[kaitari]

My newborn daughter's pediatrician recently told my wife and I how important it is to sit in front of the window with our daughter, specifically for vitamin D generation via sunlight exposure (as opposed to taking her outside right now because it's very cold/winter). I guess I (and perhaps all parents of winter babies?) should ask about a vitamin D supplement.

[bluntfang]

or just go outside with your baby. humans are pretty resilient, especially the rubbery little ones and they are really good at telling you when they are uncomfortable.

[pricecomstock]

Sunlight does not provide enough UVB for sufficient vitamin D production above a surprisingly low latitude (35N) during the winter months.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/well/live/do-i-get-enough...

[bluntfang]

Great to know! I just started supplementing vitamin D this year in New England, and it seems like it's really helpful.

I think a big part of my point was about the resiliency of children. It's worrying that new parents are scared to experience the world with their children.

[ip26]

New parents are still getting up to speed on what is a real danger and what isn't. There are plenty of legitimate dangers that require consideration, as well as scary things that are in fact perfectly fine.

[EADGBE]

This is a common trait of new parents. It weans off; quickly for most.

[mikemac]

as a new-ish parent, i'd love to get my kids outside to soak up sunlight but it's nearly impossible to stay outside for any meaningful amount of time in the northeast winter.

[bluntfang]

I've seen parents schlep <1 year old babies up some of the White Mountains in mild winter conditions (snow on the ground, below 32F, etc). I think you are doing something wrong.

[viggity]

ignoring the glass - in the winter much of the US is at too high a lattitude to get any UVB, as it bounces off the atmosphere because the angle of attack is too shallow. The sun needs to be at least 50degrees above the horizon for UVB to penetrate the atmosphere. In an iowa winter, even at its apogee the sun is only ever 26deg above the horizon

[thedmstdmstdmst]

You should definitely check out a Vitamin D supplement for your daughter. Where I am from we have reduced sunlight during winter months and it is something all the pediatricians have recommended and asked if we are doing because of the lack of sunlight.

[Dolores12]

How much cold is 'very cold'?

[nicwolff]

Or look for another pediatrician!