my 3-month old daughter has red hair and bright blue eyes, and i too have fair hair and skin. i was a personal trainer for years so had regular exposure to the sun, a year-round tan, though i never tanned or laid in the sun, and wore sunblock pretty regularly. when i brought baby home the pediatrician said to keep her covered and out of the sun so i have been doing that. then, the freckling on my arms and chest had changed during pregnancy, and one day i realized it at once, and it scared me really bad - i was afraid i had skin cancer. i have been checked and was fine. but since then i have been staying out of the sun too. i was getting very anxious and started to suffer some mild panic attacks, like post-partum. my doctor checked my vitamin d levels and they were in fact low, and so i have been supplementing to get them raised. but now i am afraid all this fear of the sun and supplementing is worse for us than just going out in moderation. i have been bringing her out in the morning around or before 8 am for 10 minutes or so, and trying to get us some "healthy" vitamin-d generating sun without sunblock. but i am not sure if this really even helps because the rays are not strong. but during the day they seem way too strong. i read somewhere you can make vitamin d by sitting in the shade during the midday, so i tried that yesterday.. but i am just not sure what to do! what do other moms with new babies do? do you supplement multi-vitamins? do you recommend some sun exposure? what times of day are actually effective? any real-life thoughts? i am tired of trying to figure it out via the internet... thank you so much...
Thank you so much to all the mamas!! There was so much great information and I feel so much better. Knowing there are other moms out there that have had this experience is so helpful. I wish I could give you all a big hug!!
Girlfriend, just remember this:
All things in moderation.
SOME sun is good for you, you are smart and capable! Do what you know to do.....
My kiddos and I spend time in the sun, wear lots of sunblock, stay in the shade a bit between like 11a-3p, and it's all good......No worries M.!!
Good luck and get outside!
:)
My daughter was recently diagnosed with non-nutritional Rickets. All the specialists have told me that she should be out in the sun for 20 minutes every day without sunscreen. You may need to build up to this, though, with fairer skin.
My son is also very fair-skinned. The pediatrician he had as a newborn was very big on Vitamin D and really emphasized getting him in the sun a little each day. She said fair-skinned kids absorb Vitamin D very quickly and only need around 10 minutes a day in the sun. She didn't say anything about time of day, but she said even sitting him in a sunny window would do the trick. Hope this helps!
Unless you're homebound, there's really no need to "schedule" sun exposure for either you or your daughter. According to my doc, about 5-10 min of exposure a day is enough, and you get that just during regular outside time. Neither of you should really be spending any extended time in the sun without sunblock. What has your doctor advised? Really, if you have a medical concern, it's better to actually talk to someone with a medical degree than surf the internet or ask others who are mostly going to be guessing based their personal experience or old wives' tales.
I remember the days when I was also looking for the perfect tanning time to apply my baby oil and sit out...the sun is at its strongest generally between ten and two. My kids are very fair as well but I let them out in the sun for walks etc. You shouldn't put sunblock on infants because somehow their pores are different and will get clogged, so just cover her in long loose clothing with arms and legs and either put a hat on her or use a stroller with a canopy. I think you have it right just getting out a bit. When she gets a bit older (look at your pharmacy and read labels for children's sunblocks for specific ages) Don't hesitate to put sunblock on her and let her play outside. Remember, our issues weren't simply from being outside, they stem from our crazy tan obbsessions. Enjoy the sun in moderation!
We were always out in the sun. My kids too, even as babies. In fact, we took my 1st child when she was about 2 months old to the beach. I just made sure she didn't get sunburned and stayed in shade, or wore a hat. And I kept the sunscreen on.
If we were really out in exposure, like at the lake, my mom always made us come in the shade when the sun was at its highest from like noon to 3.
The sun is good for you and necessary for your overall health both physically and mentally! It's really only bad for you when you are overexposed - like people who bathe in the sun everyday 1/2 naked. Remember that everything in life needs to be done in moderation - nothing extreme to either end. Never being in the sun or always in the sun is bad. But playing outside is good. It is vital and kids aren't getting much of it these days. Getting dirty is even good for them. I read that city kids lack in minerals what country folks don't - difference = playing in the dirt. Amazing! Live - in knowledge - but LIVE!
