Children and Sauna Use

Sauna benefits not only adults but also children. Regular sauna visits strengthen their immune system and help prevent common winter illnesses, especially droplet infections. Doctors agree that the sauna is one of the most natural ways to support the immunity of young children.

If you want the effect to really show, allow your children to use the sauna at least once a week, ideally for six weeks. The best results come from year-round regularity.

When to start sauna visits for children?

In Finland, parents take their children to the sauna practically from birth. However, experts recommend waiting at least until the third month of age. By the age of three, most children can perceive heat, communicate when something is uncomfortable, and generally manage their time in the sauna better. Even so, it is important to monitor their reactions and ensure they do not overheat.

How to adapt sauna visits with children?

The best choice is a home sauna or private wellness, where you can adjust the temperature and environment yourself. In regular public saunas, it is harder to monitor both hygiene and the comfort of the child. Additionally, the temperature is often higher than what is ideal for children.

For younger children, set the temperature around 70–85 °C – about 10 °C lower than for adults. The duration of the stay should be shorter:

• toddlers a maximum of 3 minutes,

• older children a maximum of 8 minutes.

For children, one heating and subsequent cooling is sufficient. You do not need to repeat the process multiple times as with adults.

How to properly cool children after the sauna?

Children do not benefit from sudden cooling. It is certainly not appropriate to pour cold water over them or send them into an ice pool. A lukewarm shower or a short stay in the air is sufficient. For small children, it is ideal to cool them gently in a parent's arms under running water. Avoid cooling the head and neck as well.

Sauna visits in peace and comfort

Because children are more lively and sometimes noisier, not all wellness centers allow their entry. In some cases, they could disturb other guests or disrupt safety rules.

Here at Sauna Central, we welcome children from the age of 10. We believe that at this age, they can respect a calm environment and truly enjoy the sauna experience. So take your children and come relax together, strengthen your immunity, and enjoy pleasant moments. We look forward to seeing you!