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Infant Jaundice: What Parents Should Know
Seeing a newborn’s skin or eyes look yellow can worry parents. This may be jaundice, a common condition in the first days of life in which a substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Many newborns improve with monitoring and feeding support, but jaundice can sometimes become serious. Timely assessment is important.
What Is Newborn Jaundice?
Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. A newborn’s liver is still developing and may not remove bilirubin as efficiently as an older child’s liver. As bilirubin rises, yellow colour may appear first on the face and then become more noticeable on the body.
Jaundice often appears after the first 24 hours of life, but the timing and bilirubin level matter. A baby can have a significant bilirubin level even when the yellow colour is difficult to judge by looking.
Why Does Jaundice Occur?
Common reasons include normal newborn adaptation, prematurity, bruising during birth, blood-group incompatibility and difficulty getting enough milk in the early days. Less commonly, infection, liver or blood disorders and other medical conditions may be involved.
Breastfeeding should generally continue. Some babies need extra feeding support if they are not transferring enough milk or are becoming dehydrated. Do not stop breastfeeding or give water, sugar water or home remedies unless a qualified clinician specifically advises a feeding plan.
How Is Jaundice Assessed?
A healthcare professional checks the baby’s age in hours, gestational age, feeding, weight, general condition and risk factors. Bilirubin may be measured using a skin device or a blood test. Treatment decisions depend on the bilirubin level plotted against the baby’s age in hours and other risk factors—not on skin colour alone.
Treatment and Care
Many babies need observation and feeding support. If the bilirubin level reaches the treatment threshold, phototherapy may be recommended. During phototherapy, special blue-spectrum light helps the baby’s body process bilirubin. The baby is monitored, and feeding continues with support.
Very high bilirubin levels require urgent specialist care. In rare situations, additional treatment may be needed. Sunlight exposure is not a safe substitute for prescribed phototherapy; direct sun can cause overheating or sunburn and does not provide controlled treatment.
Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore
Seek urgent medical assessment if jaundice appears in the first 24 hours after birth, the yellow colour is spreading or becoming deeper, or your baby is difficult to wake, unusually floppy, feeding poorly, has a high-pitched cry, fever, breathing difficulty or unusual movements. Very pale or chalky stools, dark urine that stains the nappy, or signs of dehydration also need prompt assessment.
If your newborn is unresponsive, has a seizure or is struggling to breathe, seek emergency care immediately.
How Parents Can Support Their Baby
- Attend newborn checks and follow the recommended bilirubin testing plan.
- Feed your baby frequently according to the advice of your maternity or newborn-care team.
- Ask for help with latch and milk transfer if feeding is difficult.
- Monitor wet and dirty nappies as advised by your clinician.
- Do not use home remedies or delay review because the baby appears otherwise comfortable.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Is newborn jaundice common?
Yes. It is common in the first days of life, but every baby with suspected jaundice should be assessed according to age and risk factors.
Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has jaundice?
Usually, breastfeeding should continue with feeding support. Follow the individualized advice of your baby’s healthcare team.
Can sunlight cure jaundice?
No. Sunlight is not a safe or reliable replacement for medical assessment and prescribed phototherapy.
When should I take my baby to a doctor?
Contact your newborn-care team promptly if you notice yellow skin or eyes. Seek urgent care for jaundice in the first 24 hours or any warning signs described above.
How Dr. Monika Agarwal Supports You
Care after delivery includes helping parents understand maternal recovery, feeding and when a newborn needs medical attention. Dr. Monika Agarwal, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician in Siliguri, encourages parents to attend recommended postnatal reviews and seek prompt assessment whenever they are concerned about their baby’s health. A newborn with suspected jaundice may also need direct evaluation by a paediatrician or neonatal specialist.
Conclusion
Newborn jaundice is common, but its severity cannot be judged reliably by appearance alone. Early assessment, appropriate bilirubin testing, feeding support and timely treatment help protect your baby. If you notice yellowing or changes in feeding or alertness, contact a healthcare professional without delay.
For maternity and postnatal appointments with Dr. Monika Agarwal, call +91 89183 33029 or +91 70296 75484.
