Newborn Jaundice: Signs and Care

It’s natural to notice every little change in your baby during those first few days. One common change is jaundice — a yellow tint to the skin or eyes that affects many newborns. Most cases are mild and clear up on their own, but it’s important to know what to watch for and when to call your baby’s doctor.

What Is Jaundice?

A small amount of jaundice is common in full-term babies and even more common in premature babies. It usually appears within three to five days after birth and disappears within two weeks without treatment.

Before going home, your baby will be screened for jaundice and checked for follow-up needs. If your baby goes home within 72 hours of birth, check their skin color daily and schedule a visit with your doctor or nurse within one to three days.

Why It Happens

Most newborns have more red blood cells than they need. When these break down, they release bilirubin, a yellow pigment that’s processed by the liver. Because a newborn’s liver is still maturing, bilirubin can build up, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Call your baby’s healthcare provider if you notice yellowing after leaving the hospital or have any concerns.

Common Causes of Jaundice

Your baby may be more likely to develop jaundice if they have:

• Blood type incompatibility (when the baby’s blood type differs from the mother’s)
• Bruising during birth
• Not being fed often or long enough
• Prematurity (being born two or more weeks early)

How to Check for Jaundice

You can do a simple check at home:

1. Undress your baby and place them on a white sheet or blanket.
2. Gently press on your baby’s nose, chest, and leg. Watch for a yellow color when you release your finger.
3. Check the whites of their eyes and inside of their mouth for a yellow tinge.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider right away if your baby:

• Appears limp or floppy
• Cries with a high-pitched sound
• Has yellowing after you press on the skin
• Is very fussy and doesn’t eat or sleep well
• Is very sleepy or skips feedings
• Moves very little or seems unusually still

Testing and Treatment

Bilirubin levels are checked with a small blood test or a special device on the skin.

If levels are slightly high, treatment may include:

• Frequent feedings to help clear bilirubin
• Phototherapy, using special light to break down bilirubin (done in the hospital or sometimes at home)
• Short-term supplementation if needed — expressed breast milk is preferred over formula. Continue nursing or pumping 8–12 times a day to protect your milk supply.
• Water is not recommended for infants. Never give your baby water without talking to their doctor first.

Preventing Jaundice

Feed your baby early and often in the first few days. Follow your provider’s instructions on how much and how often to feed — this helps your baby’s body eliminate bilirubin naturally.

Most newborn jaundice is mild and clears up quickly. Keep an eye on your baby’s color, feeding, and alertness, and call your provider with any concerns. You’re not alone — your care team is there to help your little one stay healthy and thrive.