Child safety: Bottle warming

Warming bottles may seem routine, but it carries real risks. Without proper precautions, it can lead to serious burn injuries. Understanding the hazards and using safer methods helps protect every child in your care.

Unsafe warming methods to avoid

• Microwaves can cause uneven heating—hot spots can burn a baby’s mouth.
• Slow cookers and stovetops are dangerous—hot water spills and appliance accidents can cause severe burns.
• Bottle warmers, if not placed and used correctly, can tip, spill, or burn.

Common bottle warmer hazards

• Dangling cords: Children may pull on cords, tipping the warmer and spilling hot liquid. 
• Reaching for the device: Warmers placed near counter edges or on low surfaces are within reach of toddlers. Children may push chairs or bins to reach warmers placed near edges or low surfaces, increasing the risk of tipping and burns from hot liquid or the device. 
• Hot Surfaces: The warmer’s exterior can cause burns on contact.
• Accidental Spills by Caregivers: Warmers can be knocked over in busy areas. Hot water on the bottle’s exterior can also drip or splash, burning nearby children.

• Safer alternatives:

  • Serve bottles cold or room temperature — safer and CDC-recommended.¹
  • If warming is needed, use warm tap water in a bowl or under running water (never boiling). Keep water away from the nipple and formula.
  • Avoid bottle warmers when possible. If used:
    • Keep in a child-free area.
    • Place on a stable surface, away from edges.
    • Keep cords out of reach.
    • Follow all safety instructions and check for recalls.
  • Always test bottle temperature on your wrist before feeding – avoid the nipple.  It should feel lukewarm, not hot. 
  • Never allow hot liquids near children.

  Supervision is key

  • Maintain proper staff-to-child ratios.
  • Never leave children unattended near warming devices or hot liquids.
  • Eliminate hot liquids from all child-accessible areas.
  • Adjust supervision strategies when hazards are present.

  Turn awareness into action

  Over 400 children are treated daily for burn injuries¹—many preventable. Safe bottle-warming practices and strong supervision help prevent scalds, spills, and serious injuries. That’s why it’s critical for every team member to understand and follow safe bottle-warming procedures. Small actions make a big difference.

Resources

• More on this topic: Bottle-warming hazards in childcare centers
• Related to this topic: Infant Formula Preparation and Storage - CDC & Breast Milk Storage and Preparation - CDC
• Youth serving resources: Risk management for youth-serving organizations
• Human services resources: Risk management for human services organizations