For those who have children, they know that children love to explore the things around them. What they do not realize is that hot water or hot drinks can cause serious pain and burns. In fact, a child is more likely to get burned than an adult due to the sensitivity of their skin. For children who are just born, up to the age of 14, burns and scalds are serious issues. For children between the ages of one and two years old, they are more likely to suffer from burns and scalds due to them just getting their mobility and being considered more curious.
Causes of scalds and burns
A scald is a burn from steam or a hot liquid. Anything that is hot can scald a child. The everyday items around the house that can cause these include:
- Hot drinks like tea or coffee
- Water from kettles and any other object
- Hot foods and hot liquids from saucepans
- Coal ashes
- Friction burns, such as what you would get from a treadmill
- Running water from the bath
- Lighters
- Cooking oils or fat
- Steam and vapor from anything else
When these injuries occur
Though these injuries can happen at any time, they are more likely to happen:
- When you are in a hurry and there are numerous things going on at the same time
- When entertaining others
- When not feeling well
- When a parent is distracted
- Away from home and not in your normal routine
Changing routine for prevention
When looking at the normal times in which this happens, it may mean that you need to change around your routine so that you have more time to pay attention. This may include:
- Serving a lighter meal at night when everyone is home so that you are not cooking much around children
- Serve the rest of the family their dinner after the toddler is in the bed
- Prepare the meal ahead of time when you are less distracted
Safety in the bathroom
In the bathroom, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your child does not get burned or scalded. These include:
- Utilizing a bathroom thermometer to ensure that the bath water is at a degree that is safe for children
- Utilize a soft spout cover and suction bath mats in the tub to avoid falls
- Always keep the door to the bathroom closed when not in use.
- Always remain in the room within arm’s reach when a child is taking a bath.
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FACT CHECK
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/