Do families sauna together? How to enjoy sauna with kids
In Finland, saunas have been a common family tradition for centuries. Saunas are the place where family members can talk about life, share stories, and create lasting memories. In fact, a century ago, many Finnish mothers gave birth in saunas, with newborns having their first bath there.
Today, saunas remain a central part of Finnish family life, with over a million saunas spread across the country (that’s roughly one sauna for every four people!). Most families either own a sauna or have easy access to one, including at local sports and recreation centers. Finnish children are introduced to sauna bathing early in life, and the average family goes to sauna together at least once a week.
Expat families often have questions and concerns about sauna bathing, especially when small children are involved. What’s the right temperature? Are saunas safe for children? What’s the appropriate age to start sauna bathing? How long can children stay inside? What specific health precautions should they follow? Sounds familiar? Keep reading to learn how to safely enjoy sauna with your kids.
Are saunas safe for children?
Sauna is a very common practice in Finland among families with children. In most cases it does not cause any significant harm to healthy children. Finnish parents learn through experience how much heat is safe for children in the sauna. Children under 7 are usually not allowed in the sauna alone. Watching how kids act after a sauna session helps make sure they’ve had just the right amount of heat, to avoid any issues.
Finns begin their sauna journey quite early, witn 70% having their first sauna bath during infancy. The time spent in the sauna increases with age. Smaller children typically enjoy shorter sessions of 5 to 10 minutes. They also sit on the lower bench of the sauna where the temperature is not as hot.
Healthy children who are accustomed to sauna tolerate it well under their parents’ supervision and the right amount of time and temperature. Sauna-related health symptoms are rare and usually not serious. The most common symptoms are temporary dizziness and nausea. If your kids have atopic dermatitis it might become worse in the sauna.
To avoid possible side effects, particularly small children should be supervised carefully during sauna bathing and afterwards. Always consider your child’s age and health to decide when to take them to sauna and how long they should spend there. There are no established guidelines for sauna temperature, but children are typically more comfortable at temperatures around 60ºC (140ºF).
5 ways to make sauna a fun experience for kids
While the sauna itself can be a fun and exciting experience for kids, it can become even more special with a little creativity. Here are five ways to make sauna time extra fun and engaging for your little ones!
Playing with ‘löyly: Let the kids take charge of the steam by tossing water on the sauna rocks, either from the traditional bucket or using water pistols for extra fun.
Water bucket fun: For younger kids, provide a small water bin where they can sit and play with floating toys like boats, rubber ducks, or even waterproof books.
Sounds and lights: Let children choose music to play in the sauna using water-resistant speakers, and change the sauna lighting colors with safe, kid-friendly devices.
Fun breaks: Make breaks between sauna sessions and the post-sauna cool-down exciting by offering ice lollies or colorful juices to keep kids refreshed and hydrated.
Family tradition: Turn sauna time into part of a family tradition, like pairing it with a pizza night or burger Friday, making it something everyone looks forward to.
Sauna time can be a wonderful family bonding experience and a cozy wintertime activity. By incorporating fun activities and traditions, you can create memorable moments for your kids. Happy sauna bathing!
