Can a young child get 2nd degree burns or 3rd degree burns from a cup of coffee?

Yes, and badly: Think of hot coffee as "boiling" hot coffee, which can instantly burn a child or adult. The burns are usually 2nd degree and can leave permanent ugly scars. If one has young children, one can ask the barista for some ice cubes. Dump the cubes into the coffee to cool it to a non-scalding temperature before carrying the cup around. It is safest to not have hot drinks within 3 feet of a child!