Jaundice: What it is and When to Worry

A must-know guide for parents navigating the early days.

Jaundice is one of the most common concerns for newborns in the first week of life—and while it sounds scary, it’s often completely manageable with early detection and proper care.

Let’s break down what jaundice is, what signs to watch for, and when to seek help.

💛 What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is the **yellowing of a newborn’s skin and eyes** caused by a buildup of a substance called **bilirubin** in the blood.

Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Newborns have more red blood cells than they need, and their tiny livers are still developing the ability to filter and remove bilirubin efficiently.

As a result, it’s very common for babies to develop **physiological jaundice** within the first 2–5 days of life.

⚠️ When Jaundice Becomes a Concern

While mild jaundice is normal and often resolves on its own, it can become serious if bilirubin levels get too high.

Red Flags to Watch For:

* Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

* Very sleepy baby who is hard to wake for feeds

* Poor feeding or dry mouth

* Decreased wet or dirty diapers

* Lethargy, limpness, or floppiness

🩺 If you notice any of the above, contact your care provider or head to the ER! These symptoms can indicate that bilirubin levels may be rising to a point that requires further treatment.

Why Feeding Matters

The main way babies clear out excess bilirubin is by POOPING.

That means the more your baby feeds, the more they poop, and the more bilirubin exits their system.

Ways to Help:

Feed every 2–3 hours, even overnight (clock starts from the beginning of a feed)

If breastfeeding is difficult, supplement with expressed milk or formula under guidance

Track wet and dirty diapers (at least 5–6 wets and several poops by day 5)

Feeding is the number one thing you can do at home to help your baby process and clear out bilirubin.

🔆 What is Phototherapy?

If your baby's bilirubin levels are too high, they may need **phototherapy**—a safe, effective treatment that helps break down bilirubin through light exposure.

How It Works:

Baby lies under a blue light or wears a phototherapy blanket

They wear only a diaper (with eye protection if under lights)

Blood work is completed frequently to monitor bilirubin levels

Most babies only need 24–48 hours of phototherapy, often done in the hospital or at home with community nursing support.

👩‍⚕️ When Will My Baby Be Checked?

Babies are typically screened for jaundice:

Within the first 24–72 hours after birth (especially if early discharge)

Again at their first follow-up appointment (usually within 1–3 days of going home)

Some hospitals use a skin bilirubin scanner, while others check bilirubin through a heel prick blood test.

If your baby is born early, had bruising during delivery, or has a different blood type than you, they may be at higher risk for jaundice and need closer monitoring.

👣 Pro Tip: Keep Track of Diapers & Feeds

Bring a log of feedings and diaper changes (pee’s and poops) to your baby's follow-up appointment. It helps your care provider assess hydration and how well baby is clearing bilirubin.

💬 Final Thoughts

Jaundice can be scary to hear about, but it’s incredibly common and usually very treatable. The best thing you can do is feed frequently, learn and watch for the signs, and trust your instincts.

If something feels off—get your baby checked. You are your baby’s best advocate.