How long should a baby be exposed to sunlight for jaundice treatment. Is sunlight therapy safe for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. What are the risks and benefits of using sunlight to treat neonatal jaundice. How does sunlight compare to conventional phototherapy for jaundice in babies. Are there guidelines for using sunlight to prevent or treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Understanding Neonatal Jaundice and Hyperbilirubinemia

Neonatal jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of a newborn’s skin and eyes, is a common condition affecting many infants in their first weeks of life. This condition is caused by hyperbilirubinemia, an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the blood. While often harmless and self-resolving, severe cases can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Why does hyperbilirubinemia occur in newborns? The breakdown of red blood cells produces bilirubin as a byproduct. In newborns, the liver may not be mature enough to efficiently process and excrete this bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the blood and subsequent jaundice.

Types of Neonatal Jaundice

• Physiological jaundice: The most common type, typically appearing 2-4 days after birth
• Breastfeeding jaundice: Occurs in the first week of life due to insufficient milk intake
• Breast milk jaundice: Develops after the first week and can persist for several weeks
• Pathological jaundice: Caused by underlying medical conditions and requires prompt treatment

Conventional Phototherapy for Neonatal Jaundice

The standard treatment for neonatal jaundice is phototherapy using specialized lamps that emit blue-green light. This light alters the structure of bilirubin molecules, making them easier for the baby’s body to excrete. How effective is conventional phototherapy? Studies have shown it to be highly effective in reducing bilirubin levels and preventing complications associated with severe hyperbilirubinemia.

Advantages of Conventional Phototherapy

• Controlled light exposure
• Continuous treatment availability
• Precise monitoring of light intensity
• Minimized risk of temperature fluctuations

Limitations of Conventional Phototherapy

• Equipment cost and availability, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)
• Need for constant electricity supply
• Potential interference with parent-infant bonding
• Risk of dehydration if fluid intake is not closely monitored

Sunlight as an Alternative Treatment for Neonatal Jaundice

Given the limitations of conventional phototherapy, particularly in resource-limited settings, researchers have explored the potential of sunlight as an alternative or complementary treatment for neonatal jaundice. Sunlight naturally emits light in a spectrum similar to that of phototherapy lamps, potentially offering a readily available and cost-effective option for treating hyperbilirubinemia.

Mechanism of Action

How does sunlight help reduce bilirubin levels? The blue-green spectrum of sunlight causes a process called photoisomerization, which changes the structure of bilirubin molecules. This structural change makes the bilirubin more water-soluble, allowing it to be excreted more easily through urine and stool.

Research Findings on Sunlight Therapy for Neonatal Jaundice

Recent studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice. A review of three clinical trials involving 1103 infants from two countries provided insights into this alternative approach.

Key Findings

• Sunlight exposure may reduce the occurrence of jaundice and shorten its duration compared to no treatment
• The rate of bilirubin level decline in sunlight-exposed infants was similar to those receiving electric phototherapy
• Using light-filtering films, sunlight exposure did not increase rates of sunburn, dehydration, or hypothermia
• Infants exposed to sunlight had an increased risk of hyperthermia

Do these findings suggest sunlight is a viable alternative to conventional phototherapy? While promising, the evidence is still limited, with the certainty of outcomes ranging from very low to moderate. More research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for sunlight therapy in neonatal jaundice.

Safety Considerations for Sunlight Therapy

While sunlight offers potential benefits for treating neonatal jaundice, it also poses unique risks that must be carefully managed. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for the safe implementation of sunlight therapy.

Potential Risks of Sunlight Exposure

• Sunburn and skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Hyperthermia (overheating)
• Hypothermia in cooler climates
• Dehydration
• Long-term skin cancer risk

Safety Measures for Sunlight Therapy

1. Use light-filtering films or specially designed tents to block harmful UV rays
2. Conduct frequent temperature checks to prevent overheating or cooling
3. Limit exposure time and monitor the infant closely
4. Ensure proper hydration and feeding during treatment
5. Protect the infant’s eyes from direct sunlight

Can these safety measures effectively mitigate the risks of sunlight therapy? When properly implemented, these precautions can significantly reduce the potential harm associated with sunlight exposure while allowing infants to benefit from its therapeutic effects.

