Authorities say a 3-year-old boy got ahold of a handgun from his mother's purse and fired just one shot that wounded both his parents.
Albuquerque police say the toddler apparently reached for an iPod but found the loaded weapon.
The bullet first struck his father in the buttock and then hit the shoulder of his mother, who is eight months pregnant. His 2-year-old sister was present but unhurt.
Local media reports say police believe Saturday's shooting was accidental.
Police said in a statement that the father was treated and released, while the mother was hospitalized in stable condition. They will be investigated for possible negligence charges.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the family was living in the motel room where the shooting occurred.
Police say child care officials are taking care of the children.
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