Child Care

Should the Children Sunbathe? Let's Know It Earlier.

Morinaga Platinum - 24 January 2019

Many people believe that the ritual of taking the children to sunbathe in the morning can make them healthier. This is not wrong. Health experts say that sunbathing doesn’t only give them a warm feeling but also beneficial to thin their sputum, reduce the jaundice (yellowing on the skin) on newborn babies, as well as activate the formation of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is very important in helping the calcium absorption and minimizing the risk of bone disorders.

Although it has many benefits, experts mention a few things to be considered before taking your children to sunbathe because excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer at the old age. The American Association of Pediatric published a guidance saying that babies aged 0-6 months should not be having direct sun exposure.

The Indonesian Pediatric Association recommends that babies to sunbathe while wearing clothes. Thirty minutes before going under the sun, apply sunscreen (with a minimum of SPF 15) to their skin.

According to pediatricians, it is better to sunbath the children between 06.00 AM – 07.30 AM, in which the sun hasn’t too hot yet. Try not to sunbath them for too long, between 10 to a maximum of 30 minutes. Avoid sun exposure between 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM because that is the time with the highest UVB radiation.

If a family member has a skin cancer history, has a white skin and brown spots on the face, it is recommended to be more careful. Make sure that Moms also avoid the exposure of dust and wind when sunbathing them. Do not force yourself to sunbath the children if the condition is not possible to do so.

When sunbathing, make sure that the babies’ eyes are not directly exposed to the sun. Close their eyes with a cloth or face their head in the opposite direction from the sun. after sunbathing, feed them with breast milk so they will not be dehydrated. Wait a few moments before taking them to the bath using warm water.

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