Guidelines for Implementing Sunlight Therapy

While definitive guidelines for sunlight therapy in neonatal jaundice are still evolving, current research and expert opinions suggest some best practices for its implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Recommended Approach

• Use sunlight as an adjunct to conventional phototherapy when available
• Aim for at least four hours of filtered sunlight exposure per day
• Supplement with electric phototherapy at night or during cloudy periods
• Continuously monitor the infant’s temperature and overall condition
• Ensure proper feeding and hydration throughout the treatment

How long should a baby be exposed to sunlight for jaundice treatment? The optimal duration varies depending on factors such as the severity of jaundice, the infant’s gestational age, and environmental conditions. Generally, experts recommend starting with short periods (15-20 minutes) and gradually increasing to up to 2 hours, twice daily, under close supervision.

Considerations for Different Settings

The implementation of sunlight therapy may vary based on the healthcare setting and available resources:

• Hospital settings: Use specially designed sunlight therapy units or filtered sunlight tents
• Home-based care: Educate parents on safe sunlight exposure techniques and monitoring
• Rural or resource-limited areas: Develop community-based programs for supervised sunlight therapy

Advantages of Sunlight Therapy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where access to conventional phototherapy may be limited, sunlight therapy offers several potential advantages:

• Cost-effectiveness: Requires minimal equipment and utilizes a freely available resource
• Accessibility: Can be implemented in remote areas without electricity
• Ease of use: Simpler to administer than conventional phototherapy
• Cultural acceptance: May align better with local practices and beliefs
• Enhanced bonding: Allows for more direct parent-infant contact during treatment

How significant are these advantages in improving neonatal care in LMIC? The potential impact is substantial, as sunlight therapy could help bridge the gap in jaundice treatment availability, potentially reducing the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia and its complications in resource-limited settings.

Challenges and Limitations of Sunlight Therapy

Despite its potential benefits, sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice faces several challenges and limitations that must be addressed:

Environmental Factors

• Variability in sunlight intensity and duration due to weather conditions
• Seasonal changes affecting treatment availability
• Air pollution potentially reducing sunlight effectiveness

Clinical Considerations

• Difficulty in standardizing treatment protocols
• Potential for inadequate treatment in severe cases
• Need for frequent monitoring and adjustment of exposure

Logistical Challenges

• Training healthcare workers and parents in proper techniques
• Ensuring consistent follow-up and monitoring
• Developing appropriate infrastructure for safe sunlight exposure

Can these challenges be effectively addressed to make sunlight therapy a viable option? With continued research, education, and the development of standardized protocols, many of these limitations could potentially be overcome, making sunlight therapy a more reliable and widely applicable treatment option.

Future Directions in Sunlight Therapy Research

As the potential of sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice continues to be explored, several key areas require further investigation:

Areas for Future Research

1. Long-term safety studies to assess potential risks of skin damage or cancer
2. Development of standardized protocols for sunlight therapy implementation
3. Comparison of different light-filtering methods for optimal safety and efficacy
4. Investigation of combined approaches using sunlight and conventional phototherapy
5. Assessment of sunlight therapy’s effectiveness in different geographic and climatic conditions
6. Evaluation of sunlight therapy’s impact on parent-infant bonding and breastfeeding success

What potential breakthroughs could emerge from this research? Future studies may lead to the development of more sophisticated sunlight therapy units, improved guidelines for safe implementation, and a better understanding of how to integrate sunlight therapy into comprehensive neonatal care strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Technological Innovations

Advancements in technology could further enhance the safety and efficacy of sunlight therapy:

• Smart monitoring devices for real-time tracking of infant temperature and bilirubin levels
• Advanced light-filtering materials that optimize therapeutic light while blocking harmful radiation
• Portable, solar-powered phototherapy units for use in remote areas
• Mobile applications to guide parents and healthcare workers in safe sunlight therapy practices

