How to strengthen children's immunity? An infrared sauna is the answer.

In a group of children, whether in kindergarten or at clubs, viruses and germs are easily passed around. It is therefore no wonder that parents often despair over endless runny noses, coughs, or recurring fevers. One of the proven ways to strengthen the immunity of young children is cold exposure – and not just with cold water, but also with heat. Infrared sauna represents a gentle and very effective way to support the immune system in preschool-aged children without exposing them to extremes.

Why infrared sauna?

Unlike a traditional Finnish sauna, which has a very high temperature and is not ideal for small children, infrared saunaworks with lower temperatures (around 40–60 °C) and heats the body from the inside using infrared radiation. This is safer for the child's body while still being effective. The body warms up during the stay in the infrared sauna, triggering detoxification processes and simultaneously improving blood circulation and activating the immune system.

How often and for how long?

For preschool-aged children, it is recommended to start with short visits – 5 to 10 minutes in the infrared sauna is sufficient. It is important that the child is healthy, does not have a fever, or any acute illness. The stay can be part of a weekly routine, with an ideal frequency of 1–2 times a week to support the immune system without overloading it.

Parents should be present at all times and monitor how the child feels. After the sauna, a cooler shower or rinsing of the feet follows, along with rest and plenty of fluids. Everything should take place in a pleasant and playful spirit – no forcing or extremes.

Benefits of regular sauna use for children

• Fewer illnesses – children who regularly visit the infrared sauna tend to be more resistant to viral and bacterial infections.

• Better sleep – sauna use helps children calm their bodies in the evening and induce quality sleep.

• Lymphatic movement and detoxification – heat stimulates the lymphatic system and helps the body eliminate toxins.

• Improved mood – the infrared sauna induces a feeling of relaxation and can also help during times of greater psychological stress.

Sauna use as a shared ritual

Children love rituals and repetition. Regular “sauna Mondays” or “infra Wednesdays” can become a lovely family tradition. You can also add other supportive elements to infrared sauna sessions – such as children's herbal teas after the sauna, calming music, or reading a story during relaxation.

Supporting immunity naturally

Cold exposure for small children through infrared sauna is a gentle and natural way to build a strong immune system, increase resistance to illnesses, and teach children from an early age to be aware of their bodies. Regularity, joy, and safety are key. If you are looking for a way to reduce the number of absences in kindergarten and ease the burden on the child's body during challenging viral periods, sauna use for children in infrared sauna may be exactly what your family needs.

At Sauna Central, we also think of the little ones – our infrared saunas are ready for joint sauna sessions for parents and children. Come and experience how pleasant the combination of warmth, calmness, and health can be.