Going to the sauna with a child?
From a medical point of view, there is no question that going to the sauna is a healthy thing to do. Regular sauna sessions strengthen the immune system and do something good for the cardiovascular system. But is it also good for children? And if so, from what age?
There are countries where children go to the sauna from an early age. For example in Finland, the motherland of the sauna. There are even rumoured to be sauna castles there. However, the latter are medically rather controversial. But back to the actual topic. The German Sauna Association (yes, it really exists) says: "If a baby is completely healthy, it can go to the sauna for the first time after four months."
I would take a more differentiated approach. In public saunas, it is necessary for a child to be dry and clean. There are also a few things you should bear in mind:
The child should be considered healthy after the usual check-ups.
You should not use too hot a sauna with children. Guideline: 60 degrees Celsius.
Children should never go to the sauna unaccompanied by an adult.
Especially at the beginning, these sauna sessions should only be three to four minutes long.
After the sauna, children should not be rinsed off quickly with cold water, but should be allowed to cool down slowly.
The most important thing: you AND the child must enjoy it.
If you follow these few rules, there is really nothing to stop you from taking children to the sauna. Have fun.
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