According to research compiled from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital website (USA) and the NHS medical platform (UK), the age range of 0-3 years is identified as one of the most critical periods for children to benefit from natural light.
90-95% of the body's vitamin D comes from sunlight.
Benefit 1: Provides Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for children because it helps their bodies absorb more vitamins, especially calcium. This helps strengthen their bones and teeth. Vitamin D also supports the body's ability to maintain a strong immune system.
Benefit 2: Controlling insulin levels. Getting sunlight early in life can help the body control insulin levels and prevent the onset of diabetes. While sun exposure isn't the only factor affecting insulin levels in the body, early childhood sun exposure plays a particularly important role.
Benefit 3: Increased serotonin levels. Serotonin is a natural substance known to improve children's mood and make them feel more comfortable. Increased serotonin also helps regulate children's digestive system and sleep patterns.
Benefit 4: Higher energy levels. The more sunlight a child is exposed to, the less melatonin their skin produces. As a result, they feel more energetic and can stay awake longer. This may not be what parents who need rest want. However, children staying awake longer during the day offers long-term benefits, such as developing a faster circadian rhythm, which improves sleep over time.
Benefit 5: Reduces bilirubin levels. While sunlight increases vitamin D, insulin, serotonin, and energy levels, it also reduces bilirubin levels in jaundiced babies. Babies with more severe jaundice often sleep under a UV-protective blanket at home until their bilirubin levels decrease. Fortunately, the sun's natural UV rays accomplish the same goal and help bring bilirubin levels back into balance.
SOME TIPS FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN'S SKIN
However, health experts emphasize that too much sunlight can also be harmful, and infants under 6 months old should only be exposed to indirect sunlight.
Direct sun exposure means there is no barrier between the baby's skin and the sun's UV rays. Enjoying indirect sunlight means sitting by a window with a light curtain, under a tree or umbrella, or in a stroller covered with a thin blanket.
Since 90-95% of the body's vitamin D comes from sunlight, many health experts recommend that infants be exposed to indirect sunlight for about 10 minutes each day. If their skin is darker, they can be exposed to a little longer. But regardless of skin color, infants should not be in the sun for more than 30 minutes a day.
Additionally, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your baby's skin is protected while enjoying the sun.
Suitable times: The best time to enjoy indirect sunlight is in the early morning before 9 am and in the late afternoon after 4 pm.
Stay hydrated: If you have to go out during peak hours (10 am - 4 pm), always cover yourself well with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and make sure your baby stays well-hydrated.
In particular, babies with certain medical conditions or those born prematurely should consult a doctor and may not need sun exposure for several weeks after birth.
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