Medical Conditions

Burns and Scalds in Baby or Toddler

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect burns and scalds in baby or toddler, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Burns are one of the most common injuries in children under 5, with scalds from hot liquids being the leading cause. For minor burns (small area, redness without blistering): immediately cool the burn under cool (not cold or ice) running water for 10-20 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean bandage. Do NOT apply butter, toothpaste, or home remedies. Do NOT pop blisters. Any burn on a baby under 1 year, any burn larger than the child's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and any burn with blistering should be evaluated by a doctor.

Key takeaways

  • Burns are one of the most common injuries in children under 5, with scalds from hot liquids being the leading cause. For minor burns (small area, redness without blistering): immediately cool the burn under cool (not cold or ice) running water for 10-20 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean bandage. Do NOT apply butter, toothpaste, or home remedies. Do NOT pop blisters. Any burn on a baby under 1 year, any burn larger than the child's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and any burn with blistering should be evaluated by a doctor.
  • Usually normal when: Mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer
  • Call your doctor if: Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn)
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, CDC guidelines, burns are one of the most common injuries in children under 5, with scalds from hot liquids being the leading cause. For minor burns (small area, redness without blistering): immediately cool the burn under cool (not cold or ice) running water for 10-20 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean bandage. Do NOT apply butter, toothpaste, or home remedies. Do NOT pop blisters. Any burn on a baby under 1 year, any burn larger than the child's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and any burn with blistering should be evaluated by a doctor. At 0-12 months, babies can be burned by hot liquids (bath water, spilled drinks, formula), contact with hot surfaces, and sun exposure. Baby skin is thinner than adult skin and burns more easily and deeply. ALL burns in babies under 1 year should be evaluated by a pediatrician, even if they appear minor, because baby skin is more vulnerable. Immediate first aid: cool the burn under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes (do not use ice or very cold water). Remove clothing from the burned area unless it is stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage. It is generally considered normal when mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if any burn with blistering (second-degree burn).

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer
Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn)
A tiny superficial burn from brief contact that heals within a week
Burns larger than your child's palm

When to Seek Immediate Care

  • Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn)
  • Burns larger than your child's palm
  • Burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals
  • Burns that look white, brown, or leathery (third-degree - call 911)
  • Electrical burns or chemical burns - go to the emergency room immediately
  • Any burn in a baby under 12 months

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Babies can be burned by hot liquids (bath water, spilled drinks, formula), contact with hot surfaces, and sun exposure. Baby skin is thinner than adult skin and burns more easily and deeply. ALL burns in babies under 1 year should be evaluated by a pediatrician, even if they appear minor, because baby skin is more vulnerable. Immediate first aid: cool the burn under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes (do not use ice or very cold water). Remove clothing from the burned area unless it is stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage.

1-3 years

Toddlers are at high risk for burns from reaching up and pulling down hot drinks, touching stoves and ovens, grabbing curling irons, and contact with hot car surfaces in summer. Scald burns from hot liquids are the most common type. First aid: cool the burn under cool running water for 10-20 minutes immediately. Do not apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies. Do not pop blisters. Cover with a clean bandage. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Seek medical attention for any burn with blistering, any burn larger than your child's palm, or burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed burns and scalds in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if any burn on a baby under 1 year old.
  • Mention if a small blister from a minor burn that you are managing at home.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer
  • A tiny superficial burn from brief contact that heals within a week
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Any burn on a baby under 1 year old
  • A small blister from a minor burn that you are managing at home
  • A burn that is not healing well after a few days
  • You want guidance on wound care for a healing burn
Act now when...
  • Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn)
  • Burns larger than your child's palm
  • Burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals
  • Burns that look white, brown, or leathery (third-degree - call 911)
  • Electrical burns or chemical burns - go to the emergency room immediately
  • Any burn in a baby under 12 months

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice burns and scalds in baby or toddler — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if any burn with blistering (second-degree burn).

baby sunburn

Baby Has a Cut or Bleeding Wound

Minor cuts and scrapes are a normal part of childhood. For most small cuts: apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding, clean the wound with lukewarm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. Most minor cuts heal well without stitches. A cut may need stitches (or skin glue) if it is deeper than 1/4 inch, will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, is gaping open, is on the face, or was caused by a dirty or rusty object. If stitches are needed, they work best when placed within 6-8 hours of the injury.

