Is it OK for kids to use the sauna?

Kids also like saunas for sweating and relaxation, so its popularity isn’t limited to adults. After a cold day spent playing outside, saunas can be quite relaxing. It makes sense, though, to be concerned about the dangers of exposing children to intense heat and humidity for long periods.

The good news is that children of all ages, including babies, can safely use saunas when the proper safety measures are taken. While there are a few important things to keep in mind while letting kids use a sauna, they shouldn’t be too dangerous. Let’s discuss what you should know about kids using saunas and, in case you have any worries, how to make it even safer.

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Is it OK for kids to use the sauna?

For many people, spending time with their children and grandchildren is a beloved activity. A bonusIt’s much more fun to share your favorite pastimes with them. Saunas are calming environments that reduce stress and reduce tense and sore muscles.

But for families who own or are thinking about purchasing a sauna, the topic, “Can kids use saunas?” frequently comes up. The short answer is that kids are allowed to use saunas. When heat bathing children, like with any activity, care, and precaution are needed. Here are some general facts regarding kids using saunas.

Time Limit

Keep an eye on how much time your kid spends in the sauna. Don’t bathe kids in the heat for longer than 3 to 5 minutes. Heat bathing should be limited to 3 to 5 minutes for children under three. A 15-minute time limit makes sense for kids ages four to midteens. Older kids might like to take a cold shower or a refreshing swim in a swimming pool as a way to relax after using the sauna. It’s fine to give them another little sauna session when they’ve calmed down.

Age Limits

Kids enjoy being a part of everything, and the sauna is no different. But keep in mind that young bodies are not as good at managing heat until approximately age 8. It is not advisable to expose young children to intense heat for extended periods. Children under 8 should only spend a limited amount of time in the sauna and should sit on a lower seat where the heat isn’t as strong. If you have a conventional sauna, it’s a fantastic idea to keep cool water close by for children to play in or use as a means of cooling off.

Sauna Etiquette

Kids enjoy playing outside, but in a sauna, there are many potential hazards for accidents, such as hot rocks and wet benches. Kids’ safety needs to learn appropriate usage of the heated area. Tell them that a sauna is a peaceful, restful area. It’s crucial to stop youngsters from bringing toys inside the sauna as well since these may cause further risks.

Needs for Diet and Water

Drinking enough water is vital, especially for young children, as saunas encourage sweating, helping in the body’s detoxification. It’s a good idea to have electrolytes or salty snacks available for your family sauna session. These can be mixed with ice-cold water or a liquid electrolyte to replace the salt lost via sweat.

Offering safety first

It is necessary to supervise children in a sauna. To avoid falls and other accidents, teach kids to move safely and gently. They can come to value the calm, relaxing atmosphere of a sauna after they know the guidelines and can strictly abide by them.

Speak with a Doctor

Although there are broad recommendations for how kids can use saunas safely, it’s crucial to keep in mind that each kid is unique. See a pediatrician to get personalized advice and make sure the sauna is safe for the child before letting them use it.

Research on Saunas and Children

Four out of every thirteen youngsters in Finland loved spending more than 15 minutes in a sauna, according to a poll done in the late 1980s by the Finnish Sauna Society. Kids seem to like saunas, as evidenced by the fact that Finland has 3.3 million saunas for every 5.3 million people. Saunas can be found in homes, workplaces, industries, sports facilities, hotels, and more.

However, 19% of the kids who replied to the poll said they had reduced headaches, nausea, dizziness, fever, and heartbeat. However, children who were 13 years old and older said that they slept quite well after using a sauna. The developing body of a child makes it more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, which increases the risk of overheating.

What A Child’s Body Goes Through in a Sauna

Blood circulation increases in the sauna, and children under five may experience a sudden boost in heart circulation because of their weak circulatory systems. This rise is much smaller for children 7 years of age and older. Children may experience temporary dizziness during the cooling-down stage following or in between sauna visits due to a gradual drop in blood pressure. For kids in good health, these symptoms, however, pass rapidly and present little risk.

Kids in the Sauna: Key Points

It’s important to pay attention to certain security guidelines while allowing kids to use saunas. To make sure their experience is both secure and pleasurable, keep the following things in mind:

Find out that every youngster has an adult friend in the sauna so that they can respond promptly in case they feel ill.
Children are more sensitive to heat than adults are, therefore you should limit their time in the sauna, especially in the beginning. Three minutes is enough. They should limit their sauna visits to no more than two.
Since it’s cooler there, have kids sit on the lowest bench.
Children should take a quick cold shower followed by a warm shower to help them relax. Avoid having a significant temperature differential.
Ensure kids skip meals two to three hours before sauna visits to prevent sickness from physical strain.
Kids should drink water before and after their sauna visit to stay hydrated.
When your youngster is present, please be mindful of other people in the sauna and follow proper sauna etiquette.
Children are more prone to disease because of their weakened immune systems.
It is not advised for newborns, extremely young children, or babies to use saunas.

When Is Using a Sauna Not Safe for Kids?

In case of a cold, flu, or any other dangerous disease, children should not be allowed in the sauna. This is important since they can easily infect other people in the sauna due to their viral nature. It is recommended to keep the children away from the sauna and hot tub if they are feeling under the weather.

Their condition’s symptoms, like discomfort and congestion, may get worse due to the hot water’s combination with high humidity. There’s also a risk to the health of other sauna users if you expose them to illness. Putting your child’s health and the health of others first involves making sure they avoid these situations while they are ill.

What specific steps should kids take before using a sauna?

Children can enjoy sauna bathing as long as they are watched over by parents, guardians, or other responsible people. However, as children’s bodies are not as developed as adults, special care should be taken.

Children are routinely introduced to the health benefits of sauna bathing in various cultures across the world, including Finland. In traditional Finnish saunas, they are warmly received and asked to take the post-sauna icy plunge. But given children’s special demands and limitations, these activities must be approached carefully.

Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas for Kids

Traditional Saunas: These employ electric oven convection heat to reach temperatures exceeding 200°F, which may be too hot for young kids. Lower the temperature and restrict their use to brief sessions—a few minutes at a time with breaks, or up to 10 minutes overall—if they’re using a traditional sauna.
Infrared Saunas: Infrared light, which normally reaches the body at temperatures between 100°F and 150°F, is used to produce thermal energy. Since infrared saunas function at lower temperature levels, they are often safer for kids. Make sure the sauna is set at a lower temperature, and keep a close eye on the youngster. Chromotherapy, which promotes skin healing and brain function, is another common feature of infrared saunas.

Conclusion

Saunas may be a healthful and calming place to unwind when utilized properly. Although it is normally safer to keep kids out of the sauna, this isn’t always possible. Taking kids in the sauna may be necessary, for example, if you are on a multi-family vacation or if your sick child requires a cooler environment. Making sure the temperature is right is the first step towards making saunas safer for children.

You can change the climate in many saunas by lowering the heat from the normal settings. Furthermore, proper ventilation is necessary to minimize oxygen buildup and overheating. In conclusion, make sure your youngster drinks lots of water to stay well-hydrated, as this helps to control body temperature and avoid dehydration.

Is it OK for kids to use the sauna?