 21 degree weather for at least 20 minutes — while she was shoplifting.

According to the Grand Rapids Press, police in Holland, Michigan responded to a call that a baby was locked alone in a car in the parking lot of a Meijer store. When they arrived, the mother was at the car with a shopping cart containing items she allegedly lifted from the store. She was arrested and Child Protective Services has been asked to investigate.

She obviously doesn't know that babies provide the best cover when shoplifting.

[Grand Rapids Press via FARK; Image via Shutterstock]