burns

We have a shoebox-size kitchen, so I have rules when my kids help me cook. Once the stove is lit, they need to stay seated at the table. All the tales of dropped pots of boiling water, hair caught in hand mixers, and fingers severed by bread knives have made me cautious.

The other night, my fears were realized when my husband attempted to puree some hot mushroom soup in the blender, but it malfunctioned and bits of the hot liquid splattered on our 2-year-old son. A blood-curdling scream sounded before my husband had a chance to shock our boy's skin with a cold shower. Luckily, our tot was more scared than scarred, and we all breathed a big sigh of relief when his affected limbs appeared completely normal. It's moments like those when your heart jumps into your throat that you realize you can never be too careful. Here are some tips for keeping your lil chefs safe.

• If children are helping prep, sit at a table rather than chance a fall by having them stand on a chair or stool.
• Do not allow children to crawl on counters or stoves when you aren't cooking. This way they won't feel comfortable doing so when the areas pose hazards.
• Keep knives out of reach.
• Use the rear burners when possible.
• Turn pot and pan handles in.

To read the rest of the suggestions, read more

I love spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking, but I am quite the klutz and I burn myself with surprising frequency. After years of running for ice to soothe a burn, I just learned that this practice is a no-no. Ice actually further damages burnt skin. You should run the burn under cold water, which also cleanses the area as well. If you are concerned about water consumption — there is a drought happening here in rainy Northern California — a cold compress can help as well.

Butter and mayo are not good for burns either. First degree burns are easy to treat at home, but depending on how large a second degree burn is, it might require medical attention.

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Don't leave your grills (or pets) unsupervised at any outdoor parties! Have some extra sticks and balls to distract him from hovering around the BBQ and your yums. If your speedy pup grabs something piping hot, or gets too close to the grill, you should have a plan, and supplies, to treat paw burns.

If your dog is walking as if in pain, incessantly licking his paws, or you spot any cracking or blistering on the pads, he could have a minor burn. (Remember the dangers of sidewalks and hot sand, too.)

If he suffers a burn such as this, apply a cool, wet compress to sooth. Clean the wound then cover with a pet-safe burn ointment or spray – yet another use for aloe – and wrap with gauze. I especially like this first aid kit ($18) because it includes an antiseptic, liquid bandage spray, sterile eyewash, non-stick pad, and gauze roll for all those emergencies.

Lots of moms need a cup of Joe to kick start their day, but beware of drinking the hot liquids while carrying babe in a sling.

Curious lil hands batting at the containers can lead to spills and severe burns. To learn about what some stroller makers have done to prevent burns, read more