safety

Is it Safe for Children to Use a Sauna?

In Finland, more than 90% of all children use the sauna before the age of 7. Saunas are most definitely safe for children to use, and regular sauna use can impart health benefits to growing children.

That said, however, there are certainly some precautions to take when allowing children to use a sauna.

Take Precautions with Children in the Sauna

Young children have under-developed perspiration system and care should be taken that they do not remain in the sauna as long as an adult would. It is recommended that they remain in the sauna no longer than about 10 minutes and sit on the lower benches where the temperatures are lower. Children should never use the sauna alone. They should always use the sauna with adult supervision.

How Old Should a Child Be Before Using a Sauna?

It will really depend on the child. Before using a sauna, a child should be able to clearly express themselves and be able to state when they are physically uncomfortable. They should also be old enough to understand that they can exit the sauna as soon as they feel they are uncomfortable. If your child is not old enough to do these things, they are too young for a sauna.

Health Benefits for Children Who Use Saunas

Children who experience respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies often benefit from using a sauna. Breathing the hot air is less physically taxing for them than exercise or hot baths, and it activates muscles that open the upper respiratory tract leading to the lungs. Many children with respiratory ailments see improvement after repeated sauna use.

Some sources recommend such children use a sauna once a week for maximum health benefits.

In one German study, kindergarten children were divided into groups, with one partaking in a weekly sauna and the other not using the sauna at all. Over the next 18 months, the children who used the sauna regularly had half the number of sick days as the children who did not use the sauna. 

http://www.saunasociety.org/styled-6
http://www.terme-tuhelj.hr/gb/sauna-for-children-too--3367
http://www.bearanddoebanya.com/2013/04/05/10-health-benefits-of-the-sauna

For every article about the health benefits of saunas, it seems as if there's one about the alleged health risks of saunas, too. It can be difficult to know which bits you need to remember in order to get the best and safest use from your sauna.

At www.SaunasAndStuff.com, we would like to help simplify the health risks of saunas and give you some facts about the risks:

• Cooling down is just as important as the heating process during your sauna session. Take a few moments after exiting the sauna before taking a plunge in a cold pool or shower. After your session you can turn the sauna off, open the door slightly, and allow your body to cool down for 10 minutes. Shivering afterward is an involuntary response of your body trying to warm itself back up. You may want to re-enter the sauna and allow your body to cool longer afterward. If you ever feel sick after using the sauna, try lowering the temperature and doing a warmer, longer cool down. Sleep disturbances can also occur if your body is not cooled properly, so give yourself sufficient time to cool down after using the sauna.
• Prolonged stays in the sauna can lead to the loss of electrolytes from the body, similar to what happens to your body after rigorous exercise. Heat stroke can occur if you do not hydrate sufficiently. Always drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after using the sauna. Using the sauna during alcohol withdrawal or while hungover can also cause dehydration, so it is not recommended to use the sauna after a night of drinking.
• Ease yourself into regular sauna use slowly to lower any potential risks. Start with short intervals once or twice a week, and work up from there. Always remember: if at any time during your sauna session you feel dizzy, sleepy, or any discomfort, exit the sauna immediately.

Saunas have many health benefits and correct use will help eliminate any risks associated with them. Please submit any additional questions to www.SaunasAndStuff.com to answer. We encourage using saunas safely to maximize the health benefits!