Preventing scald burns

Hot liquids, such as coffee, tea, soup and hot water, are the most common cause of burns in young children
A child’s skin is more sensitive to hot temperatures than adult skin, therefore burns quicker
75% of all scald burns involve children under 4 years old age

In the Bathroom

Check the water temperature before putting children in a bathtub. The safest temperature for bathing is about 100ºF (37ºC)
Seat the children facing away from the faucets so they cannot reach them

In the Kitchen

Turn all pot/pan handles inward when cooking
Discourage your toddler from helping you cook at the stove
Make sure the electrical cord of a kettle is not within children’s reach
Keep all hot liquids out of reach of children, do not place them on low coffee or end tables
Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths as children will pull on them
When removing lid from hot food, remember that steam may have accumulated. Lift the cover or lid away from the face and arms
Stir and test food from the microwave before tasting, as the food heats unevenly and the temperature can get very high.
Never heat baby bottles of formula or milk in the microwave, especially those with plastic bottle liners, they can burst, pouring scalding liquids onto the baby.

Other Considerations

Set your hot water heater 60C and have a plumber install mixing valves to lower the temperature of water at the faucet to 49C (Hydro Quebec, 2015)
Avoid carrying or picking up a child when holding hot liquids
Never heat baby bottles of formula or milk in the microwave, especially those with plastic bottle liners, they can burst, pouring scalding liquids onto the baby.
Do not put hot drinks in cup holders on baby carriage

In case of a burn

Remove all diapers and clothing from around the burn area. If material is adherent (stuck) to the skin, cool the area with lukewarm water and seek medical attention.
Run lukewarm—not cold—water over the burn area for a few minutes. A cool wet towel can also be applied.
Never apply ice to the burn. This can make the burn worse.
Never apply creams, ointments or salves or butter
Never break blisters
Cover with a clean dry cloth
Go to the nearest Emergency Department, or call 911 if it is severe

Reviewed by Trauma Specialists

March 2020

In the Bathroom