It’s not just adults who love saunas—kids also see them as a fun way to relax and sweat. Saunas are especially nice after playing outside on a cold, winter day. But there is understandably some concern about the risks that come with making your kid accessible to high heat and humidity for extended periods of time.
The truth is, provided you follow the right safety precautions, saunas are perfectly safe for kids of all ages, even babies. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when letting kids use a sauna; however, they should present no serious danger at all. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about using saunas with kids and how they can be safer still if you have any reservations.
Is it Safe for Kids to Use a Sauna?
When it comes to health and wellness, kids are catching up fast. The old stigma that kids need to sweat to stay healthy is a thing of the past.
Today’s parents want their children to sweat in order to boost their immune system and prevent illness. Saunas are becoming more common in gyms, fitness centers, hotels and even homes. But should you let your child use a sauna? What about a steam room or hot tub? Have you ever wondered why these rooms or cabins are so relaxing? It’s because they all have an abundance of peaceful humidity and heat. Hot tubs also relax muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce stress. All of this sounds great for adults but what about kids? Is it safe for them to use saunas and hot tubs? Keep reading to find out more.
How Safe Are Saunas for Kids?
Saunas are generally safe for all ages, but they definitely come with a few risks. While they can be great for detoxing and relaxing (learn more about sauna benefits), they can also be extremely hot, which can be dangerous for kids. While the best idea is to leave kids out of the sauna, this isn’t always possible. For example, you might have multiple families vacationing together, and having kids out of the sauna would not be an option. Or you might have a sick child and need to have them in a sauna, but at a reduced temperature. Sauna temperatures for kids can range anywhere from 105 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on their age.
How to Make a Sauna Safer for Kids
There are a few things you can do to make a sauna safer for kids.
First, always make sure the temperature is appropriate. Most saunas have options to heat up to temperatures lower than the default. This allows you to be in control of the temperature in the sauna.
Second, make sure the sauna is properly ventilated. This will prevent your child from getting overheated and help you avoid a carbon monoxide build-up.
Lastly, make sure your child drinks plenty of water. This will keep their body temperature regulated and prevent dehydration.
What Else You Need to Know Before Using a Sauna with Kids
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Kids are more likely to get dehydrated
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Always keep an eye on the temperature in the sauna and make sure it’s appropriate for your child
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Make sure the sauna is properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
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Make sure your child drinks plenty of water
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Be mindful of other people in the sauna with your child (what’s the proper sauna etiquette?)
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Kids have a weaker immune system and are at risk for catching illnesses easier
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Saunas are not suitable for infants or very young child, newborns included
When is it not safe for children to use a sauna?
Kids should always be kept out of the sauna if they have a cold, the flu or any other infectious illness. This is because they are contagious and could easily pass it on to other people in the sauna.
If your child is sick, they should stay out of both the sauna and the hot tub. This is because hot water and high levels of humidity can increase the symptoms of an illness, like a cold.
Conclusion
When used properly, saunas can be a healthy and relaxing way to unwind. While it’s generally safe for kids to use a sauna, it’s important to understand the risks involved. While the best idea is to leave kids out of the sauna, this isn’t always possible. For example, you might have multiple families vacationing together, and having kids out of the sauna would not be an option. Or you might have a sick child and need to have them in a sauna, but at a reduced temperature.
With that in mind, there are a few things you can do to make a sauna safer for kids. First, always make sure the temperature is appropriate. Most saunas have options to heat up to temperatures lower than the default.
This allows you to be in control of the temperature in the sauna. Second, make sure the sauna is properly ventilated. This will prevent your child from getting overheated and help you avoid a carbon monoxide build-up. Lastly, make sure your child drinks plenty of water. This will keep their body temperature regulated and prevent dehydration.
