[HungarianGypsy]

The article did the say the parents were right outside. I remember when I was tired while taking care of my third baby. I wanted a nap, but Mr. Baby would not go to sleep. My oldest was only 5 at the time. He asked if he could watch the baby while I tool a nap. We lived in a 3 bdr. apartment, so after a lot of time I said, "Okay." He knew he just had to go in the other room to get me. He did wonderfully entertaining his little brother.
I know I can trust my 7 year old to watch the new baby when I go in back to do laundry also.

[Tax-chick]

I agree with you. Under normal circumstances, a 7-year-old is not going to beat *anyone* with a 2x4. (Where'd he get the 2x4, anyway?)

I've had concerns about my children accidentally hurting a younger sibling ("Elen's a horse!" said Tom, bouncing on her stomach. She was 3 months old and he was 20 months, and I'd gone to the bathroom. Elen threw up all over me, and I was much more careful after that.)

However, I have never had a child deliberately attempt to injure a baby or toddler.

[From many - one.]

If the parents were "right outside" why didn't they hear the baby screaming in pain from being hit?