Is Sunlight Enough for Your Baby's Vitamin D? Why Drops Are Still Needed

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Should a baby be exposed to sunlight for vitamin D or not? This video explains why sunlight alone is not enough in practice. The science vs the practical reality: Sunlight does give vitamin D — that is a scientific fact. But practically it is not that effective. The UVB rays that come into contact with our skin and make vitamin D are present in the sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm. However, that 10 to 3 sunlight is very harsh — keeping a baby out at that time can cause sunburn and many other problems. So it is not safe to keep the baby in direct sunlight during those hours, and that is why a baby cannot get vitamin D fully from sunlight, even though scientifically it works. The recommendation: Because of this, every child should be given vitamin D daily from birth up to one year of age. The drop that comes in 400 international units comes as 400 per ml, and 1 ml should be given. Relevant for: parents asking whether sunlight is enough for their baby's vitamin D; parents wondering what time of day to put the baby in the sun and whether it is safe; parents concerned about sunburn and sun exposure in infants; and parents asking whether vitamin D drops are necessary and what the daily dose is from birth to one year. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician for the correct vitamin D brand and dose for your child, and follow the strength printed on your bottle.