Read this essential knowledge teaching how to eliminate the risk of burns in the home for baby and child, and how to treat a burn.
It's every parent's worst nightmare. Having decided to take a well-earned five-minute break from caring after the two youngsters you have, you sit down with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Suddenly, you hear a scream from the kitchen, and turning (too late of course), you see that one of the kids has pulled a pan of scalding hot water, or oil off the stove and covered himself in it. Ok, it's a worst-case scenario, but what do you do? Better still, what precautions can you take to prevent such an occurrence happening in the future?
The kitchen is probably the most hazardous area in the house as far as burns for children. To prevent the scene described above from happening, all panhandles on the stove should be facing backwards out of the reach of children. The same applies to the kettle - out of reach of kids, and they can't maim themselves. But the best way to avoid burns in the kitchen is to never let the kids in there unsupervised.
If you have a baby or very small child, never take a hot drink near them. At that age their skin is that tender that even a lukewarm cup of coffee can cause serious burns. Sensitivity of skin must also be taken into account when bathing a child. Test the water with a sensitive part of your own body first, such as your elbow to ensure it is not too hot. If in any doubt, add more cold water, or leave the bath too cool before testing again.
If you live in a hot climate, or it is warm in the summer months, you will probably have a barbecue in your garden at some time. The same rules apply in this situation as in the kitchen. Never leave children unsupervised near to the barbecue, and make sure babies are kept away from the area. A hot piece of chicken falling onto a newborn can have serious consequences!
If the nightmare becomes reality and your baby or child suffers burns there are some essential steps you must follow.
First, hold the affected area under a cold running tap for ten minutes minimum. This helps to stop the burning and reduce pain. Next, try to remove any clothing over the burn. If the fabric is stuck to the burn do not attempt to rip it off. Either leave it, or cut around it.
If the burn looks minor, hold for a while longer under the cold tap, and then visit the accident area of your local hospital. If it appears more serious, call for an ambulance immediately. To prevent the burnt area from infection, cover with a smooth, non-sticky layer, such as food wrap.
You may think it will never happen to your own child, but if it does, the consequences of serious burns can mean scarring for life, sometimes even death. Always have safety in mind in the home to make sure something like that never happens to you.