I, too, am a fair skinned woman. My DD on the other hand was fortunate enough to get that coppertone tan!!!
I was always told that 15 minutes in the evening (when the sun is still out) is really all you need. I try not to get too exposed, but just sitting out in the backyard for a bit helps.
Margaret
You don't need strong rays to get a good dose of vitamin d. Sitting on a covered porch for 15 min. a day should be plenty. If you are really concerned about it though, there is a vitamin called tri-vi-sol by enfamil that only contains vitamin d, and two others, I think they are a and c. I would talk to your pedeatrician about it.
My pediatrician also only recommneded vitamin suppliments because my 3 mo. daughter is breastfed. If your baby is on formula, she's getting all the vitamin d she needs.
L.,
Vitamin D deficiency is a problem with a very large portion of civilized countries...it's very uncommon. So yes, with prudence, take you and your child out into the sunlight - avoiding overexposure and primtime sun. Make it part of your routine and get your levels checked in 6 to 9 months and if no changes, then supplement. Dr. Ron Manzanerro, near Seton Hospital, downtown is a great alternative minded MD. I would not recommend going to Dr. Scumpia, based on my personal experience. I too use mercola.com, which another responder mentioned, it's a great alternative minded website. GOd bless you! - T.
I am very low on vitamin D and have been supplimenting. I have researched vitamin D a lot and there is no better way than getting it from the sun. You should never stay out long enough to get pink so it will be different for everyone. There is a Dr. that has a website and talks a lot obout vitamin D if you would like, I can send you a couple of links. There is also a website www.vitamindcouncil.org. It is a nonprofit orginization that is trying to raise awareness of vitamin D deficiancy with Dr.'s and the public.
K.
Of course it is rough in these months before you can use sun block (not until 6 months plus), but you can still get out. I had a May baby and we needed exposure to light for jaundice. Try playing in a sunny room with the blinds pulled up. Short walks in the stroller with the shade up are fine, morning is best in this heat anyway. Exposure to sunlight is good for everyone's body to build some melanin (very mild tanning), but early in the morning before 10 a.m. is best. The melanocytes are not just responsible for Vitamin D production but also seratonin. SAD (seasonal depression) is most prevelant in the winter when the sun's rays are weakest and the cold keeps people inside. Don't be afraid of the outside. There are a lot of health benefits, just use sense with her exposure. I would allow my boys (fair haired as well) 15-20 minute blocks a couple of times a day in the shade regardless of what time it was.
Hello, my 2 month old LOVES being outside. I bring her Boppy out and we go under a tree with her hat on, and she sits up facing away from the sun. She also LOVES looking at the contrast of colors from the sky to the tree. I also have a 50 SPF sunscreen that I put on her if we go to gfrandma's house to swim. She loves being outside, and I love getting out of the house )that is enough to drive you mad if you did not do it before you had your baby!). Hope this helps!
You didn't indicate if you are breast feeding or formula feeding. If you are formula feeding your baby is getting all the vitamin d she needs. If you are breast feeding then you can purchase vitamin d suppliments. I wouldn't recommend a multi vitamin. She gets everything she needs from the breast milk except vitamin d. I take my 5 month year old out for walks every morning in the stroller at 6:30 for 20 minutes. I cover her up and she gets in direct sunlight. Because I suppliment breast feeding with a bottle of formula a day and we walk she gets sufficent amounts of "D".
A great article about vitamin d is http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d.html
HI L.,
I would take her out anytime after 4pm when the rays are no longer as harmful. She can still get some sun, but you won't have to worry about the exposure. Just a thought.
Take care and congratulations on your new little one!
S.
Hi my daughter and I are also fair and burn easily. I was recently diagnosed with low vitamin D levels as well.
I realized that I always put on sunblock before we went out, so now I'm waiting until we have been outside for 15 minutes before slathering on the sunblock. The rule of thumb I've heard is that to get enough vitamin D you need sun exposure for 1/2 the time it would take you to burn. It depends on the time of day and year and how fair you are, but that it only takes 15-30 minutes of full sun to get adequate sun exposure. And even though too much sun causes damage to your skin, they think vitamin D has a protective effect against skin cancer.
