Newborn Jaundice: What Parents Should Know

If your newborn's skin or eyes look yellowish, you might be seeing jaundice. It's one of the most common conditions in newborns and usually isn't serious. But it's important to understand what it is and when it needs attention.

Important: Jaundice sometimes requires medical treatment. This article provides general information. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance and contact them if you notice yellowing in your newborn.

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by elevated bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.

In adults, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body. Newborn livers are still maturing and can't always keep up with bilirubin production. This allows bilirubin to accumulate, causing the yellow color.

The AAP notes that most newborns have some jaundice in the first week of life. It's very common.

When Does It Appear?

Typical jaundice patterns:

Day 1: Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours requires immediate evaluation. This is not typical physiological jaundice.

Days 2-3: Most common time for jaundice to appear.

Days 3-5: Often peaks around this time.

Days 5-7 and beyond: Usually starts to fade. In breastfed babies, may last longer (breast milk jaundice), which is usually harmless.

If jaundice appears in the first 24 hours or lasts beyond 2 to 3 weeks, your pediatrician will want to investigate further.

Signs of Jaundice

Look for:

Yellowing of the skin, starting on the face and spreading downward. Yellow tint in the whites of the eyes. Skin that looks yellow when you press on it and release.

Jaundice can be harder to see in babies with darker skin. Look at the whites of the eyes and the palms and soles.

Your baby's bilirubin may be checked before hospital discharge and at early pediatrician visits.

Risk Factors

Some babies are more likely to develop jaundice:

Premature babies (born before 37 weeks). Babies with blood type incompatibility with mother. Babies with siblings who had jaundice. Bruising from birth (breaks down more red blood cells). Babies who aren't eating well.

How Is Jaundice Treated?

Treatment depends on bilirubin levels, baby's age, and other factors.

Feeding: Frequent feeding (8 to 12 times per day) helps baby pass bilirubin through stool. Feeding well is the most important thing you can do.

Phototherapy: If bilirubin is high enough to require treatment, phototherapy (light therapy) is the standard approach. Baby is placed under special blue lights that help break down bilirubin. This is done in the hospital or sometimes at home with a phototherapy blanket.

Exchange transfusion: In rare severe cases, blood transfusion may be needed. This is uncommon.

Most jaundice resolves with feeding and possibly phototherapy. Severe untreated jaundice can cause brain damage, which is why monitoring and treatment are important.

What You Can Do

Feed frequently: This is the most important thing. Whether breast or bottle feeding, frequent feeding helps eliminate bilirubin.

Watch for signs: Check your baby's skin and eyes daily in good light. Report increasing yellow color to your doctor.

Keep pediatrician appointments: Early follow-up visits after hospital discharge often include bilirubin checks. Don't skip these.

Follow doctor's instructions: If phototherapy is recommended, follow instructions carefully.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if:

Yellowing appears in the first 24 hours. Yellowing spreads to arms, legs, and abdomen. Yellow color seems to be getting darker. Baby is feeding poorly or seems very sleepy. Baby has fewer wet or dirty diapers than expected. Baby has a high-pitched cry. Jaundice hasn't improved by 2 weeks.

Breastfeeding and Jaundice

There are two types of jaundice associated with breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding jaundice: Happens in the first week when babies aren't getting enough milk (often due to feeding difficulties). The solution is more feeding, not less. Work with a lactation consultant if needed.

Breast milk jaundice: Can start after the first week and last several weeks. It's caused by substances in breast milk that affect how the liver processes bilirubin. It's usually harmless and resolves on its own. Continued breastfeeding is typically recommended.

If your breastfed baby has jaundice, talk to your pediatrician. Don't stop breastfeeding without medical guidance.

Tracking Feeds

During the jaundice period, tracking feeds is helpful. Log every feed to ensure baby is eating frequently enough.

Diaper tracking matters too. Adequate wet and dirty diapers indicate baby is eating well and passing bilirubin.

This information is valuable when talking to your pediatrician about how things are going.

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BabyZone helps you track feeding and diaper output, making it easy to monitor your newborn's intake during the critical early days.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss jaundice with your pediatrician.