Keeping young children warm and safe on winter nights
Hot water bottles have long been used for warming beds and helping many people sleep more comfortably during cold nights. A versatile, cost effective source of heat and comfort, there are lots of modern uses for hot water bottles too.
They’re used in heat therapy to get rid of muscle pains, soreness, and cramps. Many pregnant women even use these hot water bottles to ease their pregnancy pain and discomfort which can help with a good night’s sleep.
As we head in to the winter months, any parent will know that keeping a child warm and cozy is often the key to a good night’s sleep. Snugly onesies, plenty of warm blankets and a nice glass of warm milk can all help before bed time.
But are hot water bottles safe for kids? It often depends on the way the hot water bottle is being used and dependent on the age of the child. Is there a way to make them safer for kids? And what about extra-long hot water bottles?
Are hot water bottles safe for kids’ use?
Yes! To a point…
Even though we are in the business of keeping you warm, safety is of paramount concern every single time. Hot water bottles are perfect for warming the beds for kids and adults of all ages. They’re especially useful during colder winter nights when even the thickest blankets and covers wouldn’t cut it.
The additional warmth provided by the hot water bottle helps children and adults sleep better and more comfortably. Simply place the bottle in the bed to warm it up and remove it when the child climbs between the sheets and they will not have direct contact with the bottle.
However, since a kid’s skin is typically more sensitive than an adult’s, extra caution should be observed. Make sure a cover is always placed on the hot water bottle and the child’s skin is never exposed to the hot rubber. Here are some tips that will help you ensure the safety of children while using hot water bottles:
Tips for using hot water bottles for kids
Don’t leave the hot water bottles under the cover while the kids are asleep. Use them to warm up the bed beforehand, but don’t leave them in the bed, especially when you’re not in the same room. Smaller children can roll over on top of them or possibly, when in a deep sleep, lie against a patch of heat for too long without waking up.
Don’t let your children sit on a hot water bottle. You can’t have your child lie down on a filled hot water bottle as well. Extra pressure on the bottle could cause the seal or lining to eventually become loose or leak.
Don’t let young boys and girls below 4 years of age play with a hot water bottle. They may accidentally unscrew the plug and burn themselves. This applies even if you’re in the same room. Youngsters love exploring and testing things out.
Get a hot water bottle cover. This effectively transforms the rather plain and boring hot water bottles into warm and fuzzy bedroom companions that little girls and boys can hug and cuddle while awake. These covers help protect the skin from getting burned, though it’s still not recommended that it stays on one body area for any extended period of time. At Cuddly Comforts we provide inner lined extra long hot water bottles to add that extra layer of protection.
Wash hot bottle covers regularly. You can also buy multiple covers so you can use another while the other one dries.
More tips for a kids hot water bottle
Ask your kids if the heat level is okay. Since everybody has a different reaction and tolerance to heat, make sure to ask your kids if the heat level is acceptable. What may be warm for you may be too hot for a small child. Constantly check heat levels when the bottle has first been filled.
Always check for leaks and other possible damage before using. Hot water bottles may sometimes appear alright, but years of use and abuse can wear down the inside of the bottle. Always check the seams, stopper or plugs. Even the smallest leak can lead to accidents.
“Use a cover or wrap a towel around the bottle and take it out when you put your child into bed. Then store it empty in a cool, dry location.”
Kidspot Australia
Don’t fill your hot water bottles more than two-thirds of its maximum capacity. Always ensure that you get all excess air out. This helps prevent leaks and damages at the seams, and it even makes the hot water bottles easier to use.
Always use hot water bottles according to manufacturer instructions. Taking care of your hot water bottles is the key to their long life. Try to replace your hot water bottles at least every two years as the quality of rubber naturally deteriorates.
We have heard stories in the past about hot water bottles being unsafe as there is a risk of burning or scalding. This is true but that is why we always advise following the safety guides and advice. Any type of bottle is dangerous in the same way that sharp knives are dangerous when you push them in to somebody or cars are dangerous if you use them to run somebody over!
So…can kids use extra-long hot water bottles?
Of course! The thing to remember here is that extra-long hot water bottles are very much like the regular hot water bottles too. The only difference is that they’re longer so they can cover larger areas. Our super soft faux fur design stays warm for longer so it helps protect hot water bottle huggers of all ages!
While some kids may be perfectly fine with a regular-sized hot water bottle that they can cuddle, some children like the extra-long ones as they like the extra warmth and flexibility. They might even be the same size.