Safe for little ones?

[ednjenn]

Hey there, this may be a stupid question but I'm required (by spousal law) to ask... I just went up a couple weekends ago and backpacked / did the peak etc... had a great time. As a seaside dweller, I was a little lightheaded at first but adjusted groovy, no issues. I am planning to take my 7 and 8 year old up the weekend of the 16th and my wife is worried they're gonna feel sick or what not. I'm not going to the peak, just a short stroll to round valley, some bird watching / deer watching and tent card games. Shouldn't be a problem for them should it? They're in great shape, have real packs (very light) ......... Please advise! I saw boy scouts etc up there but they were older. If I have a few responses I can put the wife's mind at ease.

Thanks .... Ed (And Jenn)

[lipbiter]

I've taken my sea elevation grandkids (from infants to teens) up to the mtns many times; they've had a great time. Just make sure you keep them well hydrated. Dehydration, especially at altitude, can lead to lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, lethargy, crabbiness, etc, etc. That's true for anyone of any age. Keeping them well hydrated and fed will make it much more fun for everyone; they'll probably feel better than you do

On the other hand... I have been with someone (an adult) who once started developing altitude sickness (she's an experienced mtneer who's been up MSJ many times), she was just having an off day. It's always good to pay attention to your body and those who are with you. If rest, food, water don't alleviate the symptoms, head on down. Being in the mountains/wilderness should be FUN and not torture. Hope you have a GREAT time (and don't have to render aid as you did your first trip up).

p.s., I'm a certified Red Cross instructor if that helps put your wife at ease. I'm sure there are even more qualified/educated people who can give you advice.

[Hikin_Jim]

Ed:

I've seen some very little kids up there, and they didn't seem to be having any problems.

I think lipbiter's advice is good: keep 'em hydrated, and be mindful of their condition.

Old trick: sometimes a caffeinated beverage will alleviate the mild headache that sometimes comes with altitude sickness.

HJ

[halhiker]

I took my son to the Peak a few years ago when he was 8 and he had no problems. However, spending the night makes it a little more difficult because the person's respiration goes down at night and reduces their oxygen intake. There is a possibility they might get a little altitude sickness which can include headache and nausea. Tylenol will help the headache and I've found plain saltine crackers help the nausea--it's the baking soda that does it. Keep 'em well hydrated and keep an eye on them and they should be OK.

If they get a touch of altitude sickness at the Tram it's not that serious at that elevation and will likely go away when you return to lower elevations.

[whatmeworry]

Altitude is generally safe. Good advice from several on the boardd. Parental monitoring is a must.

Read here for more very useful guidance.

http://www.ismmed.org/ISMM_Children_at_Altitude.htm

I would not consider use of Diamox, etc. for treating small children unless really necessary. Mild analgesics (appropriate to size/weight) would be OK. Preferred treatment option will always be 1) descend, 2) descend, 3) descend.

Younger children will not be adept at self-care but will typically be very forthright about symptoms and, "not feeling well." Behavior changes are key. Be aware of the signs/symptoms of AMS/HACE/HAPE. Two (or more) experienced adults are also good to have around. Remember - if you have any issues your ability to monitor and lead your children may be compromised. Note - this extends beyond just altitude illness. Take your cues from them. No C2C quite yet.....

Caution is appropriate but should not prevent you from introducing the joy of the mountains to your children.

They, and you, will have a GREAT time.

[ednjenn]

Thank you very much all. See you out there!

[zippetydude]

Hi ednjenn. If you'll notice in the recommendations of how to acclimatize a person, they generally start at around 2500 meters (8200 feet). The upper tram is only 8500 feet, so it's close to the very beginning levels - that's about as cautious as you can possibly be without staying home. If your kids have flown before, the airplane's cabin is pressurized to approximate the pressure found at 8000 feet, largely because that is considered a safe level for all but those with significant medical conditions. Hope you all have a great time.

z

[hvydrt]

Took two 4 year olds and a 3 year old overnight to round valley without any problems.

[Norris]

Another consideration is that if you don't go above Round Valley, the tram is still quite accessible to you in an emergency situation, plus there are tons of people around, rangers with radios, etc. But I agree with the other posters that there should be no issue. I took a group of kids camping at Round Valley, who came from sea level and rode the tram up, no-one had any problem. Doing a day hike all the way to the peak might be an issue, although I have also done that with kids after establishing that they are not especially sensitive to altitude, with no problems.