Children’s skin burns faster, deeper and at lower temperatures than adults.

Every year almost 1000 children in NSW under five present to hospital with serious burn injuries. More than half of these burns happen in the kitchen, while most other burns happen in other places around the house, the backyard, and places of sport and recreation.

Common causes of burns in children include hot food and drinks, kitchen appliances, heaters, irons, treadmills and barbeques. Spilled hot soup, noodles, tea and coffee can take less than a second to cause a serious burn.

Children can suffer with pain, discomfort and scarring that can lead to body image and self-esteem problems, while families often suffer guilt for the incident happening. 

You can prevent burns and scalds in children by following the advice for the bathroom, kitchen and home.

If a burn happens, always follow the correct first aid for burns steps. Complete this FREE burns first aid online module to be confident in knowing what to do.