What time should babies sunbathe?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Linh Chi - Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
In addition to the correct sunbathing notes for babies, the issue of what time to sunbathe babies is also a concern of many parents. Accordingly, before 9 am and after 4 pm is considered the right time to sunbathe.

1. Sunbathing for babies in the morning

About 1-2 weeks after birth, babies can be exposed to sunlight to help the body synthesize vitamin D from breast milk. From 6 a.m. to before 9 a.m. is a time when sunlight is mild, infrared and ultraviolet rays from the sun are quite weak, suitable for promoting metabolism. In addition, the morning air is still very fresh, as well as the sunlight at this time is not strong enough to cause damage to the delicate skin of the baby. Therefore, putting babies out in the sun for 20-30 minutes every morning is recommended by many doctors. For children who are sunbathing for the first time, it should only last about 10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as they get used to it.
The specific time depends on the geographical location and the seasons of the year, such as:
Summer: The sun will rise earlier and more intense, it is best for parents to take advantage of the sunbathing before 7am. light to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the baby's tender skin. Around 6-7am is the ideal time when the sun has just risen its first rays, then you shouldn't take your baby out anymore. Autumn: It is cold, so you can sunbathe later than the above time, but still not later than 9am. Winter: Weather conditions at this time are often cloudy, cold climate, late sunrise and weak sunshine. Therefore, parents should wait until the weather is warmer before taking their baby out to sunbathe.

2. Sunbathing for babies in the afternoon

There are many cases where parents are busy with work or for some reason cannot sunbathe their children in the morning. Therefore, the question of what time in the afternoon should be sunbathing for babies is also of interest to many people. Parents can still let their children sunbathe in the afternoon after 4 p.m., when the sun has weakened and softened.

3. Time to not expose children to the sun

Parents should keep in mind a few notes about the right time to sunbathe babies without damaging the skin and making the baby susceptible to diseases, including:
The time after 9 am until the afternoon sun still strong: At this time, ultraviolet rays from the sun appear most, absolutely do not expose your baby to the sun or even expose it to sunlight. Bathing in the sea in the hot sun: Not only babies but also children under 8-9 years old should not play in the sun too hot, especially when going to the beach to prevent some dangerous diseases. . The days are too hot and humid: Parents should limit their children's sunbathing at this time to limit the risk of dehydration because the baby will sweat a lot or common diseases in children during the hot season. Days when the weather is too cold: On the contrary, when the temperature is low or when it is windy, it is not necessary for a newborn baby to sunbathe to prioritize health. When the weather changes seasons: At this time, the erratic climate changes easily make the baby sick, so parents should not take the baby out to sunbathe.

4. Note the right way to sunbathe babies

In addition to caring about the time to sunbathe babies at what time of day, parents can also refer to some guidelines for sunbathing for babies properly:
Baby 1 to 2 weeks after birth was able to start sunbathing every day. At first, children should only be exposed to the sun for about 10 minutes, then gradually increase. However, neither babies nor children should be in the sun for more than 20 minutes at a time. The place to sunbathe for children needs to be quiet, clean, cool, fresh, avoid drafts and dust. Limit sunlight directly in front of your baby's eyes or head because of the risk of affecting the brain. The sun's rays must shine directly on the baby's skin to be effective, so take off your baby's clothes when bathing and do not expose the sun through the window. Let the sun shine on the legs, then slowly let the baby receive the sunlight from behind. When the baby is sick or when it is cold, stop sunbathing, if you want to continue, you need to cover your baby, revealing only the calves, thighs and arms. Dry the sweat and give your baby some extra water after sunbathing. Sunbathing has many benefits for the newborn baby, especially in the prevention of rickets and bone deformities. The process of holding a baby in the sun seems simple, but to properly sunbathe a newborn baby requires parents to understand a few minimum principles. In particular, choosing the time to bask in the sun for babies at what time of day plays a very important role to help the baby synthesize the maximum vitamin D prefix and avoid risks from harmful rays from the face. God.
In addition to the note on proper sunbathing for babies to help synthesize vitamin D, parents should pay attention to the nutrition that improves the child's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Guide to sunbathing properly to supplement vitamin D for children
Vitamin D and resistance to infections
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