Why Is My Baby Yellow? (JAUNDICE)

A Gentle Guide to Newborn Jaundice. Many parents notice their baby’s skin or eyes looking yellow in the first few days after birth. This is called jaundice and it is very common in newborns. About 60% of fullterm babies and 80% of preterm babies develop some jaundice in their first week of life. Most of the time it is normal and temporary, but sometimes jaundice needs medical attention. That is why it is important to have any jaundice checked by a healthcare professional. What Is Jaundice? Jaundice happens when a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in a baby’s blood. Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In newborns, the liver is still developing and may not remove bilirubin quickly enough. This causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to look yellow. How Parents Usually Notice It Parents often notice jaundice when: Their baby’s eyes look yellow. The face or nose appears yellow in natural light. The yellow colour spreads to the chest or tummy. Because it’s hard to judge bilirubin levels just by looking, any jaundice should be checked by a doctor or nurse. Common Types of Jaundice Normal (Physiological) Jaundice This is the most common type. Appears after the first 24 hours Peaks around day 3–5 Usually disappears within 1–2 weeks Breastfeeding Jaundice Sometimes jaundice happens when babies are not feeding enough in the first few days. Frequent feeding helps babies pass stools, which helps remove bilirubin from the body. Breast Milk Jaundice Some healthy breastfed babies may stay slightly yellow after the first week. These babies are usually feeding well and growing normally and the jaundice slowly improves. Jaundice That Needs Medical Attention Some types of jaundice are caused by medical conditions such as: Blood group differences between mother and baby Infection Faster breakdown of red blood cells These can appear very early (within the first 24 hours) or increase quickly. When Should You Seek Help? Contact your doctor or clinic if: When you notice jaundice on your baby The yellow colour spreads to the arms, legs, palms or feet Your baby is very sleepy or hard to wake Your baby is not feeding well Even if your baby seems well, it’s best to have jaundice checked early. How Is Jaundice Treated? Most babies do not need treatment. If bilirubin levels become too high, we may use phototherapy, where the baby lies under special blue lights that help break down bilirubin. This treatment is safe and painless. Frequently Asked Questions Is sunlight effective for treating jaundice? Mild indirect sunlight may help slightly, but it cannot replace phototherapy. Never place your baby in direct sunlight to treat jaundice. Can jaundice come back after treatment? Yes, bilirubin levels can rise again. That is why follow up checks are important. Does jaundice mean liver disease? Usually not. Most newborn jaundice is normal and temporary. If it lasts longer than 2–3 weeks, your doctor may do further tests. Early assessment helps ensure your baby stays safe and healthy. If you have concerns, please contact us. We are here to help.