Richard Robert Moppett, 30, appeared before Magistrate Trad in Bathurst Local Court on Monday charged with neglecting a child in his care (in failing to seek medical aid) and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.

Police allege the boy suffered the burns while in a shower.

Moppett, of Molybdonite Road, Yetholme, was arrested by police in Bathurst on Sunday evening after officers from the Child Abuse Unit were called in to investigate the matter.

After his arrest Moppett, declined to answer any questions, after seeking legal advice.

The facts outlined that Moppett was caring for two children at Condobolin on Saturday night while their mother went to work. At around 7pm the children's grandfather called in to check on them and assisted Moppett in bathing them.

The grandfather noticed a graze on the younger child's face, which Moppett said had occurred after the child fell from a swing, but at that stage the child had no other significant injuries.

The grandfather then left the house. Police allege while Moppett had care of the children he was drinking bourbon and cola.

At 9pm the mother returned home and the children were asleep in bed.

The facts said the mother began drinking with Moppett before the pair became involved in an argument.

Moppett left the home at 11.40pm but did not mention anything to the mother about any injuries.

At 3am, police allege the mother heard the two-year-old boy crying and noticed he was unsettled. She took him a drink but did not turn on the light or notice any injuries.

When the child continued to fuss, the mother returned to the room and turned on the light. She noticed the injuries to his face which resembled bright red burn-type injuries.

She tried to call Moppett, but there was no answer. She then drove the child to Condobolin Hospital.

The child was treated for severe and prominent burns to the face and back.

Detectives from the Central West Police District attended the hospital and by 8am information to police suggested the child was burned in the shower while being cared for by Moppett.

Police facts said the burns covered two to three per cent of the child's body, with the majority of the child's face burned along with a section of his back. There were also large droplet burns on the child's back.

The child was subsequently transferred to Westmead Children's Hospital for surgery.

Moppett sat in the dock during Monday's court appearance. His solicitor, Fiona Sams, told the court her client pleaded guilty to both charges and made no application for release.

Ms Sams told the court it may be of some assistance for a sentencing assessment report to be made.

Magistrate Trad made the order and adjourning the matter to June 24 where Moppett will appear via audio visual link.