Doctors highly recommend sunbathing for newborns and babies, as sunlight brings great benefits to the health and wellbeing of the little one.
In relevance to the topic, it is also viable to talk about the time when best suited for a baby to go sunbathing and other factors. Although it is good practice, certainly, it poses risks if done wrong.
With this in mind, we created special content with everything you need to know about sunbathing babies. Learn about the advantages, how to do it correctly, and the main precautions. Check it out now!
Benefits of sunbathing
Sunbathing is the best practice for the health of people of all ages, from newborns to old age. So, before talking more about sunbathing for newborns, it is worth remembering the power that the sun has for the body.
Sun and health
In the human body, the most important vitamin D-producing factor is sunlight, and the skin organ is the most crucial organ. The dermis absorbs the light and then converts it to vitamin D once sun rays hit the dermis.
This vitamin contributes to health, as it helps in the metabolism of calcium and phosphate absorbed by the body from food. It also encourages the growth of muscle cells and increases the immunity system.
Additionally, research has demonstrated that sunlight stimulates the production of endorphins-the hormones whose association with pleasure, well-being, and happiness has been clinically proven. The psychological effect of the sun is very powerful.
Knowing that sunbathing is beneficial, you can easily see that it is useful for both children and adults. So when you ask yourself ” until how many months does a baby need to sunbathe “, be sure to understand that there isn’t an ideal age for sunbathing. That’s a lifetime habit.
Sunbathing in babies
Now that one is aware of the benefits from the sun, it is quite easy to deduce that even babies need this sunshine ally for their development. Sunlight for newborns is one of the most important factors concerning their health and muscle growth.
In addition, the newborn baby’s immunity is still poor and susceptible to infections and pathogens. Again, the sun assists in this respect as it fortifies the immunity system.
Sunlight shining on the skin of developing newborns also directly contributes to bone health and growth. It is very common for children with developmental problems to have bone deformities and delayed tooth growth , for example. The sun helps combat all of this!
Yet another great reason sunbath for new borns to increase relationships amongst the mother, father as well as the child: Indeed now they can have all fun together, bestowing warmth upon each other that strengthens this natural bond together. In addition, there is even emotional development associated with it.
How to sunbathe a newborn?
Sunbathing is very important for infants; however, it should only be done under the proper actions to ensure that these benefits for the baby’s well-being do not turn into risks and even become problems.
First of all, babies have more sensitive skin as compared to children and adults. For one, newborns have thinner skin as well as are prone to allergies and infections. For such reasons, the dangers are higher in cuts or burns.
With this in mind, what seems harmless to our skin can be risky for babies. Therefore, it is important to consider that newborns’ sunbathing schedule needs to be very well planned.
Sunbathing schedule
Ideally, sunbathing should take place between 7 am and 10 am or after 4 pm as the sun’s rays during these times are milder. The exposure time also recommended is 5 to 20 minutes a day, which would be sufficient for the child to absorb sunlight. More than this limit would pose health risks to the child.
How to get the correct sun exposure
In newborns, it is best not to expose them directly. The baby’s face and head can be protected by a thin diaper or even a hat. The baby’s body can be exposed, but under a parasol or other protection.
Babies from 6 months old can be exposed directly to the sun, without the protection of an umbrella, for example. But the other recommendations remain valid: protect the head and face and sunbathe for up to 20 minutes.
Use of sunscreen
It is not advised to use sunscreen on babies below 6 months of age. In fact, sunscreen for babies newborns is a very active product applied to almost bare skin that isn’t ready to receive chemicals.
Babies over 6 months old should use this product, as their skin is ready to receive the formula. It is important to choose protectors specifically for babies of this age.