How Long Should I Keep My Baby in the Sun for Vitamin D?
Safely balance your baby's vitamin D intake with sun protection during outdoor strolls. Learn tips for dressing and monitoring UV levels.
Updated May 15, 2023.
When taking your baby for a stroll, it's essential to ensure they receive enough sunlight in order to get sufficient vitamin D. It's not found in many foods, and breast milk by itself isn't enough. A minimum of 30 minutes of weekly afternoon sunlight exposure between 10 am and 3 pm for at least 16 weeks is necessary for babies to reach adequate vitamin D levels by six months of age. Vitamin D helps babies absorb calcium and phosphorus, strengthening their bones and preventing rickets.
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Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Sun
While sunlight is vital for vitamin D, babies younger than six months shouldn't be exposed to it directly as their skin may not effectively excrete some of the harmful chemicals found in sunscreens and lacks sufficient melanin to provide adequate protection from the sun. Dress your baby in lightweight, sun-protective clothing, and shield them from sunlight when UV levels reach 3 or above, especially if they are under 12 months old. Make use of stroller shades and umbrellas to keep your little one safe.
Soak Up the Sun Responsibly
By dressing your baby appropriately, monitoring UV levels, and using sun-smart strollers like the Smartrike x Kelly Anna STR7 Stroller Trike, you can help your little one grow strong while protecting their delicate skin from the sun's harmful rays. Enjoy the sunshine and the numerous benefits of outdoor play, but always remember to practice sun safety for your baby's health and well-being.
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