You love a warm, bubbly soak with your loved ones. But is it safe for your grandkids? Although children love hot tubs, especially on vacation, it’s not always safe. So, before you splash into your HotSpring hot tub with the kiddos, let’s take a closer look at the do’s and don’ts of hot tubbing for the little ones.
Infants and Toddlers
First and foremost, always consult with the child’s pediatrician before allowing him or her to take a plunge. This will help ensure hot tub safety, and help you know what precautions may be necessary for each child. Infants and toddlers should NOT submerge in a hot tub for risk of overheating or dehydration. Even just a few minutes can be devastating and dangerous. Neither the American Association of Pediatrics or the Mayo Clinic ban children from partaking in the hot tub; however, they do recommend leaving children who are still in diapers on the outside of the tub.
Older Children
When allowing children in the hot tub, its best to turn down the temperature to 102 degrees or lower. Many suggest 98 degrees as the ideal temp for kids. For children between the ages of 6 and 10, limit soaking to 5 – 10 minutes tops. Older children or preteens can enjoy a relaxing soak for approximately 20 minutes at a time.
Additional Safety Measures
- Never allow children to submerge completely underwater, they should keep their head above the water at all times.
- Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Because of the dangers of drowning in a body of water, never leave children unsupervised.
- Hot tubs should remain locked and secure when not in use.
Hot Tubbing Away from Home
Whether traveling with little ones or in the comfort of your own HotSpring Spa, continue to follow all the safety precautions for a healthy and safe experience. Keep in mind, not all public hot tubs are maintained or heated for safety; therefore, we recommend traveling with a thermometer and test strips for a quick check before taking a dip. To ensure the best experience, share hot tub safety and etiquette beforehand, like no splashing, and no swallowing water.
Now that you know the safety guidelines for youngsters and hot tubs, kick back and have fun.