Integrating Sunlight Therapy into Neonatal Care Protocols

As research on sunlight therapy progresses, healthcare systems, particularly in LMIC, may need to consider how to integrate this approach into existing neonatal care protocols. This integration requires a multifaceted approach:

Policy Development

• Creating evidence-based guidelines for sunlight therapy use
• Establishing safety standards and monitoring protocols
• Incorporating sunlight therapy into national neonatal care strategies

Healthcare Worker Training

• Developing comprehensive training programs on sunlight therapy techniques
• Educating healthcare providers on identifying suitable candidates for sunlight therapy
• Training on proper monitoring and complication management

Community Engagement

• Raising awareness about neonatal jaundice and treatment options
• Educating parents and caregivers on safe sunlight exposure practices
• Addressing cultural beliefs and concerns related to sunlight therapy

How can healthcare systems effectively implement these changes? A phased approach, starting with pilot programs and gradually scaling up based on local evidence and experiences, could help ensure successful integration of sunlight therapy into neonatal care protocols.

Ethical Considerations in Sunlight Therapy Research and Implementation

As with any medical intervention, the use of sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice raises important ethical considerations that must be carefully addressed:

Key Ethical Issues

• Balancing potential benefits against unknown long-term risks
• Ensuring informed consent in research studies and clinical practice
• Addressing disparities in care between high-income and low-income settings
• Considering the cultural and religious implications of sunlight exposure

How can researchers and healthcare providers navigate these ethical challenges? Transparent communication, community engagement, and adherence to international ethical guidelines for neonatal research are crucial steps in addressing these concerns.

Ethical Framework for Sunlight Therapy

1. Prioritize the best interests of the infant
2. Ensure equitable access to treatment options
3. Respect cultural and religious beliefs while promoting evidence-based care
4. Maintain transparency about known benefits and potential risks
5. Continuously monitor and evaluate outcomes to inform ongoing ethical considerations

By adhering to a robust ethical framework, researchers and healthcare providers can help ensure that the exploration and implementation of sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice proceed in a manner that prioritizes patient safety, respects individual rights, and promotes global health equity.

As research into sunlight therapy for neonatal jaundice continues, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective that considers both its potential benefits and limitations. While sunlight therapy shows promise as a complementary or alternative treatment option, particularly in resource-limited settings, more high-quality evidence is needed to establish its long-term safety and efficacy. Healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers must work collaboratively to develop and implement guidelines that ensure the safe and effective use of sunlight therapy, while continuing to explore innovative approaches to improve neonatal care globally.

Sunlight for the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns

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Review question

How safe and effective is sunlight for treating or preventing jaundice (yellowing of the skin, called hyperbilirubinemia) in newborns?

Background

Babies with jaundice are often treated with phototherapy lamps, which emit blue-green light that alters the bilirubin (yellow substance found naturally in the baby’s blood) so that it can be more easily excreted.

Sunlight emits light in a similar spectrum. However, sunlight also emits harmful ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Further, exposing babies to sunlight might mean they could get too warm or too cold, depending on the climate.

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) phototherapy is not always available for babies who need it. Further, babies in these countries can be at increased risk for dangerous jaundice, where the bilirubin in their blood reaches levels that allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to the brain. Babies in LMIC are at increased risk for jaundice for a number of reasons, including poor access to maternal care during pregnancy, increased numbers of blood disorders causing jaundice, and increased risk of infection or birth trauma.

Given that sunlight is readily available, there is an urgent need to determine if sunlight is safe and effective at treating jaundice in babies in LMIC.

Study characteristics

We included three clinical trials containing 1103 infants from two countries. The trials included infants born at or near their due date (35 weeks of gestation or later) who were less than two weeks old. One study evaluated healthy babies, and the other two evaluated babies with jaundice. In one study, the babies received either sunlight therapy or no treatment to assess sunlight for the prevention or reduction of jaundice. In the other two studies, infants with jaundice were randomly assigned to receive treatment with phototherapy machines or to receive sunlight through a light-filtering tent that blocked ultraviolet light and infrared radiation, and these groups were compared for improvement in their jaundice. One study did not comment on funding. The other two studies were funded by the Thrasher Research Fund. Evidence is current to June 2020.