Essential First Aid Kit for Baby and Toddler

Every family with a baby or toddler should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Essential items include: a digital rectal thermometer (most accurate for babies), infant acetaminophen (Tylenol), infant ibuprofen (for 6 months+), saline nasal drops, a nasal aspirator/NoseFrida, antibiotic ointment (bacitracin), petroleum jelly, hydrocortisone cream (1%), adhesive bandages, gauze and medical tape, a dosing syringe (not a kitchen spoon), Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222), and your pediatrician's after-hours number. Keep medications locked away from children and check expiration dates regularly.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is burns and scalds in baby or toddler normal?
Burns are one of the most common injuries in children under 5, with scalds from hot liquids being the leading cause. For minor burns (small area, redness without blistering): immediately cool the burn under cool (not cold or ice) running water for 10-20 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean bandage. Do NOT apply butter, toothpaste, or home remedies. Do NOT pop blisters. Any burn on a baby under 1 year, any burn larger than the child's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and any burn with blistering should be evaluated by a doctor.
When should I call the doctor about burns and scalds in baby or toddler?
Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn) Burns larger than your child's palm Burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals
When is burns and scalds in baby or toddler normal?
Mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer A tiny superficial burn from brief contact that heals within a week
What causes burns and scalds in baby or toddler?
Burns are one of the most common injuries in children under 5, with scalds from hot liquids being the leading cause. For minor burns (small area, redness without blistering): immediately cool the burn under cool (not cold or ice) running water for 10-20 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean bandage. Do NOT apply butter, toothpaste, or home remedies. Do NOT pop blisters. Any burn on a baby under 1 year, any burn larger than the child's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and any burn with blistering should be evaluated by a doctor. Common explanations include: Mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer. A tiny superficial burn from brief contact that heals within a week.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about burns and scalds in baby or toddler?
You should mention burns and scalds in baby or toddler at your next visit if: Any burn on a baby under 1 year old. A small blister from a minor burn that you are managing at home. A burn that is not healing well after a few days.
Is burns and scalds in baby or toddler normal at 0-12 months?
Babies can be burned by hot liquids (bath water, spilled drinks, formula), contact with hot surfaces, and sun exposure. Baby skin is thinner than adult skin and burns more easily and deeply. ALL burns in babies under 1 year should be evaluated by a pediatrician, even if they appear minor, because baby skin is more vulnerable. Immediate first aid: cool the burn under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes (do not use ice or very cold water). Remove clothing from the burned area unless it is stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage.
Is burns and scalds in baby or toddler normal at 1-3 years?
Toddlers are at high risk for burns from reaching up and pulling down hot drinks, touching stoves and ovens, grabbing curling irons, and contact with hot car surfaces in summer. Scald burns from hot liquids are the most common type. First aid: cool the burn under cool running water for 10-20 minutes immediately. Do not apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies. Do not pop blisters. Cover with a clean bandage. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Seek medical attention for any burn with blistering, any burn larger than your child's palm, or burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.
Should I go to the ER for burns and scalds in baby or toddler?
Seek emergency care if any burn with blistering (second-degree burn), or if burns larger than your child's palm. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does burns and scalds in baby or toddler go away on its own?
In many cases, burns and scalds in baby or toddler resolves on its own, especially when mild redness (like a minor sunburn) that improves over 1-2 days with cool water and moisturizer.
AAPCDCAAP

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Treating Burns. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burn Prevention. CDC
  3. [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Burn Prevention Tips. HealthyChildren.org. AAP

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Burns and Scalds in Baby or Toddler.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed burns and scalds in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if any burn on a baby under 1 year old.
  • Mention if a small blister from a minor burn that you are managing at home.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Any burn on a baby under 1 year old
  • A small blister from a minor burn that you are managing at home
  • A burn that is not healing well after a few days

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Any burn with blistering (second-degree burn)
  • Burns larger than your child's palm
  • Burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Well-Baby Visit PrepEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of burns and scalds in baby or toddler are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if any burn with blistering (second-degree burn).

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Minor cuts and scrapes are a normal part of childhood. For most small cuts: apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding, clean the wound with lukewarm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. Most minor cuts heal well without stitches. A cut may need stitches (or skin glue) if it is deeper than 1/4 inch, will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, is gaping open, is on the face, or was caused by a dirty or rusty object. If stitches are needed, they work best when placed within 6-8 hours of the injury.

Essential First Aid Kit for Baby and Toddler

Every family with a baby or toddler should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Essential items include: a digital rectal thermometer (most accurate for babies), infant acetaminophen (Tylenol), infant ibuprofen (for 6 months+), saline nasal drops, a nasal aspirator/NoseFrida, antibiotic ointment (bacitracin), petroleum jelly, hydrocortisone cream (1%), adhesive bandages, gauze and medical tape, a dosing syringe (not a kitchen spoon), Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222), and your pediatrician's after-hours number. Keep medications locked away from children and check expiration dates regularly.

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