Newborn Jaundice: What Parents Should Watch For

August 10, 2025

Blogs, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics

Newborn Jaundice: What Parents Should Watch For

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
10 August, 2025

Aug-Newborn Jaundice_ What Parents Should Watch For

Signs Of Severe Jaundice In Newborn Baby-

Mild jaundice is almost expected in Indian hospitals in the first week after birth, but what truly matters is recognising when that gentle tint transforms into a warning sign that the liver is struggling to keep pace with bilirubin. The body of a newborn is not always able to filter blood efficiently and this inefficiency paints the skin and eyes in deeper hues, sometimes spreading from face to chest and then to the limbs. When yellowness intensifies rather than fades, when the whites of the eyes gleam almost saffron in shade, what was once common jaundice may have crossed into dangerous territory, demanding swift medical care.

Breastfeeding And Neonatal Jaundice Feeding Frequency-

Feeding a newborn is not merely about nourishment but about keeping bilirubin moving along the natural exit routes of the body, because breast milk fuels not just growth but also the flushing of waste. So, every time the baby suckles, stools form and with stools, bilirubin leaves the body, which is why doctors emphasise frequency above all, especially in the early days. Babies who feed too little risk dehydration and sluggish bowels, making jaundice linger longer. Ideally speaking, jaundiced newborns need to feed eight to twelve times in twenty-four hours – even if it means waking a drowsy baby, as breastmilk helps in weight gain and strengthens immunity, all of which will help in the long run.

Newborn Jaundice Home Care Tips From Paediatricians-

For parents in India where family wisdom and medical advice often intertwine, home care for jaundice can feel confusing, yet what paediatricians consistently stress is simplicity: frequent breastfeeding, hydration and observation. While indirect morning sunlight may help a little, it is never a replacement for medical treatment when bilirubin levels are high. So, what truly matters at home is keeping track of feeds, watching nappies fill with wetness and stools, noting whether yellowness is fading or spreading and bringing the baby for follow-up visits without delay. Parents also need to resist the temptation to add honey, gripe water, or diluted cow’s milk as these will not help the baby in any manner.

Conclusion

Jaundice in newborns is not merely a condition but can almost be a rite of passage, a glowing reminder that the transition from womb to world is full of delicate adjustments. Though the sight of yellow skin can stir panic in parents’ hearts, understanding the signs of severity, respecting the rhythm of breastfeeding, trusting phototherapy when needed, recognising risks such as G6PD deficiency and following simple yet attentive home care transforms fear into foresight, steering the child from danger into health with vigilance and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes newborn jaundice?

Newborn jaundice is caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed when red blood cells break down, and since a baby’s liver in the first days of life is not mature enough to clear it quickly, the pigment collects in the skin and eyes, which is why jaundice is so common, yet usually harmless when watched closely.

Does breastfeeding increase the risk of jaundice?

Breastfeeding itself does not cause jaundice, but if babies are not fed often enough, they may pass fewer stools, slowing the removal of bilirubin and this can make jaundice appear stronger. This is why doctors encourage frequent, effective breastfeeding, since in truth breast milk is the best remedy, helping bilirubin leave the body naturally while also giving energy and immunity.

When is phototherapy needed for newborn jaundice?

Phototherapy is advised when bilirubin levels rise beyond the safe range for a newborn’s age and weight, and though the glowing blue lights may look intimidating, they are simply helping the body break down bilirubin faster, protecting the brain from damage, and so doctors usually recommend it if jaundice worsens or fails to improve with frequent feeding alone.

Can jaundice harm a newborn’s brain?

In most babies, jaundice fades harmlessly, but if bilirubin climbs too high and is left untreated, it can cross into brain tissues, leading to a rare but serious complication called kernicterus, which can affect hearing, movement, or development and this is exactly why early recognition, regular monitoring, and timely treatment with phototherapy or other interventions is so important.

How can parents reduce the risk of newborn jaundice at home?

Parents can help by ensuring the baby is breastfed frequently, watching for signs of alertness, counting wet nappies and stools and seeking follow-up check-ups as advised by doctors, and while gentle morning sunlight may support recovery, it cannot replace medical care, so prevention lies less in remedies and more in feeding, hydration, observation and timely action when yellow deepens.