Question
How long should newborns be exposed to sunlight each day? What is the best time for sun exposure?
Answer
One hour of daily sunlight exposure can help raise the level of vitamin D in a baby’s blood to above the normal range. Increasing this to two hours daily can achieve an even higher level. The time between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., are suitable for infants to be exposed to sunlight. In winter, when outdoor temperatures are too low, parents should gradually expose their babies to sunlight. Start with only a few minutes of exposure at a time and gradually increase the duration, avoiding exposing the baby for one or two hours at once to prevent them from catching a cold.