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