My endocrinologist said that normally 1000 IU/day vitamin D is a good maintainence dose but since my levels are low and I'm breastfeeding I have been taking double that. Vitamin D is transferred via breastmilk, so after I found out I was low I started my daughter on a mutlti-vitamin containing vitamin D. You might want to ask your pediatrician what they would recommend.
Here's a recent article I read about the Canadian pediatric association recommendations for vitamin D supplements for moms and babies: http://www.cps.ca/English/Media/NewsReleases/2007/Vitamin...
And for more info on vitamin D:
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitami...
Oh yeah, I was concerned about my little boy getting plenty of sun as well because he has golden skin and supposedly needs more sun exposure. I asked my ped and he said just going to the store and the normal stuff you do is good. I take him on walks and stuff and actually went to the pool for the first time last weekend but he has done just fine, no vitamins needed. I think the big issue with sun is only if you live in an area with very little sunlight. However, here in Texas we have plenty. I think just living life she will get the sun she needs. Best wishes to you and congrats on your new baby girl!!
I think it's really important to protect your baby for sure, too much sun can mean sun burns and skin damage. But I also know that as a society we have all become pretty vitamin d deficeint. I think supplementing is perfectly acceptable, but there is also something about the real thing that is a morale booster. Mid-day sun of course is too hot and harsh, so I would try to sit outside either early morning or early evening. These will be the coolest times of day, but you will also provide yourselves with much needed fresh air and vit. d. I have 3 little ones and have been a SAHM for 5+ years. You have to get out of the house and enjoy the world or you'll go crazy in no time. ;o) I freckle on my arms and such also, and the sun does bring on more. But if you wear some good sunscreen, and don't bake under the sun all day long, I think you'll be fine. I'd rather have my children enjoy the beauty of outdoors safely than have them planted in front of a tv all day. Good luck!
I am fair skinned and burn really easy. My youngest is too.
What I did was watch my babies for sypmtoms because we all have allergies. So when dd's eyes watered and got puffy I said enough and carried her inside. I always kept them in shade and just took them out with me whenever I did things like yardwork, walks, the beach, whatever.
I think just normal outings are fine, rather than scheduling and worrying about it. Just keep them in shade, watch their little eyes for watering, puffiness, redness, etc. Fair people with light eyes tend to have more sensitivity to the bright sun and her eyes will bother her sooner than anything.
Hi L.! :)
In an odd coincidence--here's a link my Mom sent me just a bit ago:
http://products.mercola.com/summer-survival-kit/
Well first of all, pregnancy does weird stuff to your skin. I not only got freckles, but with my first got a real bad preggo mask that did not go away until almost a year. I also got skin tags on my neck really bad too. Welcome to motherhood! Has your hair started to fall out yet, it's the worst. Starts growing back after about 9 months but ewww.
As far as sun exposure, you both should be fine as long as you are not in "direct" sunlight. For $9 I got one of those little "half tents" for the yard. It's small and has only 3 sides. It has a bottom that goes anywhere, beach or lawn. it gives the babies protection from the sun but still lets them play on a mat in the yard. The biggest problem right now is the Austin HEAT. UGH. But, indirect sunlight should be just fine for both of you. The last thing you need right now is more anxiety about ANYTHING including the sun. In a couple more months, your daughter will be old enough for sun screen and your hormones will level out a bit and things will get better!
As far as the appropriate time to go out, I take both of my kids to the pool in the mornings between 7:30 and 10:30 am. The sun is still out, it's still warm, but the sun's rays are not quite so damaging or hot. Any time after 12:30 in the afternoon, and your are looking to get really burned not to mention heat stroke!! At 3 months post partum, you should still be taking it easy anyway. Get some morning sun for the both of you and then stay inside during the hotter days.
I hope that helps you out.
