A yellowish tinge to your newborn's skin and eyes can be alarming to see, but neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in newborns — affecting a majority of babies to some degree in their first week of life.
Why Does Jaundice Happen?
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up faster than a newborn's immature liver can process it. In most babies, this is a temporary and harmless phase known as physiological jaundice.
When It Needs Attention
- Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life
- The yellow color spreads to the arms, legs, or abdomen (not just the face)
- Your baby is unusually sleepy, feeding poorly, or difficult to wake
- Jaundice persists beyond 2 weeks
- Stools are pale or urine is dark yellow
Phototherapy: The Standard Treatment
When bilirubin levels are high enough to need treatment, phototherapy is the standard, well-established approach. Your baby is placed under special blue-spectrum lights (with eyes protected) that help the body break down and eliminate bilirubin more efficiently. Phototherapy is safe, closely monitored, and most babies respond well within a day or two.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Frequent feeding: Regular breastfeeding or formula feeding helps the body clear bilirubin faster.
Watch, don't panic: Mild jaundice in the face is common and usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks.
Follow-up checkups: Your pediatrician will check bilirubin levels at routine newborn visits, especially in the first week.
If you're concerned about jaundice in your newborn, Dr. Deore's practice includes dedicated neonatal care and phototherapy support, with hospital-grade backup available through Deore Superspeciality Hospital's NICU when needed. Book a newborn checkup if you have any concerns.