Sunbathing for infants is a simple yet highly effective activity, helping to kill bacteria, fight inflammation, and activate the skin to produce vitamin D3, which enhances the two main components of bone formation: calcium and phosphorus. Below is the most accurate and effective guide to sunbathing for infants without causing any harm.
Timing for Sunbathing
Sunbathing for infants should start when they are over 1 week old (more than 7 days after birth).
The best times of the day for sunbathing are:
Morning: From 6 am to 9 am, during this time, infrared and ultraviolet rays in sunlight are relatively weak, suitable for promoting metabolic processes in the body.
Afternoon: From 5 pm to 6 pm, X-rays in sunlight help infants absorb calcium and phosphorus most effectively, which is beneficial for bone development.
Sunbathing Duration
For the first sunbathing session, only expose the infant for about 5 minutes.
In the following days, gradually increase the duration to 10 minutes, 15 minutes, but not exceeding 30 minutes.
Each sunbathing session should last continuously for only 10 days, then pause for 10-20 days before starting again.
Sunbathing Procedure
Dress the infant in clothes that expose their feet, hands, cover their face, and protect their eyes.
Initially, only expose a small part of the infant's skin, keep them in the shade for about 2 minutes, then gradually introduce them to sunlight. Sunbathe for 2 minutes on the front side and 3 minutes on the back on the first day. In the following days, sunbathe for 5-10 minutes on the front side and 10-15 minutes on the back.
The sunbathing duration should not exceed 30 minutes per day.
Important Notes:
Do not sunbathe infants younger than 1 week old.
Avoid sunbathing infants from 9 am to 5 pm.
Do not sunbathe infants in windy places; choose well-ventilated areas with plenty of sunlight.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the infant's head, face, and eyes.
If sunbathing indoors, open the windows because glass blocks the body's absorption of infrared rays.
Do not sunbathe infants during abnormal weather conditions or transitional seasons.
Keep the infant's feet and hands exposed to sunlight as much as possible.
Dress the infant lightly to expose as much skin as possible.
If the skin turns red, the infant sweats heavily, or their pulse rate increases during sunbathing, stop sunbathing and move the infant to the shade.
For infants with hyperthyroidism, eczema, allergic dermatitis, skin infections, or those taking quinolone antibiotics, absolutely avoid sunbathing as it can worsen the condition and reduce the effectiveness of medication.