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Neonatal Jaundice
Yellowing of a newborn’s skin and eyes is very common in the first days of life and usually harmless. A few babies need treatment, so it is always worth checking.
Causes & risk factors
- Normal build-up of bilirubin as a newborn’s liver matures (physiological)
- Breastfeeding-related jaundice in the early days
- Blood group incompatibility between mother and baby
- Infection
- Prematurity
- Rarely, liver or metabolic problems
Common symptoms
- Yellow tinge to the skin
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Sleepiness or poor feeding
- Yellowing spreading from face downwards
- Pale stools or dark urine (needs urgent review)
Tests & diagnosis
- Bilirubin level
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood group and Coombs test
- Transcutaneous bilirubin (skin) check
Treatment & management
- Mild jaundice often needs only frequent feeding and monitoring
- Phototherapy (light treatment) for higher bilirubin levels
- Ensure the baby feeds well to help clear bilirubin
- Exchange transfusion in rare, severe cases
- Treat any underlying cause such as infection
When to see a doctor urgently
- Jaundice in the first 24 hours of life — seek urgent care
- A deeply yellow baby, or yellowing of the palms and soles — urgent
- A very sleepy baby, poor feeding, high-pitched cry or arching — emergency
- Jaundice lasting beyond 2 weeks, or pale stools and dark urine — get seen
Frequently asked questions
Is newborn jaundice dangerous?
Most is mild and harmless and fades within a couple of weeks. Very high bilirubin levels can rarely affect the brain, which is why levels are checked and treated with light therapy when needed.
Does sunlight treat jaundice?
Placing a baby in direct sunlight is not a safe or reliable treatment and risks overheating or sunburn. If treatment is needed, medical phototherapy is used. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.