# 5 Reasons You And Your Baby Need The Early Morning Sun #


We all know that sunlight is good for us for many reasons. However, you also need to know that there is a particular time for you to soak in the healthy rays of the sun. And when do we experience these healthy rays???
The best time of the day to soak in the sun is early in the morning (between 7 am to 9 am). This is when the sunrise and the first rays hit the ground. These warm strands of sunlight help enable the synthesis of Vitamin D in our body, keeping our bones healthy and keeping away cardiovascular diseases.
Here are a few reasons the early morning sun is extremely healthy for you and your baby.
1. It’s a drug
Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which sends signals between your nerve cells and helps regulate bodily functions from emotions to motor skills. It has been called a mood stabiliser and helps with digestion, depression, regulation of sleep and even nausea. It also keeps away SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
2. Diseases
Studies have found that heart diseases and related problems are more common in winter than summer due to low levels of vitamin D. Experts believe that soaking up the early morning sun can prevent this.
So take a small walk under this sun with your little one and be healthy together.
3. Calcium
Vitamin D helps a baby’s body in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for healthy development of bones and teeth. It also prevents disorders such as rickets, which is common in calcium-deficit babies. The weakness of the bones could mean that the bones are unable to support the weight of the body, leading to further problems in the future.
4. Yellowing
Many parents complain that their baby’s skin has appeared slightly yellow after birth. This occurs due to the buildup of bilirubin in the baby’s body and could be due to inefficient functioning of the liver. The early morning sun’s rays contain blue light spectrum, which can reduce the levels of bilirubin in the body.
5. Energy
Exposure to natural light regulates the production of melatonin. Melatonin levels have been known to affect the body in many ways, especially sleep regulation. These levels rise in the mid-to-late evenings and stay higher for most of the night, and later drop in the early mornings. Thus, lower levels are associated with higher energy. When there is less sunlight, this hormone may be produced later or earlier in the day, leading to less energy. Conversely, more exposure to healthy sun rays would lead to more energy.
It’s important to remember that you need not stay out in the sun for long durations, and take into account the sensitivity of your baby’s skin. About 15 minutes of the early morning rays are healthy. It is also important to take precautions for both you and your baby to protect yourselves from over exposure or exposure to harsh rays. Remember that sunlight between 7 am and 9 am is healthy, while the sunlight received post 10 am is harsh and unhealthy. Keep this in mind when basking in the sun with your baby.