What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is when a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes turn yellow. It happens because their body has too much bilirubin, a yellow substance that forms when the body breaks down old red blood cells. The liver usually helps remove bilirubin, but in newborns, the liver might need extra time to catch up (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
How to Tell if Your Baby Has Jaundice
- Press test: Gently press on your baby’s forehead or nose. If the skin looks yellow where you pressed, your baby might have jaundice (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
- Check in bright light: Look at your baby’s skin in natural daylight or under bright indoor light.
- Watch for changes: Jaundice usually starts on the face and moves down to the chest, belly, and legs.
- Monitor their behavior: If your baby is extra sleepy, fussy, or not eating well, let your doctor know (KidsHealth, 2023).
How does Jaundice develop in a baby?
How to Help Manage Jaundice at Home
Most mild jaundice cases go away on their own in 1 to 2 weeks, but you can help your baby’s body get rid of bilirubin faster:
✅ Feed Your Baby Often
- Breastfeed at least 8-12 times a day to help your baby poop more, which removes bilirubin.
- If formula-feeding, offer 1.5 to 3 ounces every 2-3 hours.
- Not eating well? Call your doctor for help (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
✅ Sunlight Exposure
- Place your baby near a sunny window for short periods.
- Do not put them in direct sunlight (this can cause sunburn).
- Natural light helps break down bilirubin (AAP, 2023).
✅ Monitor the Yellow Color
- If jaundice spreads down to the belly or legs, call your pediatrician.
- If it lasts more than two weeks, a doctor may need to check for other causes (UpToDate, 2023).
✅ Keep Your Baby Awake During Feeds
- Gently rub their back, tickle their feet, or change their diaper to keep them alert while feeding.
- Sleepy babies may not eat enough, which slows down bilirubin removal (KidsHealth, 2023).
✅ Track Wet and Dirty Diapers
- More diapers = More bilirubin out!
- Your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3 or more poops per day by their fifth day of life.
When to Call the Doctor
🚨 Call your pediatrician if your baby:
- Is very sleepy or hard to wake up for feedings.
- Has deep yellow skin or yellowing in their legs.
- Is not eating well or not gaining weight.
- Has dark urine (instead of clear or pale yellow).
- Has pale or chalky poop (instead of yellow or green).
- Develops jaundice before 24 hours old or still has it after 2 weeks.
Medical Treatments for Jaundice
If bilirubin levels are too high, doctors may suggest:
🩺 Phototherapy (Light Treatment)
- A special blue light helps break down bilirubin.
- Your baby will wear a diaper and tiny sunglasses (adorable, but necessary!).
- Most babies improve within a few days (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
💧 Supplemental Feeding
- If a baby isn’t eating enough, doctors may recommend extra breast milk or formula to help bilirubin exit through poop.
💉 Rare but Serious Cases
- Very high bilirubin levels can lead to serious complications.
- Blood transfusions are a last resort for extreme cases (UpToDate, 2023).
Reassurance for Parents
We know jaundice sounds scary, but here’s the good news:
✨ It’s common—about 60% of newborns have some jaundice in their first week! ✨ Most cases are mild and go away on their own with extra feeding and time. ✨ Doctors check for jaundice at birth and at follow-up visits, so you’re not alone in monitoring it. ✨ If caught early, jaundice is easily treated with simple steps like feeding, light exposure, and occasional phototherapy.
Remember: You’re already doing a great job by learning how to care for your little one! ❤️
Videos on Jaundice Detection & Management
- English:
- Spanish:
Bibliography
- Mayo Clinic – Infant jaundice – Symptoms & causes
- KidsHealth – Jaundice in Newborns
- Cleveland Clinic – Jaundice in Newborns: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – What is Newborn Jaundice?
- UpToDate – Jaundice in newborn infants (Beyond the Basics)
Images used:
1.Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
2. Jaundice in breast-fed babies – Love and Breast Milk
3. Jaundice in Newborns: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Final Thought: Jaundice is common, temporary, and treatable! Keep feeding your baby, watching for signs, and talking to your doctor if needed. You’ve got this! 💛
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by our nonprofit is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information and are not liable for any decisions made based on it. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
