Overview

• Official data from the Children’s Burns Trust and iBID show injuries have doubled in five years, with more than 1,000 cases recorded in 2024.
• RoSPA advises checking the rubber ‘flower’ date stamp and replacing hot water bottles older than two years.
• Guidance also includes never using boiling water, avoiding overfilling or sitting on bottles, and using a fabric cover to prevent direct skin contact.
• Young children face the greatest risk, and experts urge families to avoid using hot water bottles for children as colder weather and financial strain increase use.
• The British Standards Institution has reinstated its committee to review hot water bottle and microwaveable warmer standards, with RoSPA set to chair the group.