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Can Children Use An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge?

April 17, 2023 3 min read

Can Children Use An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge?

Children can use an ice bath or cold plunge but caution should be taken to ensure their safety.

Children generally do not tolerate cold water as well as adults so it is recommended to start with a warmer temperature in the 50-60F (10-16C) range.

However an ice bath is not recommended for children if you want them to continue their love of their sport.

There are also potential dangers associated with ice baths and cold plunging including drowning hypothermia and heart attack.

It is important to do proper research and take necessary precautions before allowing children to use an ice bath or cold plunge.

What Are Some Specific Precautions Parents Should Take Before Allowing Their Children To Use An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge?

Before allowing their children to use an ice bath or cold plunge parents should take some specific precautions.

These include:

  • Ensuring that their children have an appropriate sports-specific warm-up before exercise especially after cold water immersion to prepare the body
  • Not allowing their children to take the cold plunge alone especially if they are not experienced in cold therapy
  • Being careful not to stay too long in an ice-cold tub and not getting anywhere near 20 minutes
  • Not using an ice bath before a workout as the numbing can block signals that tell the child to back off increasing the risk of injury

Are There Any Specific Age Restrictions For Children Using An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge?

There is no clear consensus on age restrictions for children using an ice bath or cold plunge.

Some sources suggest that children should be supervised and kept safe around water including cold water.

Others caution against endorsing ice baths for children as it may not be worthwhile or safe for them.

It is recommended to consult with a doctor or medical professional before allowing children to use an ice bath or cold plunge.

Are There Any Benefits For Children To Use An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge After Sports Or Activities?

There is some initial evidence that cold water immersion such as ice baths or cold plunges can be effective at reducing delayed onset muscle soreness after intense physical activity which can be beneficial for children who participate in sports or activities.

Additionally regular ice baths can help lower stress reduce inflammation speed up recovery and make individuals more resilient.

However it is important to note that cold water immersion can also have risks such as hypothermia or shock and should be done under proper supervision and guidance.

How Long Should A Child Stay In An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge And What Are The Risks Of Staying In For Too Long?

The recommended time for a child to stay in an ice bath or cold plunge varies depending on the source.

Some recommend 2-10 minutes while others suggest no more than 10-15 minutes.

Staying in for longer than 30 minutes can pose a risk of hypothermia.

It is important to build up tolerance gradually and not stay submerged for too long to avoid risks.

Staying in for too long can lead to deep tissue cooling and other risks.

It is recommended to aim for 15 minutes as the most effective time to get the most out of the cold treatment.

It is important to consult with a medical professional before trying cold exposure therapy especially for children.

Are There Any Alternative Methods For Children To Recover After Sports Or Activities That Are Safer Than An Ice Bath Or Cold Plunge?

There are alternative methods for children to recover after sports or activities that are safer than an ice bath or cold plunge.

These include drinking plenty of fluids before during and after exercise to avoid dehydration gradually returning to physical activity after COVID-19 with medical supervision and guided imagery to promote relaxation.

While ice baths may help ease sore muscles there are other methods that can be used to promote recovery without the potential risks associated with cold exposure.

It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best recovery methods for each individual child.

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