Protect your toddler from burning

The last bite of winter is here, and although the priority is to keep warm, it is important to protect our children, especially toddlers, against burning. This time of the year sees a rise in burn unit cases, and the casualties are usually children. Toddlers are inquisitive and move around the home looking for a little bit of adventure. That is why parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers must keep dangerous items such as matches, heaters, electrical appliances, and any substances that can cause chemical burns away from children.

Don’t play with fire

It is the duty of caregivers of children to teach them about the dangers of playing with fire, so to say. Parents need to be educated, and childproof their homes as prevention is far better than a cure. All prime, gas, or electric stoves are a huge burn hazard. With many overcrowded living conditions in South Africa, parents should always keep an eye on children as accidents can happen quickly, and fires can spread even quicker.

In the event of a fire

When you cook, always prioritise checking that you have switched off the stove. It’s easy to forget the stove on and walk out of your home, only to come back and find your home on fire. There is always a perception that water is the best to put out a fire. Experts warn that in the event of an electrical stove catching fire, a bag of sand or flour should be used to put it out rather than water. This same method also works when oil catches flames. 

Take precaution

The most natural reaction when a child catches fire is for them to run. But this is dangerous as the flames will get bigger with exposure to oxygen. Your child should rather drop to the floor and then be wrapped in a blanket to put the fire out. As a parent, do not try to remove the melted clothes from your child’s skin; leave that to the doctor at a medical facility. The only time you should remove the clothes immediately is when it is a water burn. Sepsis is a real threat, and precautions need to be taken to avoid this. Hygiene is essential during the dressing of burns to prevent or control sepsis.

If your child is burnt

The damage of burns is not only physical but can have an emotional impact. There may be physical scars left behind that also cause emotional scars. As a parent, you need to be emotionally available to help your child through this tough journey- which may be lifelong, depending on the severity of the burns. Your burnt child may be given antibiotics. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure your child takes these regularly and that the course is completed according to the doctor’s orders.

Healing

After the burn has healed, apply a multi-purpose cream to soften the keloids or decrease the scarring. Healing burns, especially keloids, is a long process. A positive attitude of the parent or caregiver is necessary to assist the child’s emotional well-being on their road to recovery.