Burns Society of Kenya — Parent Education Resource

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WHY CHILDREN ARE AT HIGHEST RISK

Children under five account for the majority of burn admissions at Kenyan hospitals. Their skin is thinner than adult skin, meaning the same heat source causes a deeper burn in a child than in an adult. They are naturally curious, move quickly, and do not yet understand danger.

Most burns in young children are entirely preventable.

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THE MOST DANGEROUS MOMENTS

Be especially alert during these times:

• Meal preparation — hot liquids and open flames are in use and attention is divided
• Early morning — tea and porridge are being made while children are active and adults are distracted
• When visitors are present — supervision decreases when adults are socialising
• During illness — a sick child may be given hot liquids carelessly
• Bathing — always test bathwater temperature with your elbow before placing a child in it. Water that feels comfortable on your hand may still scald a child.

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SUPERVISION RULES

• Never leave a child under five unsupervised in or near a kitchen
• Assign an older child or adult to watch young children specifically during cooking
• If you must leave the kitchen, take the child with you or remove them to a safe space first
• Do not rely on a young child to stay where you put them

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BATHWATER SAFETY

• Always run cold water first, then add hot water
• Test temperature with your elbow — it should feel comfortably warm, not hot
• Never leave a young child alone in a bath, even briefly
• Never add hot water while a child is in the bath

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PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ELECTRICAL BURNS

• Cover all sockets at child height with socket guards
• Teach children never to touch sockets or insert objects into them
• Keep phone chargers and electrical cables out of reach — children chew on cables and sustain serious oral burns

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IF YOUR CHILD IS BURNT

• Stay calm — your child will take their cue from you
• Cool immediately under cool running water for 20 minutes
• Do not apply toothpaste, butter, or any home remedy
• Cover loosely with a clean cloth or cling film
• Go to hospital — do not wait to see if it gets better
• Children’s burns are always more serious than they look

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TALKING TO YOUR CHILD AFTER A BURN

A burn is frightening and painful. Children may become anxious, have nightmares, or fear water and bathing after a burn injury.

• Reassure your child that they are safe and that you are there
• Be honest in age-appropriate language about what happened and what treatment involves
• Do not punish or blame a child for being burnt — accidents happen
• If your child is very distressed or fearful for weeks after the injury, ask the hospital for a referral to a counsellor