Story perspectives

Father Charged After Scalding Baby with Hot Water

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christopher Stum, a 34-year-old Idaho father, faces felony charges for pouring scalding water on his one-month-old son, causing second-degree burns on 25% of the body.
Stum told investigators he intended to warm the child during bathing.
He initially misled police about water temperature but later admitted turning the heater to 121 degrees Fahrenheit.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, and experts advise bathing newborns in about 100-degree water.

History

Historical Context

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was enacted in 1974 and amended in 1988 to provide federal funding for child protection services in response to rising abuse cases, which exceeded 1 million annually. The recent case of Christopher Stum, who severely burned his infant son, underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing child maltreatment, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and education.

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Story summary

Christopher Stum, a 34-year-old Idaho father, faces felony charges for pouring scalding water on his one-month-old son, causing second-degree burns on 25% of the body.
Stum told investigators he intended to warm the child during bathing.
He initially misled police about water temperature but later admitted turning the heater to 121 degrees Fahrenheit.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, and experts advise bathing newborns in about 100-degree water.

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