Jaundice in the Newborn

Jaundice in the Newborn

Jaundice is when the skin, the whites of the eyes, and the parts of the body that have mucus turn a yellow color. This is usually caused by the baby’s liver not being fully mature yet.

Jaundice usually lasts about 2–3 weeks in babies who are breastfed. It usually clears up in less than 2 weeks in babies who are formula fed.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Watch your baby to see if he or she is getting more yellow. Undress your baby and look at his or her skin under natural sunlight. You may not be able to see the yellow color under regular house lamps or lights.
  • You may be given lights or a blanket that treats jaundice. Follow the directions the doctor gave you about how to use them.
    • Cover your baby’s eyes while he or she is under the lights.
    • Only take your baby out of the light for feedings and diaper changes. Avoid interruptions.
  • Feed your baby often.
    • If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby 8–12 times a day.
    • Use added fluids only as told by your baby’s doctor.
  • Keep track of how many times your baby pees (urinates) and poops (has a bowel movement) each day. Watch for changes.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your baby’s doctor. This is important. Your baby may need blood tests.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your baby’s jaundice lasts more than 2 weeks.
  • Your baby stops wetting diapers normally. During the first four days after birth, your baby should have:
    • 4–6 wet diapers a day.
    • 3–4 stools a day.
  • Your baby gets fussier than normal.
  • Your baby is sleepier than normal.
  • Your baby has a fever.
  • Your baby throws up (vomits) more than normal.
  • Your baby is not nursing or bottle-feeding well.
  • Your baby does not gain weight as expected.
  • Your baby’s body gets more yellow.
  • The yellow color spreads to your baby’s arms, legs, and feet.
  • Your baby gets a rash after being treated with lights.

Get help right away if:

  • Your baby turns blue.
  • Your baby stops breathing.
  • Your baby starts to look or act sick.
  • Your baby is very sleepy or is hard to wake up.
  • Your baby seems floppy or arches his or her back.
  • Your baby has an unusual or high-pitched cry.
  • Your baby has movements that are not normal.
  • Your baby’s eyes move oddly.
  • Your baby who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

  • Jaundice is when the skin, the whites of the eyes, and the parts of the body that have mucus turn a yellow color.
  • Jaundice usually lasts about 2–3 weeks in babies who are breastfed. It usually clears up in less than 2 weeks in babies who are formula fed.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your baby’s doctor. This is important. Your baby may need blood tests.
  • Contact the doctor if your baby is not feeling well, or if the jaundice lasts more than 2 weeks.
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