According to research compiled from the website of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital (USA) and the NHS medical foundation (UK), 0 - 3 years old is identified as one of the most important stages for children to benefit from natural light.

Benefit 1: Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is essential for children because it helps their bodies absorb more vitamins, especially calcium. This will help strengthen their bones and teeth. Vitamin D also supports the body's ability to maintain a strong immune system.

Benefit 2: Control insulin levels. Getting sunlight early in life can help your body control insulin levels and prevent the onset of diabetes. While sun exposure is not the only factor that affects insulin levels in the body, exposure to sunlight during childhood plays a particular role.

Benefit 3: Increased serotonin levels. Serotonin is a natural chemical known to improve children’s moods and make them feel more relaxed. Increased serotonin also helps regulate children’s digestive system and sleep patterns.

Benefit 4: Higher energy levels. The more sunlight a baby gets, the less melatonin their skin produces. As a result, they feel more energized and can stay awake longer. This may not be what parents who need a little rest want. However, staying awake longer during the day has long-term benefits, such as developing a faster circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep over time.

Benefit 5: Reduces bilirubin levels. While sunlight increases vitamin D, insulin, serotonin, and energy levels, sunlight reduces bilirubin levels in jaundiced babies. Babies with more severe jaundice should sleep under UV-blocking blankets at home until their bilirubin levels drop. Fortunately, the sun’s natural UV rays accomplish the same thing and help bring bilirubin levels back into balance.

SOME NOTES TO PROTECT CHILDREN'S SKIN

However, medical experts emphasize that too much sunlight can also be harmful, especially infants under 6 months old should only be exposed to indirect sunlight.

Direct sunlight means that there is no barrier between your baby’s skin and the sun’s UV rays. Indirect sunlight means sitting by a window covered with a light curtain, under a tree or under an umbrella outdoors, or in a stroller covered with a light blanket.

Since 90 to 95 percent of the body's vitamin D comes from sunlight, many health experts recommend that newborns get about 10 minutes of indirect sunlight each day. If your baby has darker skin, he or she can get a little more sun exposure. But regardless of skin color, newborns should not be exposed to more than 30 minutes of sunlight each day.

In addition, there are some notes to ensure your baby's skin is protected when enjoying the sunlight.

Suitable time: The best indirect sunlight that can be enjoyed is early morning before 9am and late afternoon sunlight after 4pm.

Stay hydrated: If you have to go out during peak hours (10am - 4pm), always cover up with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and keep your baby hydrated.

In particular, babies with certain medical conditions or premature birth should consult a doctor and may not need to be exposed to sunlight for several weeks after birth.