Important information on "Staying at altitude with babies"
The Dachstein Glacier is a truly exceptional destination. Whether in summer or winter - there is much to experience on the Dachstein. But does it make sense to go up with babies? Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Domej of the Austrian Society for Alpine and High Altitude Medicine has compiled the following information on the subject.
Important information for parents with babies!
Dear parents,
A short-term ascent to altitudes above 2,500 m by cable cars or on mountain roads is generally acceptable for healthy children of all ages, including infants, in view of the reduced oxygen partial pressure of the breathing air at high altitudes.
For very young infants, however, a stay at altitude of several hours should be carefully considered (less efficient temperature regulation, rapid dehydration, effect of altitude radiation/sun).
Precise information on complaints in connection with altitude intolerance cannot yet be expected at this early stage of life. In addition, symptoms of an incipient acute mountain sickness (AMS) at this early age can only be distinguished with great difficulty from frequently occurring non-altitude-specific health disorders (digestive disorders, loss of appetite, vomiting, exhaustion, sleep disturbance) on site.
The well-being of the child should always be considered - in this context, parents should decide responsibly whether a short-term stay at altitude for their baby is in favour of this.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Domej
Austrian Society for Alpine and High Altitude Medicine
