Is your newborn's skin or eyes turning yellow? Learn the causes, symptoms, home care tips, and when to visit a doctor for newborn jaundice. Dr. Bajrang Singh, Jai Singh Hospital, Azamgarh.

A New Baby, New Joy and Then the Doctor Says "Jaundice"

Your newborn has just arrived home. There is happiness, there is excitement and then the doctor says: "Your baby has jaundice."

In that one moment, the whole family panics. Someone says keep the baby in sunlight, someone else suggests a home remedy but nobody has the right information.

In this article, we will explain why newborn jaundice happens, whether it is dangerous, what you can do at home, and when you must visit a doctor immediately.

What is Newborn Jaundice?

When a newborn baby's skin, eyes or palms start looking yellow, it is called Neonatal Jaundice.

This happens when a substance called Bilirubin builds up too much in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells break down. In adults, the liver clears it easily. But a newborn's liver is not fully developed yet, so bilirubin accumulates and gives the skin a yellow color.

This is very common. 6 out of every 10 full-term newborns develop jaundice in the first week of life. This alone is not a reason to panic.

How to Identify Jaundice in Your Baby

Jaundice can be identified visually. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 days after birth:

• The white part of the eyes and face looks yellow

• Skin appears pale or yellow

• Palms or soles of feet look yellow (this is a more serious sign)

• Baby sleeping too much and feeding less than usual

• Urine color is dark yellow or orange

Jaundice spreads from top to bottom first the face, then the chest, then the belly, then the legs. The further it spreads downward, the more attention is needed.

What to Do at Home

1. Feed Frequently

This is the single most important step. Feed your baby 10 to 12 times a day. The more your baby feeds, the more bowel movements happen and bilirubin exits the body through stool.

2. Keep the Baby Hydrated

Mother's milk is the best option. Do not give extra water separately as it is not appropriate for newborns.

3. Keep Follow-up Appointments

Visit the doctor at the scheduled time without fail. Bilirubin levels can only be accurately measured through a blood test, not by guessing from skin color alone.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Some signs require absolutely no delay:

• Yellowing has spread from the belly down to the legs and feet

• Baby is very difficult to wake up and refuses to feed even when woken

• Baby's cry sounds unusually high-pitched or different from normal

• Baby's body feels stiff or arched

• Very little or no urine output

• Jaundice continues beyond 2 weeks of age

These signs indicate that bilirubin levels may have reached a dangerous level and immediate treatment is required.

How is Jaundice Treated at the Hospital?

When blood test results show bilirubin is too high, the doctor recommends Phototherapy.

In phototherapy, the baby is placed under a special blue light. This light helps the liver break down the bilirubin accumulated in the skin. The treatment is completely safe, painless and usually shows results within 1 to 2 days.

There is no need to be afraid. It is a very standard and well-tested treatment used across the world.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

• Waiting too long: Thinking "let us wait a few more days" and delaying the doctor visit

• Trying home remedies: Giving honey, ghee or water does not reduce bilirubin levels

• Feeding less: Parents let the baby sleep thinking the baby is tired, but less feeding actually worsens jaundice

• Judging only by color: The only accurate way to measure jaundice severity is a blood test, not visual inspection

A Final Note for Parents

Newborn jaundice resolves on its own in most cases but staying alert and visiting your doctor at the right time is essential. Parents who are informed can take better care of their child.

If your newborn is showing signs of jaundice or you would like a check-up, visit Dr. Bajrang Singh (MBBS, MD Pediatrics) at Jai Singh Hospital. He brings over 11 years of experience in pediatric care.

Jai Singh Hospital
Sarai Mandraj, Behind HMPS School
Kartalpur Bypass, Azamgarh 276001, UP

Pediatric OPD Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 1:30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM
Sunday: Morning only

Phone: +91 99192 85888
Email: contact@jaisinghhospital.com