With babies on the Dachstein?
Important information on "Staying at altitude with babies"
The Dachstein glacier is a truly exceptional excursion destination. Whether in summer or winter - there is so much to experience on the Dachstein. But is an ascent with babies a good idea? Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Domej from the Austrian Society for Alpine and High Altitude Medicine has compiled the following information.
Important information for parents with babies!
Dear parents,
A short-term ascent to altitudes above 2,500 m by cable car 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, spending several hours at high altitude should be carefully considered (less efficient temperature regulation, rapid dehydration, effects of high 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 developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) at this early age can only be differentiated with great difficulty from frequently occurring non-altitude-specific disorders (indigestion, 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 justified.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Domej
Austrian Society for Alpine and High Altitude Medicine