PS. your anxieties will start to go away after #2!! By #2 things just aren't as scary. This is kind of a hint that it will be okay with #1 too. :)
You should be able to make a sufficient amount of vit D from normal amounts of sun exposure. This includes exposure through windows, exposure while wearing sunblock, exposure going to and from the car, and exposure while you are in the shade and on cloudy days. In most cases there is no need for special "sun time." While it is important to use sunblock (for everyone over the age of 6 months) you should try not to have so much anxiety around the issue of sun exposure. Your daughter will learn lots of things from you, including your anxieties about certain things, and the last thing you want is a child who is afraid of going outside! Just live your life, and teach your fair skinned child common sense sun protection as she grows up. Personally, my daughter was born in April, and for her first summer we spent almost NO time outside just b/c I didn't quite know what to do w/ her outside yet, but neither of us suffered any vit deficentcies. And now that she's older we enjoy spending time outside whenever we can.
You should try taking Cod Liver Oil. Garden of Life is a really good brand because they don't add back in synthetic Vit. D. It's the real stuff. Plus its just overall very good for you. Give it to your daughter too. I've been giving it to my kids since they were infants. Check with the guys at Peoples Pharmacy if you want to confirm.
Goodluck!
My mother in law read that doctors recommend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sunlight for proper Vitamin D absorbtion. I've found that if I take a break from work in the middle of the day and sit out in the parking lot and just "soak" up the sun for a few moments, I feel so much better throughout the day. Surely 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a day won't cause skin cancer and it's good for you!
I'm not sure why your pediatrician told you to keep the baby out of the sun. I was told to give my baby small doses of sunlight every day, probably no more than 5 minutes. Sunlight is good for you, as long as it's in smaller doses, and you don't get burnt. That's where the real harm comes. Morning sunlight is great, not as strong but full of the vitamin d you need.
Did you ask the pedi. how long is too long to be in the sun? It seems ridiculous to not be able to take a 30 minute walk with her twice a day. Morning is usually the better time of day because ozone levels are lower, etc. Hang in there!
My doctor recommended that I use Tri-Vi-Sol vitamin supplements for my infant because he was solely breastfed and wasn't receiving any vitamin D from my breastmilk or from the sun. Taste horrible, but worked.
I agree with the majority of other posts, a few minutes in the morning or even in a sunny window, and about 15-20 minutes on a covered porch. the sunlight reflects and you get the sun's rays even when you are not out in it directly. as far as the afternoon I would stick to mornings and possibly an hour or so before sundown. In my opinion 4 pm is still way too hot! maybe around 7pm. a walk through the neighborhood in a buggy with the cover up over most of her. as far as your skin...pregnancy does crazy things to a woman, and it lasts for up to 2 years. I too got mother's mask the very first time I went in the sun when I was pregnant. and it lasted at least a year after my son's birth. try not to worry so much about every little thing, it is natural to be concerned and to want the best for your baby, but there is a difference between being concerned and panicking. motherhood is a most joyous occaision, take it one day at a time and listen to your dr.s advice as well as the women that you trust who have been there and already have the experience. best of luck! Oh and by the way, I also had some depression, but I got over it once i started to get some sleep! Write to me when you start in with the colic, I have a sure fired cure from the first use! you will love me for it! bye for now... S.
As long as your daughter isnt jaundus ( yellow skin color) I dont think you have to worry. When my son was first born he had a beautiful tan type of skin color. Neither I or my husband have. The doctor recomended putting him in his diaper and no other clothes and holding him near a window in indirect sunlight to prevent jaundus.For 20 mins. I would rotate him so his front and back got exposer. I know I am miss spelling that word. He is now four and a half months. I bought little swimmers diapers and with them came these little "tatoos" that change when the baby is getting too much sun. I am not sure if they sell them seperatly. I think with fair skin you just need to be sure not to get the little one sun burned. Do the same things you do to prevent it. Shade, hats, read sun block precautions before using. The baby sun block i found said use on 6 mo. or older. Good luck. Congrats on your healthy baby. God bless. Its going to be ok. If your overwhelmed and think you might have post partum get some meds. I did. I also got weird blotches like freakles but they werent matching my freckles. Its normal and there just now fading. What to expect the first year and what to expect when your preganant. are good books.
