Can Kids Go in a Sauna? A Simple Guide for Parents

Wondering if you can bring your little ones into the sauna with you? The short answer is yes, kids can go in a sauna, but with some important rules.

In countries like Finland, taking a sauna is a family tradition that starts from a young age. It can be a great way to relax and spend time together.

But a child’s body is different from an adult’s. So, before you go, you need to know how to keep it safe and fun for everyone.

Is a Sauna Safe for Kids?

A sauna is safe for kids if you follow a few key safety rules.

The main thing to remember is that kids’ bodies don’t cool down as well as adults’ bodies do. They have smaller bodies and they don’t sweat as much. This means they can get too hot much faster.

That’s why it’s super important to watch them closely and keep their sauna time short and sweet.

What Age Can Kids Go in a Sauna?

Even babies go to Sauna. In some countries, like Finland, they are born in Saunas. It is up to adults to supervise properly though.

What about an infrared sauna?

Infrared saunas run at a lower temperature than traditional saunas. This can make them a better and gentler option for a child’s first sauna experience. The same safety rules still apply!

7 Simple Rules for a Safe and Fun Sauna with Kids

Here are the most important rules to follow when taking your children into a sauna.

1. Start Low and Slow

Set the sauna to a lower temperature than you normally would. A good starting point is around 150°F (65°C) (keep humidity higher as it feels less hot). The goal is a warm, pleasant experience, not an endurance test.

2. Keep it Short

A child’s first few sauna sessions should only be 5 minutes long. As they get older and more used to it, you can slowly increase the time, but never more than 15 minutes.

3. Stay on the Bottom Bench

Heat rises. The bottom bench is the coolest spot in the sauna. Always have your kids sit on the lowest level.

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Make sure your kids drink plenty of water before, during, and after the sauna. Keep a bottle of cool water handy.

5. Never Leave Them Alone

This is the most important rule. An adult must always be in the sauna with a child. No exceptions.

6. Listen to Your Child

If your child says they are too hot, feel dizzy, or just want to leave, get out immediately. Never force them to stay.

7. Cool Down Gently

After the sauna, have them cool down with a lukewarm or warm shower. Avoid cold plunges or icy showers, as the sudden temperature change can be a shock to their system.

How to Keep Kids from Getting Bored

Let’s be honest, sitting still in a hot room can be boring for a kid. Here are a few ideas to keep them entertained:

• Bring Water Toys: A small bucket and ladle can provide lots of fun. Let them pour a little water on the rocks with you (be careful of the steam!).
• Play a Game: Play simple games like “I Spy” or tell quiet stories.
• Wear Fun Sauna Hats: Silly-looking sauna hats protect their heads from the heat and make the experience more playful.
• Add Sounds: Play some quiet, relaxing music or nature sounds like rain or birds chirping.
• Make it a Story: Pretend you are explorers in a warm jungle cave or bears hibernating in a cozy den.

Taking your kids in the sauna can be a wonderful family experience. Just follow the rules, keep it short, and focus on having a safe, relaxing time together.

Kid bathtubs and toys in the steam of sauna

A Helpful Tool for Your Family Sauna

Keeping track of time and creating a fun vibe can be a lot to juggle. This is where an app can make things much easier.

The Sauna Assistant app is designed to help you do just that. You can use it to:

• Play fun sounds: Choose from rain, a crackling fireplace, or even a thunderstorm to keep the kids engaged.
• Control your lights: If you have smart lights, you can change the color of the sauna to make it a cool, glowing cave.
• Set a timer: Easily keep track of your short 5-10 minute sessions to make sure everyone stays safe.

It’s a simple way to take the guesswork out of your family sauna and make it an experience your kids will ask for again and again.