Burns and Scalds in Baby or Toddler
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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 Should You Do?
When to take action
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sources
Related Resources
Related Medical Concerns
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.
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I'm Worried About Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the most common cause of vision loss in children, affecting about 2-3% of kids. It occurs when one eye develops weaker vision because the brain favors the other eye. The tricky part is that amblyopia often has no obvious outward signs - the eye usually looks normal. Early detection through routine vision screening is critical because treatment is most effective in the first few years of life.
Anaphylaxis Signs in Baby
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple body systems. In babies, it can be caused by food (most commonly), insect stings, or medications. Signs include widespread hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, and becoming limp or unresponsive. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you suspect anaphylaxis, use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call 911 immediately. Early recognition and rapid treatment lead to excellent outcomes in the vast majority of cases.
My Baby Has Unequal Pupils
Slight differences in pupil size (anisocoria) can be normal and affect up to 20% of people, including babies. However, if the difference is large, came on suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping eyelid, vision changes, or neurological symptoms, it needs immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious causes.