When your baby is born, they might have something called jaundice. It sounds scary, but don’t worry – it’s actually pretty common! In fact, many newborns have jaundice for a little while. It makes their skin and eyes look a little yellow because of extra bilirubin in their blood. But what happens when your baby is 3-6 months old? Should you still be worried about jaundice? Let’s take a look!
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice happens when there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. When babies are born, their liver might not be strong enough yet to get rid of all the bilirubin. So, their skin turns yellow – it’s not a big deal, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
For most babies, jaundice goes away on its own in a week or two. But sometimes, doctors need to help babies get better faster.
Monitoring Jaundice Between 3-6 Months
By the time your baby is 3-6 months old, their body is stronger and their liver is working better. So, you might think jaundice is no longer an issue, right? Actually, that’s mostly true, but here are some things to remember:
- Jaundice After 2 Weeks
If your baby still has yellow skin after 2 weeks, that’s when you should start thinking about checking in with the doctor. While it’s not very common for jaundice to last that long, it can happen in some cases (especially for babies born early). If your baby has jaundice past 2 weeks, it might mean their liver is still having trouble, or they might have other conditions that need checking out. So, a doctor’s visit is always a good idea. - When to Worry
By 3-6 months, most babies who had jaundice at birth won’t have it anymore. However, if you notice any of the following, you should call the doctor:- Your baby’s skin or eyes still look yellow.
- Your baby is extra sleepy or hard to wake up.
- Your baby isn’t eating or breastfeeding well.
- Your baby is not gaining weight as expected.
- The yellow skin gets worse, not better.
- Jaundice After 3 Months
After your baby is 3 months old, jaundice is even less common. If you see yellow skin at this stage, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician just to be safe. It might mean something else is going on, like liver problems or a blood disorder. - What the Doctor Will Do
Your doctor will check your baby’s skin, eyes, and may even do some blood tests. Don’t be scared – it’s all to make sure everything is okay! The doctor might check bilirubin levels to see if treatment is needed. Sometimes, babies need a little extra help, like special lights that help break down the bilirubin (called phototherapy). But again, most babies don’t need anything after 6 months.
Fun Fact: What’s in a Name?
Did you know that the word jaundice comes from the French word jaune, which means “yellow”? It’s a great name because it describes exactly what happens – the skin turns yellow!
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How to Help Your Baby Stay Healthy
To make sure your baby stays healthy and happy, make sure to:
- Feed them well: Breastfeeding or formula feeding helps babies digest properly, which is important for their liver.
- Keep track of milestones: Check in with your doctor during regular checkups to make sure your baby is hitting all their growth milestones.
- Ask questions: If you notice anything unusual, it’s always okay to ask the doctor questions – they’re there to help!
In Conclusion:
Jaundice is something most babies get when they’re born, but it usually goes away quickly. If your baby is between 3-6 months old and you notice yellow skin or eyes, it’s probably nothing to worry about, but it’s always smart to check with your doctor. Remember, your baby’s liver is working hard to keep them healthy!
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Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Jaundice in Newborns.” cdc.gov
- Mayo Clinic, “Jaundice in Babies.” mayoclinic.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “Liver Disease in Children.” niddk.nih.gov
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.
