All children will suffer from accidents around the home. In particular burns and scalds are common injuries for young children. They are painful and can take some time to heal due to the delicate nature of children skin. Immediate medical attention should be sought if your child is burnt at it is wise to keep undergo first aid training.
Some key features to look out for are :
Fir a fireguard around the fireplace. It should fit around the entire source of heat and be securely attached so that it cannot be pulled down or fall on your child if they pull or push the guard.
It should be more than 30 cm away from the heat source. Never place any clothes or other items on the fireguard as your child may use this to get leverage or they may simply be more inquisitive about the guard
A hot drink can scald a child for up to 15 minutes after it has been spilt. Keep hot drinks away form the table or worktop edge. Never hold a baby or toddler whilst haveing a hot drink. Hot drinks are the top cause of burns to the under fives
Turn the hot water thermostat to below 45 degrees centigrade. Check the temperature of the water with your elbow and never leave your child alone in the bath, even for a second
Do not leave electrical equipment flexes where you toddle can reach them. As they may pull on a hot kettle or toaster.
Always keep handles from pots and pans away form the edges of cookers and worktops. Inquisitive children may pull on handles and poor the hot contents all over themselves.
Oven doors, glass in the dishwasher and the iron are all hot objects that can burn children.
The safest way is to teach children not to play in the kitchen or bathroom
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