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Toddlers are most at risk for accidental burns in the home. They are curious, do
not sense danger and are able to reach and grab things they find interesting.
Prevent painful scalding injuries
In the bathroom:
- Make sure your water heater is set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Never put your child in the bathtub while the water is running or before
checking the temperature first. Run your hand up and down the length of the
tub to distribute the warm water evenly.
- Always stay with your child when he or she is in the tub. Some children can
turn the hot water on by themselves. It only takes a few seconds for hot water
to burn a child’s sensitive skin.
In the kitchen:
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove and out of children’s reach.
- Do not leave containers of hot liquids or foods near the edges of tables
or counters.
- Never hold a child while cooking or handling hot liquids.
- Do not allow children to be in the kitchen while you are cooking unless you
have a designated safe play area in the kitchen.
Prevent other types of burns
- Never hold your baby while smoking and do not allow others to smoke around
your child.
- Keep all electrical cords away from your child’s reach.
- Do not allow children to handle food directly out of the microwave. Although
many containers remain touchable, microwaves heat liquid much hotter than
conventional stoves, so the food may have a hot spot.
- Do not sit a child on the counter while small appliances are in use nearby.
If your child is burned or scalded, you immediately should soak the area in cool
water. Run cool water over the burn long enough to cool the area and relieve the
pain. Do not use ice. If the skin is broken or redness and pain continue for more
than a few hours, call your doctor.
All electrical burns and burns of the hands, mouth or genitals should receive
immediate medical attention.
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