Return to Main Menu

Protect your child from getting burned In one quick moment, your toddler pulls on the corner of the tablecloth and your hot cup of coffee spills. You draw a bath not realizing the water is too hot and your baby's tender skin is scalded. Would you know how to handle these situations? Thousands of children suffer painful burn-related injuries like these each year, according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. For this reason, it is important to understand that most burn injuries can be prevented, just by taking a few simple precautions. Burns from hot foods or liquids, called thermal burns, are the leading cause of burn injury among young children. Hot meals, steam and flames can also cause such burns. Follow these tips to protect your child Never leave a child alone in the bathroom or kitchen, where most burns occur. If you must leave the room, take your child with you. Never hold children and hot liquids at the same time. When cooking or using hot liquids, never allow children to play underfoot. Use back burners and turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove. In a house with small children, use placemats instead of tablecloths. Because microwaves do not heat liquids uniformly, formula and milk should not be heated in the microwave. Set your water thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Consider installing faucets and showerheads that have anti-scald features. Always check the water temperature with your hand before placing a child or infant in a bathtub.  Editor's note: The article is reprinted from Checkup newsletter, produced by MUSC Creative Services.  Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.