BLF Discusses Burn and Scald Injury Risks at Daycares

Burn Hazards Are Hiding in Plain Sight at Daycare Centers

OLYMPIA, WA - A recent article from the Lake Chelan Mirror highlights a public safety reminder from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office about the risks of burn and scald injuries, especially among young children.

At The Button Law Firm, we help families navigate the aftermath of daycare injuries and know how devastating these preventable incidents can be. The report underscores how common household items like hot liquids, steam, and microwaved bottles can cause serious harm when childcare settings do not follow safety protocols.

Hot drinks on countertops, bottles heated in microwaves, and steam rising from humidifiers seem harmless to adults, but in a daycare environment, they can become dangerous sources of burn and scald injuries for young children. The risks may not always be obvious, so attention to safety protocols in childcare settings is crucial.

While many people associate burns with open flames or fire, the reality is that hot liquids and steam are among the leading causes of burn injuries in children, especially those under the age of four.

Scalds, which occur when skin comes into contact with hot liquid or steam, are particularly dangerous for small children. Their thinner skin burns more quickly and deeply, which means even brief contact with hot substances can result in serious injuries that require hospitalization or long-term care.

How Burn Injuries Can Happen in a Daycare Setting

Daycares are trusted to provide safe, supervised environments for children. But when caregivers are distracted, undertrained, or overwhelmed, hazards can be overlooked. Something as simple as a cup of hot tea left unattended or a bottle warmed unevenly in a microwave can lead to a child getting hurt.

Preventable injuries happen in daycares when common safety steps are missed. Some of the most common ways children suffer burn or scald injuries at daycare include:

Microwaved bottles that overheat and cause burns to an infant’s mouth or face
Hot drinks or food containers placed too close to the edge of tables or counters, within a child’s reach
Steam burns from humidifiers, bottle warmers, or food heated in the microwave
Bathing or diapering incidents due to water temperatures set too high
Pull-down incidents, where children tug on cords or clothes and spill hot liquids on themselves

These injuries are not just painful in the moment. They can lead to infections, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and a long road to recovery.

Prevention Starts with Proper Safety Measures

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office outlined several practical tips to help reduce the risk of these types of injuries. These include:

Keeping hot liquids and food well out of reach of children
Supervising children closely around baths or any situation involving warm water
Avoiding the use of microwaves to heat baby bottles, which can result in uneven temperatures
Creating "kid-free zones" around kitchens, food prep areas, and spaces where hot liquids are handled
Choosing cool-mist humidifiers instead of hot steam models
Training caregivers never to hold a child while handling anything hot

These steps may seem simple, but they are often overlooked in fast-paced daycare environments. Facilities should have strict policies and proper training to prevent these types of injuries from happening.

What to Do If Your Child Was Burned at Daycare

If your child comes home from daycare with a burn injury, it’s essential to act quickly. Seek medical care immediately, document the injury, and ask questions about how it happened. Was your child properly supervised? Were safety protocols followed? Was the staff trained to handle situations involving hot liquids or appliances?

At The Button Law Firm, we work with families whose children have been injured by unsafe conditions at daycare centers. We help uncover the truth, guide parents through their legal options, and hold negligent childcare providers accountable.

Contact The Button Law Firm for Help After a Daycare Burn Injury

When a child is hurt at daycare, it’s a breach of trust. You deserve answers, and your child deserves justice.

If your child suffered a burn or scald injury at daycare, reach out to The Button Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here to help you take the next steps, protect your child’s future, and push for change that makes daycares safer for every family. You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at [email protected]. You can also contact us by filling out the contact form.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Texas Daycare Abuse Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has a child who was harmed by their daycare teacher, contact our firm. We know how difficult getting through this can be. Our experienced team wants to help guide you – as we have helped guide many parents and families within Midland, Houston, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at [email protected]. You can also reach out to us by filling out the form below or by starting a chat with a member of our team.

Safety Alert Reminds Daycares and Parents to Protect Children from Burn and Scald Hazards