Key results

Sunlight versus no treatment: babies exposed to sunlight may have a reduced occurrence of jaundice and be jaundiced for fewer days compared to babies who have no preventive treatment for jaundice. There was no reduction in readmission to hospital for jaundice in babies exposed to sunlight compared to babies who were not treated.

Sunlight versus other sources of phototherapy: when compared to babies who were exposed to electric phototherapy treatment, babies exposed to sunlight had a similar rate of decline in bilirubin levels. Using light-filtering films, babies exposed to sunlight did not have increased rates of sunburn, dehydration, or hypothermia. Babies exposed to sunlight were at an increased risk of hyperthermia. The effectiveness of sunlight might not be inferior to phototherapy, if sunlight can be delivered for at least four hours per day, and electric phototherapy can be delivered at night when needed.

Certainty of the evidence

The certainty of the evidence for outcomes in all three studies was very low to moderate. It was very low for all the main outcomes in each study. We are uncertain whether sunlight is effective for the prevention or treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in term or late preterm neonates.

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Authors’ conclusions: 

Sunlight may be an effective adjunct to conventional phototherapy in LMIC settings, may allow for rotational use of limited phototherapy machines, and may be preferable to families as it can allow for increased bonding. Filtration of sunlight to block harmful ultraviolet light and frequent temperature checks for babies under sunlight may be warranted for safety. Sunlight may be effective in preventing hyperbilirubinemia in some cases, but these studies have not demonstrated that sunlight alone is effective for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia given its sporadic availability and the low or very low certainty of the evidence in these studies.

Read the full abstract…

Background: 

Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and the other serious complications of severe hyperbilirubinemia in the neonate occur far more frequently in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This is due to several factors that place babies in LMIC at greater risk for hyperbilirubinemia, including increased prevalence of hematologic disorders leading to hemolysis, increased sepsis, less prenatal or postnatal care, and a lack of resources to treat jaundiced babies. Hospitals and clinics face frequent shortages of functioning phototherapy machines and inconsistent access to electricity to run the machines. Sunlight has the potential to treat hyperbilirubinemia: it contains the wavelengths of light that are produced by phototherapy machines. However, it contains harmful ultraviolet light and infrared radiation, and prolonged exposure has the potential to lead to sunburn, skin damage, and hyperthermia or hypothermia.

Objectives: 

To evaluate the efficacy of sunlight administered alone or with filtering or amplifying devices for the prevention and treatment of clinical jaundice or laboratory-diagnosed hyperbilirubinemia in term and late preterm neonates.

Search strategy: 

We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search CENTRAL (2019, Issue 5), MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL on 2 May 2019. We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cluster RCTs.

We updated the searches on 1 June 2020.

Selection criteria: 

We included RCTs, quasi-RCTs, and cluster RCTs. We excluded crossover RCTs. Included studies must have evaluated sunlight (with or without filters or amplification) for the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice in term or late preterm neonates. Neonates must have been enrolled in the study by one-week postnatal age.

Data collection and analysis: 

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Our primary outcomes were: use of conventional phototherapy, treatment failure requiring exchange transfusion, ABE, chronic bilirubin encephalopathy, and death.

Main results: 

We included three RCTs (1103 infants). All three studies had small sample sizes, were unblinded, and were at high risk of bias. We planned to undertake four comparisons, but only found studies reporting on two.

Sunlight with or without filters or amplification compared to no treatment for the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in term and late preterm neonates

One study of twice-daily sunlight exposure (30 to 60 minutes) compared to no treatment reported the incidence of jaundice may be reduced (risk ratio [RR] 0. 61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45 to 0.82; risk difference [RD] −0.14, 95% CI −0.22 to −0.06; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome [NNTB] 7, 95% CI 5 to 17; 1 study, 482 infants; very low-certainty evidence) and the number of days that an infant was jaundiced may be reduced (mean difference [MD] −2.20 days, 95% CI −2.60 to −1.80; 1 study, 482 infants; very low-certainty evidence). There were no data on safety or potential harmful effects of the intervention. The study did not assess use of conventional phototherapy, treatment failure requiring exchange transfusion, ABE, and long-term consequences of hyperbilirubinemia. The study showed that sunlight therapy may reduce rehospitalization rates within seven days of discharge for treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, but the evidence was very uncertain (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.11; RD −0.04, −0.08 to 0.01; 1 study, 482 infants; very low-certainty evidence).

