Adding a sauna to your home can be the first step in revitalizing your wellness routine. An important factor to consider is whether or not it can be used by the whole family though. Thankfully saunas can be enjoyed by most people, young or old and have several benefits for both body and mind. Regular sauna use has been linked to reduced stress levels and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. To ensure the best experience for you and your loved ones though, it’s important to know a few things. Sauna safety for kids is especially important.
Best Ways for Kids to Enjoy Saunas
- Keep Age in Mind: While opinions may vary, it’s generally agreed that children should be at least 6-8 years old or older before spending much time in a sauna. Young children aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures as well as adults so spending too much time in a sauna can be a bad idea.
- Start Low: It’s best for children who want to spend family time in the sauna to start with exposure to lower temperatures than what you may be used to. It’s recommended to keep the temperature around 140°F/ 60°C, lower than the usual 150°F-170°F / 70°C-90°C. Kids can also feel more comfortable sitting on a lower seat/ level to avoid the rising heat within your sauna.
- Go Slow: Children should avoid long sauna sessions until they are older and can tolerate more heat. Start off with supervised sessions of just a few minutes and monitor how they’re feeling. Sessions can gradually become longer but it’s best to keep them no more than 10 minutes until ages 13 and up.
- Sauna Time is Family Time: Regardless of your child’s comfort level, it’s important to keep a close eye on them in the sauna. One way to do this is to use sauna sessions as a chance for quality time together, away from the distractions of electronics. Children should never be left unattended in a sauna.
- Stay Hydrated: To ensure the best sauna experience for everyone, drink plenty of water before, during, and after sessions. Children and adults alike will both enjoy time in the sauna a lot more when they are well hydrated. On average, it only takes 15 minutes for the body to lose an entire pound of fluids in a sauna. Drinking water will help replenish those lost fluids and put less stress on the body.
Ready to Find the Right Sauna For Your Home?
Incorporating saunas into your wellness routine can be a relaxing and healthful experience, but it’s important to always keep safety in mind. Following proper guidelines and keeping a close eye on your child’s sauna use will only create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
If you’re ready to learn more about creating the ultimate family-friendly sauna experience, contact All Poolside today! Let us bring you peace of mind on your family’s wellness journey. Our experts are here to guide you through selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect sauna for your home.
