Hot water bottle horror: hike in scalding injuries as families try to keep warm amid costs crisis

Hot water bottles should always have a cover and be used for only two years after the manufacture date, which can be found on the inside of the funnel;Boiled water straight from the kettle degrades the rubber, making it more likely to split. Let the water cool to ‘warm’ first;

The number of children suffering burns and scalds due to hot water bottle accidents has spiked amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The Burns Clinic at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has reported a surge in cases this winter.

Some of the injuries medics are seeing are a result of the child squeezing a hot water bottle as it is being filled, and water coming out over their hands.

As families try to keep energy bills down, parents are being urged to take extra care.

But critics say it’s ‘terrible’ that people are risking scalds and burns just to keep warm as cases more than doubled to 11. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued advice on how to fill and use hot water bottles to avoid burns and scalds.

Medics have reported a spike in burns caused by hot water bottles amid a cost-of-living crisis

Paediatric burns nurse specialist Sharon Ramsay said: ‘We believe the number of patients coming to us with burns from hot water bottles may be higher due to the current cost of living and more people using them as an affordable way to stay warm at home.

‘When filling these, especially as part of the bedtime routine, it can be easy to rush and that’s when mistakes happen.

‘We’re asking families that are using hot water bottles for their children, and themselves, to take the time to consider steps to avoid any nasty incidents and unwanted trips to hospital.’

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘It is terrible that people are having to worry about burns and scalding as they try to keep warm. Crucially, it is up to the Scottish Government to deliver far more support for struggling households.’

The advice is aimed at ensuring the bottle does not split and that hot water does not spill. It says:

• Hot water bottles should always have a cover and be used for only two years after the manufacture date, which can be found on the inside of the funnel;
• Boiled water straight from the kettle degrades the rubber, making it more likely to split. Let the water cool to ‘warm’ first;

• Fill the bottle about two thirds and then gently squeeze out the air. Never ask a child to fill the bottle while you hold it;

• Ensure the stopper is on correctly and do not allow a child to sit on the bottle, press it with their feet, or even take it into their bed. Squeezing could cause it to burst.

Medics have reported a spike in burns caused by hot water bottles amid a cost-of-living crisis