Burn injuries are a leading cause of pediatric emergencies worldwide. Among infants and toddlers, scalds from hot water are the most common form of burns, often occurring in the home environment. While parents may take precautions against obvious dangers like boiling pots or kettles, there are less recognized yet highly dangerous scenarios that can cause severe skin injuries. These risks are amplified in regions where outdoor temperatures exceed 45–50°C, as water stored in pipes or hoses can quickly reach scalding temperatures.
Unrecognized Hazards
1.
Hot Tap Water from Outdoor Pipes
In climates with extreme heat, outdoor metal pipes, rooftop tanks, or even plastic hoses absorb solar radiation. When a faucet is first opened, the initial flow may reach 55–70°C (131–158°F) — hot enough to cause a second-degree burn in less than 2 seconds on a child’s delicate skin. Parents often rinse their babies or toddlers with this water directly, unaware of the hidden risk.
2.
Using Showerheads or Bidet Hoses on Children
Common childcare practices, such as rinsing a baby while seated on the toilet with a handheld bidet spray (shattaf), can be hazardous. If the hose has been exposed to sun-heated water, a sudden burst of scalding water may strike the baby’s sensitive areas, causing painful burns. Unlike adults, infants cannot react quickly to pull away.
3.
Garden Hoses as Play Toys
Children playing outdoors may find garden hoses irresistible. However, in high heat, water inside hoses left in the sun can become dangerously hot. There are documented cases where toddlers sustained severe burns to the face, chest, or hands after squeezing a hose nozzle on themselves or friends. This is an overlooked hazard in summer play.
4.
Filling Baby Baths with Hot Water First
Some parents fill the bathtub directly with running hot water before adding cold water to adjust the temperature. During this process, a curious toddler may reach into the tub or sit inside prematurely, resulting in scald burns. This is particularly dangerous if parents assume the water will “cool down soon.”
The Role of Climate Change
With global warming, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean, and parts of Southern Europe. As outdoor infrastructure heats up faster, the risk of pipe-stored hot water injuries increases. Pediatric burn units in countries like Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have reported more seasonal scald cases linked to summer outdoor water exposure.
Prevention Strategies for Parents
- Flush Pipes Before Use
- Always run taps, showerheads, and bidet hoses for several seconds before directing the water onto a child. Test with your hand or a thermometer before bathing or washing.
- Safer Bathing Practices
- Fill a bucket or bathtub with cold water first, then add warm water gradually, mixing thoroughly.
- Never leave a child unattended near the tub.
- Garden and Outdoor Safety
- Store hoses in shaded areas or drain them after use.
- Educate children not to play with hoses or taps without supervision.
- Temperature Regulators
- Install anti-scald devices or thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) that cap water temperature at 37–38°C (safe bathing range).
- Emergency Response Awareness
- If a child is burned, cool the area immediately with room-temperature running water for 20 minutes (not ice), and seek medical care.
- Delays in cooling increase the depth and severity of burns.
Water, often perceived as harmless, can pose serious scalding risks for babies and toddlers, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat. These hidden hazards — from outdoor taps, garden hoses, and bathroom practices — are often underestimated by parents. With climate change increasing ambient temperatures globally, awareness and preventive strategies are critical. Pediatricians, safety experts, and caregivers must work together to educate families on these risks, ensuring that everyday childcare routines remain safe.