Burns

Preventing burns is the best way to keep your kids safe. Below are some tips to minimise the risk of burns in your home: 

In the kitchen 

• keep hot beverages, or foods, like soups and noodles, out of reach from your child 
• avoid holding or feeding your baby when you are drinking tea or coffee 
• keep cords of kettles out of your child’s reach 
• cook at the back of the stove first 
• turn pot handles in, so they are less likely to spill 
• if you are cooking and must leave the room for any reason, turn the stove off first.

In the bathroom 

• always watch young kids in the bath or shower, or when they wash their hands 
• start with cold water then add hotter water to your child’s bath
• if you are using a bath tub, run the cold tap to finish so that the tap fitting isn't hot to touch. 

In the bedroom 

• avoid candles in the bedroom 
• turn electric blankets off before going to bed.

Water temperature 

• adjust the hot water temperature in your house (50-55 degrees Celsius is recommended), because a few degrees can make a big difference.

Other areas 

• put matches and lighters out of reach of children and in a locked cupboard, if possible 
• make sure all electrical outlets are working and safe  
• always use a candle holder and put out all candles before leaving them room. 

Mild burns can usually be treated at home, while severe burns require medical attention. If your child has a mild burn, follow the steps below: 

• remove the source of heat –get your child away from whatever caused the burn (stove, candle, BBQ)
• immediately cool the burned area for at least 20 minutes  
  • you can use slow-running cold water, or any cool, clean liquid (a soft drink or beer if you don’t have access to cold water). Do not use ice 
  • you can also submerge the burned area in a bucket of cold water, if that’s easier than pouring water over the burn
• position your child in a safe position
• apply a sterile dressing that does not have a sticky adhesive, or a clean piece of cling film.  

Things to avoid  

• Do not break blisters or remove peeled skin
• Do not try to remove any fabric that is stuck to a burn
• Do not apply creams, ointments, lotions or butter to any burn injury because infection may occur and make the injury worse
• Do not place young children or babies in a cold bath or shower for a full 20 minutes, as this can cause hypothermia. 

Bring your child to the doctor if they're in a lot of pain, or you are worried about them. If you’re not sure what to do, call PlunketLine.

When to call 111  

Immediately ring for an ambulance if: 

• your child is badly injured 
• the burn is causing significant pain 
• the burn involves the eyes, or is larger than half the child’s arm.