Sunlight with or without filters or amplification compared to other sources of phototherapy for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in infants with confirmed hyperbilirubinemia

Two studies (621 infants) compared the effect of filtered-sunlight exposure to other sources of phototherapy in infants with confirmed hyperbilirubinemia. Filtered-sunlight phototherapy (FSPT) and conventional or intensive electric phototherapy led to a similar number of days of effective treatment (broadly defined as a minimal increase of total serum bilirubin in infants less than 72 hours old and a decrease in total serum bilirubin in infants more than 72 hours old on any day that at least four to five hours of sunlight therapy was available). There may be little or no difference in treatment failure requiring exchange transfusion (typical RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.73; typical RD 0.00, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.01; 2 studies, 621 infants; low-certainty evidence). One study reported ABE, and no infants developed this outcome (RR not estimable; RD 0.00, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.02; 1 study, 174 infants; low-certainty evidence). One study reported death as a reason for study withdrawal; no infants were withdrawn due to death (RR not estimable; typical RD 0.00, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.01; 1 study, 447 infants; low-certainty evidence). Neither study assessed long-term outcomes.

Possible harms: both studies showed a probable increased risk for hyperthermia (body temperature greater than 37.5 °C) with FSPT (typical RR 4.39, 95% CI 2.98 to 6.47; typical RD 0.30, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.36; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome [NNTH] 3, 95% CI 2 to 4; 2 studies, 621 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was probably no difference in hypothermia (body temperature less than 35.5 °C) (typical RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.03; typical RD 0.00, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.04; 2 studies, 621 infants; moderate-certainty evidence).

Health topics: 

Child health > Neonatal care > Neonatal jaundice

Neonatal care > Neonatal jaundice

FAQs About Phototherapy | Newborn Nursery

Phototherapy lights emit light in the blue-green spectrum (wavelengths 430-490nm).  It is NOT ultraviolet light.

“Intensive phototherapy” means the irradiance of the light is at least 30µW/cm2 per nm as measured at the baby’s skin below the center of the phototherapy lamp.   A hand-held radiometer can be used to measure the spectral irradiance emitted by the light.  Because measurements taken directly under the lights will be higher, measurements should ideally be made at several locations and averaged.  The appropriate radiometer will vary based on the phototherapy system used, so manufacturer recommendations should be followed.

With “Conventional phototherapy” the irradiance of the light is less, but actual numbers vary significantly between different manufacturers.  In general, it is not necessary to rountinely measure irradiance when administering phototherapy, but units should be checked periodically to ensure that the lamps are providing adequate irradiance, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

In adults, prolonged exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage.  Although retinal damage from phototherapy has not been reported, eye covers for newborns are standard prophylaxis.

A rare complication (bronze baby syndrome) occurs in some infants with cholestatic jaundice when treated with phototherapy.   With  exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum.  Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.

Another possibility is the development of purpura or bullae in infants with cholestatic jaundice or congenital erythropoietic porphyria.  Because the photosensitivity and blistering can be severe in infants with porphyria, infants who have this diagnosis or a positive family history for this disorder, have an absolute contraindication for phototherapy.

No, although some people who are around blue lights for prolonged periods will feel nauseated. Yellow plastic placed on the outside of the isolette may mitigate this effect.

There are no specific guidelines for when to discontinue phototherapy.  Evidence of hemolysis and age of the infant will impact the duration.  In some cases, phototherapy will only be needed for 24 hours or less, in some cases, it may be required for 5 to 7 days.   The AAP Guidelines suggest that an infant readmitted for hyperbilirubinemia, with a level of 18 mg/dL or more, should have a level of 13 – 14 mg/dL in order to discontinue phototherapy.  In general, serum bilirubin levels should show a significant decrease before the lights are turned off. 

