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Behaviour/development

Is it possible for my DS to burn himself on a radiator?

13 replies

Lois2 · 11/10/2009 11:30

My DH says it's impossible for our DS to burn himself on a radiator - is this true or is he just trying to get out of fitting a radiator cover? Have any of your kids burnt themselves or do they just learn not to touch the hot thing??

OP posts:
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said · 11/10/2009 11:32

Yes, if he got stuck next to it. I would imagine he'd move away quickly usually though.

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DailyMailNameChanger · 11/10/2009 11:34

A friend of mine burnt himself badly but he had no feeling at all in the part that was against the radiator so did not react as anyone else would. Unless it is possbile for him to get trapped against the radiator and unable to move then it is very unlikely.

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Georgimama · 11/10/2009 11:35

I have a client who got a very nasty burn from a radiator with a faulty thermostat when she brushed against it. Still got a scar 2 years later. So yes, it is entirely possible to burn yourself on a radiator.

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Doodlez · 11/10/2009 11:40

here Just one of many.

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Katymac · 11/10/2009 11:48

& remember the hot watwer pipes that lead to the radiator are just as hot (hotter if you have thermostats on the radiator)

Of course you can just turn down the hot water & have them on for longer

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belgo · 11/10/2009 11:49

I don't see the need for radiator covers as long as your radiators are safe.

Our radiators never get boiling hot.

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LadyoftheBathtub · 11/10/2009 11:49

Yes, a friend's baby DS burnt both hands badly on a radiator at his grandparents' house. Baby/toddler skin is much thinner than ours and burns easily. I one saw a horrible photo of a baby's foot that had been badly burnt by hot bathwater.

But, you could make the radiators safe if you have a central temp control that puts a cap on how hot they can get throughout the house.

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SimpleAsABC · 11/10/2009 11:51

When I lived with my parents they had a towel heater type radiator fitted in the bathroom, my mum burnt her rear end several times on it as the bathroom was pretty narrow and it was too close when you were getting changed.

It is def possible and the burns were quite bad iirc

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HellBent · 11/10/2009 12:20

Agree with pp about them being safe, our radiators were very hot in our new flat and (didn't understand how to work them) I put them on for an hour in the morning and that was enough until night time.

A few days in DS burnt the palm of his hand while he was learning to walk. He was very wobbily and was walking around the room and leant on it, he wasn't steady enough to move away from it. I heard him scream and was there in 2 seconds to lift him away.

He has never touched it again and I didn't have any problem with DD so I'm not sure if covers are needed, just make sure they are not too hot.

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ChasingSquirrels · 11/10/2009 12:33

my friend's ds did it twice, within a very short time.
But was young (early mover).

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CybilLiberty · 11/10/2009 12:36

My ds burnt his leg on the pipe running down to the floor, quite badly actually. Some main bodies of the rads can get very very hot but the pipes are even hotter.

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retiredgoth2 · 11/10/2009 12:44

Even moderate heat can cause burns if there is prolonged contact.

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BertieBotts · 11/10/2009 12:47

DS has touched our radiators while hot a couple of times and they are hot enough to make him cry (easily comfort-able - like when he bumps his head) but not enough to leave a visible burn - or even a red mark. I imagine he would move his hand as quickly as possible. I have tried to stop him leaning on them when cold because there is no visual clue to tell you they are hot

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