by Erin St John

Created on: March 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

While there are many potential burn hazards to children, the most serious threat is scalding by hot liquid. Over 80% of all burns to children under the age of five are due to scalding by high-temperature liquids. Scalding burns are serious and can be potentially life threatening to small children. The most common causes of scalding are from cooking liquids, hot beverages, and tap water; however, there are a number of steps that you can take to drastically reduce the risk of this type of burn.

A burn from a pot pulled off the stove is generally the most dangerous, because of the large amount of liquid and the incredibly high temperatures at which we cook: a third degree burn can occur from liquids at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and water boils at 212. Most parents already use the back burners whenever possible, since toddler are generally curious and handles sticking out provide strong temptations to explore.

An excellent invention now on the market to prevent stovetop scalds (and burns from touching the burners themselves) is a cooktop guard or range guard. This safety device is a shield that abuts the front of the stove, blocking access to the stove top from little hands. Construction of the guard generally disperses heat, so that the surface is uncomfortably warm - to teach children they shouldn't touch - without burning. IKEA makes a nice-looking adjustable model, but many are available on the web if you can't find one locally.

Hot beverages also are a threat to scalding children (though somewhat less so because adults generally don't ingest boiling liquids). Make sure that if you are carrying coffee or tea, that you put your infant down or make sure that toddlers are out from under foot. Any unexpected jostling can cause an accident. Also consider getting rid of any tablecloths in favor of place mats. Small children can grab corners and pull hot beverages down on themselves.

The last major threat of a burn by scalding is from tap water, usually in the bath. A good suggestion - already a state law in Massachusetts - is to keep your water heater set below 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only do you eliminate the risk to your children, but save energy on heating your water.

While parents still need to concern themselves with sunburn, chemical burns, and potential electrical burns from uncovered outlets, the most dire protective need is against scalding. By making a few simple changes and keeping a close watch on your youngsters, you can increase your piece of mind exponentially.

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