Physical examination for jaundice is not helpful once treatment has started as the yellow color of the skin is temporarily “bleached” by the phototherapy.

The effectiveness of phototherapy is determined largely by the distance between the lamps and the infant, so phototherapy can easily be intensified by bringing the lamps closer to the infant. Because a closed isolette does not allow the lamps to be moved in close, if there is a concern about the effectiveness of phototherapy, an isolette should not be used.

With the infant in an open bassinet, it is possible to bring the lamps to within 10 cm of the infant. An undressed term infant with not be overheated with this arrangement, however, is is important that halogen spotlights NOT be used. Halogen lights can get hot, and burns may result if used this way.  Special blue, regular blue, and cool white lights are all acceptable alternatives.

Increasing the skin surface area exposed to phototherapy will also maximize treatment.  Commonly, an overhead phototherapy unit is combined with a bili blanket that can be place under the infant. Some of these blankets or pads are rather small, so 2 or 3 of these units may be needed to supply more complete coverage from below. Lining the sides of the bassinet with white blankets or aluminum foil can also increase the effectiveness of phototherapy.

Breastfeeding with jaundice | how to do it right

The experience of generations shows that it is quite possible to cure the jaundice of a newborn only by sunbathing. After all, this is how our grandmothers and their grandmothers, and many people before us, were treated. The sunbathing method is old, so it seems tried and true. And mothers today do not see the need for phototherapy, believing that lying in the sun for a child will be much more useful than under the light of complex medical devices.

However, modern research shows that sunbathing is not only ineffective, it is also dangerous. Of course, it is possible to cure jaundice with their help, but only in theory. In practice, the child must be healthy as an ox to survive such therapy. Let’s see why.

Ultraviolet exposure

Many doctors recommend avoiding sun exposure even for adults, let alone a child. During sunbathing, not only useful, healing light, but also harmful ultraviolet radiation enters the skin. It is carcinogenic and causes cancer.

Unlike solar treatments, phototherapy involves the use of soft blue light, without any ultraviolet light. It best breaks down bilirubin molecules and is safe for the child.

Burns and overheating

Coming south, we try to avoid long exposure to the sun until the skin tans. However, we consider it normal to place the baby in direct sunlight as a treatment. Meanwhile, the delicate skin of a child is not yet able to defend itself from the aggressive effects of the heavenly body. Yes, and thermoregulation in a newborn is poorly developed. As a result, during “useful baths”, the baby will easily get burned or sunstroke.

Certified phototherapy equipment goes through many tests to ensure that the baby is safe. The thermal effect there is minimal, so burns are excluded, as well as overheating.

Unfortunate climate

Children are born all year round, and the climate in many places on the planet is far from sunny. In winter, the healing sun still needs to be caught. However, in summer the number of clear days also depends on the location of the windows, the weather. At the same time, the treatment of neonatal jaundice requires an almost continuous presence of the child in the light. To provide it with the help of sunbathing is simply impossible.

Restrictions on treatment time

Due to the risk of burns, heat stroke, the harmfulness of ultraviolet radiation, it is impossible to organize sunbathing for longer than 15 minutes. But, even if it is possible to organize several sessions a day, this is not enough to cure jaundice. The minimum rate is 96 hours, and the faster they pass, the less the risk of complications from elevated bilirubin. Phototherapy makes it possible to treat the baby with long sessions at any time of the day. At the same time, he is comfortable and calm.

Hypothermia and colds

Another risk of sunbathing is hypothermia. When lying in the sun, the child should be naked, which means that he can freeze. It is almost impossible to create a comfortable temperature during the procedure. But it is available to those who have chosen phototherapy: a heater can be placed near the lamp, and the device itself can be placed away from drafts and open windows.

Unpredictable effect

We cannot regulate the sun, so no one can guarantee the effectiveness of sunbathing. Sometimes the sun is too strong and burns the baby’s skin. On other days, on the contrary, it shines too weakly and does not help to remove toxic bilirubin. In general, even if the baby managed to lie in the sun for 96 hours, there is no guarantee that it will work. The photo lamp always shines in the same way with exactly the intensity that is needed. At the same time, its radiation is completely safe.

