Burn and Scald Prevention for Children

picture of faucet, outlet and family cooking

Children are at a higher risk for burns because they have thinner skin than adults and they burn more quickly. Children also do not know to stay away from hot items, so they can easily put themselves in unsafe situations.

  • Injuries from burns can range from mild to life-threatening.
  • Burns damage the skin and prevent it from protecting the body, which makes it easier to get infections and illnesses.
  • Burns can require years of treatment, cause scars, and even death.

Types of Burns

  • Scalds are caused by contact with "wet heat" such as hot liquids, bath water, steam, hot foods, drinks or cooking liquids. Scalds are the most common type of burn received by young children.
  • Contact burns are caused by contact with hot metals such as a stove, heating device or a curling iron, or flames (such as the fireplace)
  • Chemical burns result from swallowing chemicals such as drain cleaner or spilling chemicals such as bleach onto the skin.
  • Electrical burns are caused by biting on electrical cords or sticking fingers or objects in electrical outlets.
  • Sunburns are swelling of the skin caused by too much exposure to the sun.

Prevent Burns from Common Sources

The kitchen is the most dangerous room for young children. Keep children out of the kitchen when preparing meals or keep them in a quiet area where they can play safely under adult supervision such as a playpen or safely strapped into a highchair. This area should be away from the traffic path between the stove and the sink.

  • Never heat baby bottles of formula or milk in a microwave.
  • Stir and test all food prepared in a microwave. Microwaves heat foods unevenly. Foods may reach temperatures greater than boiling without looking like they are bubbling.
  • Never leave food unattended on a stove when cooking.
  • Never carry a child and hot liquids at the same time.
  • Turn pot handles inward and out of a child's reach and only use the rear stove burners when possible.
  • Avoid placing hot food and liquids on counters, table edges, or low tables where younger children can reach them. During meals, place hot liquids and foods in the middle of the table, not near the edge.
  • Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths when serving hot foods or drinks. This will prevent children from pulling on them and spilling hot items.
  • Place microwaves at a safe height so your child cannot reach into it.
  • Never leave children alone in the bathtub or the bathroom. Adult supervision of infants and children helps prevent tap water scalds in the bathroom.
  • Bathe infants in a small, specially designed tub for babies.
  • Install anti-scald devices on water faucets and shower heads in apartment buildings or multi-family dwellings where tenants cannot lower the water heater temperature. These devices prevent water that is hotter than 120° Fahrenheit from coming out of the faucet.
  • Run the cold water first when filling the tub. Test the water temperature before placing children in heated water using a thermometer, an open hand, or elbow. Be sure the bathwater is not warmer than 100° Fahrenheit.
  • Do not let children play with water faucets while bathing. Face children an arm's length away from faucets so they cannot reach them.
  • Do not allow children to crawl alone around stoves, candles, wall or floor heaters, fireplaces, outdoor grills, or other hot appliances.
  • Install plastic safety plugs in unused electrical outlets to prevent children from inserting metal objects and causing electrical burns.
  • Unplug electrical cords of appliances that get hot such as hair dryers and irons when not in use. Store their cords out of the reach of children.

First Aid for Burns

Learn more about treatment for burns and scalds, including how to tell if a burn is serious, first aid for minor burns, and what to do when you get a major burn at U.S. Fire Administration.

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