Patient's question:
In winter, babies wear many clothes, and we don't want the sun to shine on their faces. How can we get better sun exposure? My baby is one month old, and I'm afraid she might be calcium deficient.Doctor's answer:
Hello, when babies are too young, they cannot be directly exposed to outdoor sunlight. They should only be in the indoor environment, and when the sunlight is slanted, open the windows to let the baby bask in the sun. It is sufficient to do this 1 to 2 times a day. Generally, healthy infants can start basking in the sun indoors 2 weeks after birth.Vitamin D, once it enters the human bloodstream, helps absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, which can prevent and treat rickets in children. Ultraviolet rays can also stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, preventing anemia, and can kill bacteria on the skin, enhancing the skin's resistance.
Therefore, it is very important for newborn babies to bask in the sun. When basking in the sun indoors, do not cover the windows with glass or gauze, as this will reduce the penetration of ultraviolet rays.
Generally, it is not until 3 to 4 weeks after birth that babies can be taken outdoors to bask in the sun. Initially, the duration of exposure should be short, and only parts like the legs and feet can be exposed. Then, gradually increase the time and scope of sun exposure.
The head and face should generally not be directly exposed to sunlight. They can be placed in the shade or covered with a hat.