Discomfort for child and parents

Children do not like bright lights. Being under the sun, they cry, act up. Moms and dads also have to face inconvenience: they have to either bring the baby to the window, or rearrange the crib. Using a photo lamp, parents simply rock the baby in a special hammock, where he sleeps peacefully. The bed lamp is easy to move around the apartment, you can even take it with you to bed.

Complications and risk of hospitalization

Sunbathing is not effective enough, so the child needs additional treatment. As a rule, these are medicines, which, however, also do not always help to achieve the desired result. In the testimony of many, there is not even information that they can be used to treat neonatal jaundice. But there are side effects:

Why do doctors still use them? They follow outdated treatment standards that were developed in case the clinic did not have phototherapy lamps.

The higher the bilirubin level rises, the more the child’s condition worsens. As a result, the doctor may decide to put the baby in a hospital. Most often, a mother with a newborn will not be able to lie down together, because he will be placed in a special room under photo lamps. As a result, the child will still undergo phototherapy, but with stress for the whole family, interruption of breastfeeding and deterioration in the general condition of the body. The effects of stress at an early age will undoubtedly manifest a little later in adulthood in the form of weakness, morbidity, and sometimes deterioration in cognitive functions.

Phototherapy at home is no different from hospital phototherapy. But at home, the baby does not face stress, eats well, gains weight, recovers faster.

Having examined all the shortcomings of sunbathing, we can make an unambiguous conclusion: they are not suitable as the main method of treating jaundice. Moreover, it is better to exclude them altogether, limiting the time the child spends in the sun for a quarter of an hour.

How much sun is enough for your child? – Magazine

Bone health is essential for upright posture and stable walking. Only sunlight, more precisely, ultraviolet radiation, allows the children’s skeleton to develop. Most of the bones of a newborn are made up of cartilage, which undergoes gradual ossification. Bone mineralization itself begins when children receive calcium and phosphorus from their diet: both trace elements are then incorporated into bone development under the influence of vitamin D.

Most foods contain only small amounts of vitamin D, although fish oils and oily fish contain quite a lot. But thanks to UV radiation, we can produce the necessary amount of vitamin D ourselves: this happens when enough sunlight hits the skin.

If there is a lack of vitamin D, the bones cannot develop properly. In infants, acute vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, so taking this vitamin, for example, is recommended for babies in Germany. While breast milk, the best food for infants, contains relatively little vitamin D, commercial infant formula should be fortified with vitamin D (up to 15 micrograms or 600 IU/litre).

To ensure sufficient vitamin D in the skin, infants and older toddlers should be exposed to the sun for 30-60 minutes a day: enough if only the face is exposed and facing a clear sky. Babies don’t need direct sunlight, and they certainly shouldn’t be out in the open without clothes, losing body heat.

But too much sunlight can be harmful, especially for babies and young children. At a tender age, a baby’s skin is thin and has few melanocytes (skin cells that produce the protective pigment melanin). This means that even a relatively short period of sun exposure can cause sunburn. Like any other burn, it is manifested by reddening of the skin, and in severe cases leads to the formation of blisters. Sun exposure during childhood can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This is partly because the child’s immune system is not yet fully developed, so it cannot repair the cell damage caused by the sun’s rays.

Use a sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 20 and up to 50 for your child. avoidable sun exposure.

• The younger the child, the more important it is not to stay under the scorching rays of the sun (especially during the daytime from 11:00 to 16:00).
• The child’s skin should always be covered with light cotton clothing and the head covering should shade the skin of the neck.
• Use sunscreen factor 20 or higher without fragrance or preservatives.
• Sun lotion or cream should be used with extreme caution on the ears, nose and tops of the feet.

Even if sunscreen is applied, this does not mean that children can be exposed to direct sunlight for a longer period of time. If exposure to the sun, despite the precautions mentioned above, has led to sunburn, this condition requires immediate effective treatment.