Child safety: preventing scalds
Burns and scalds are far more serious in children than in adults, because a child’s sensitive skin burns more easily than an adult’s. A serious burn or scald can kill a child. Even a small scald can lead to hospitalisation, scarring and disfigurement. Children under 4 years' old are most at risk, particularly those aged between one and 2 years.
Many burns and scalds happen in or around the kitchen. Sometimes when you are busy, especially if there is a ‘rush’ in your kitchen in the early evening, it is easy to overlook safety precautions. But as we all know, these are the times accidents are most likely to happen. Taking extra care can prevent a tragedy.
Here are some tips to help prevent burns and scalds.
Hot drinks and liquids
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Hot liquids burn like fire. Put a baby down when drinking a hot drink. Never drink a hot beverage or soup with your child sitting on your lap. A small child may reach up and grab the cup, accidentally scalding him or herself.
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If possible, serve cold drinks when children are gathering around. Save the tea and coffee for later on.
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If you have to walk with a container of hot liquid in the kitchen or anywhere around the house, make sure you know where your child is so you do not trip over him or her.
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Do not warm baby bottles full of milk in the microwave oven. The liquid may heat unevenly, resulting in pockets of milk that can scald your baby’s mouth. Always test the temperature of a feeding bottle before giving it to your baby.
Hot food
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Block access to the stove as much as possible. Always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove and unplug countertop appliances.
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Use a stove guard.
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Avoid using tablecloths or large placemats that can be pulled by a child. They may cause them to overturn hot drinks or plates of food.
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Never hold your baby while cooking.
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Food can heat unevenly in a microwave. For example, the filling in a pastry may be boiling hot while the pastry itself only feels warm. When heating foods for your child, sample the food yourself before giving it to your child.
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Take care when removing a wrapper or cover from an item heated in the microwave — steam escaping from the container can burn. It’s best not to let your child near the microwave when removing items from it.
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If your kitchen gets busy in the evening think about giving your baby or toddler dinner at midday and something ‘light’ in the evening instead.
In the bathroom
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Run cold water into the bath before hot.
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Set the thermostat of your water heater to between 48 and 50 degrees Celsius or lower. If you are unable to regulate the water temperature, install a mixer device that mixes hot and cold water.
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Don’t leave your young child alone in the bathroom by him or herself.
Other tips
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Use fireguards for all open fires and radiators.
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Many toddlers can light matches and lighters. Keep these items well away from your children.
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Do a first aid course so you will know what to do in case of emergency.
Last Reviewed: 12 June 2001
