Jaundice In Babies
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Jaundice is when a baby's skin and the whites of the eyes look yellow. It happens when the body has too much of a yellow substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is made when old red blood cells are broken down. A newborn baby's liver can take a few days to clear bilirubin from the blood, so it can build up for a short time.
Key facts
- Jaundice in newborns is very common and usually harmless.
- The yellow colour comes from bilirubin, a natural product formed when red blood cells break down.
- When treatment is needed, simple light therapy works very well and most babies recover fully.
Yes. Around 6 out of 10 full-term babies and 8 out of 10 premature babies develop jaundice in the first few days.
It affects newborn babies, most often between day 2 and day 5 of life. Premature babies, babies with birth bruising, and babies whose blood type is not compatible with their mother's are more likely to have higher levels.
Symptoms
- The baby is very difficult to wake or seems limp and floppy.
- The baby's body arches backwards stiffly.
- The baby has a high-pitched, piercing cry.
- The baby has shaking jerks or seizures.
- The baby refuses all feeds or keeps vomiting.
- If any of these signs appear, call your local emergency number immediately.
- ⚠Yellowing that starts within the first 24 hours of life.
- ⚠Yellowing that spreads quickly down to the chest, tummy, legs, palms, or soles.
- ⚠Pale, white, or chalky stools, or dark urine.
- ⚠The baby is very sleepy, less interested in feeding, or has fewer wet nappies than usual.
Common symptoms
- A yellow tint to the skin, usually starting on the face and then spreading down the body.
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
- The baby may be sleepier than usual or less interested in feeding.
- Pale, chalky-looking stools or dark urine in some cases.
Symptoms in children
- Jaundice in older babies and children is not the usual newborn type. If a child past the newborn period looks yellow, contact a doctor promptly.
Symptoms in older adults
- This article is about newborn jaundice. Jaundice in older children and adults needs a full medical check, as the causes are different.
Causes
Main causes
- Immature liver: a newborn's liver is still developing and may take a few days to clear bilirubin.
- Feeding-related jaundice: when a baby is not getting enough milk, they poop less, so less bilirubin leaves the body.
- Breast milk jaundice: in some babies, substances in breast milk keep bilirubin levels slightly higher for a few weeks. This is not harmful.
- Blood type incompatibility: if the mother's blood type is different from the baby's, her antibodies can break down the baby's red blood cells, producing extra bilirubin.
- Prematurity: premature babies have even less mature livers.
- Less common causes: liver disease, infections, or a blocked bile duct.
Risk factors
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks).
- Bruising or bleeding under the scalp during birth.
- Blood type difference between mother and baby.
- A previous baby who needed phototherapy for jaundice.
- Being of East Asian or Mediterranean family background, which increases the chance of certain inherited types of jaundice.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- The baby develops yellow skin or eyes in the first 24 hours of life.
- Yellowing is spreading quickly, especially to the palms or soles.
- The baby is very hard to wake, floppy, or not feeding at all.
- The stools are pale, white, or chalky, or the urine is dark.
Book a routine appointment if:
- A yellow tinge that appears after day 2 or 3 — this can be checked by your midwife, health visitor, or GP.
- Jaundice that lasts longer than 2 weeks in a full-term baby (or longer in a premature baby).
- Any concern about feeding or weight gain while the baby looks yellow.
Diagnosis
A midwife, health visitor, doctor, or nurse will examine the baby's skin and eyes. They may use a small handheld device that measures the yellowness of the skin without any needles. If the reading is raised, a small blood test from the heel will confirm the bilirubin level.
Tests that may be done
- A physical examination of the skin, eyes, and general wellbeing.
- A transcutaneous bilirubinometer test — a painless handheld device placed against the chest.
- A heel prick blood test to measure the exact bilirubin level.
- If needed, extra blood tests to look for causes such as blood type incompatibility.
What to expect at your appointment
The checks are quick and usually cause little or no discomfort. The heel prick stings for a moment but takes seconds. Results are often available the same day, so you will know quickly whether the baby needs monitoring or treatment.
Treatment
Most babies need no treatment. The jaundice clears as the liver matures and feeding increases. For babies with higher bilirubin levels, hospital treatment is very safe and effective.
Self-care at home
- Offer frequent feeds, at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, to keep the baby producing stools, which carry bilirubin out of the body.
- Watch the baby for feeding cues, such as sucking on hands or smacking lips.
- Keep the baby in normal daylight through a window, but never place a baby in direct sunlight.
- Keep all follow-up appointments so the jaundice can be checked as it fades.
Medical treatments
The main treatment is phototherapy. The baby lies under a special light, usually in a hospital, with their eyes gently protected. The light helps the body break down bilirubin so it can be passed in urine and stools. Phototherapy usually only lasts a day or two. If bilirubin levels are very high, doctors may use a drip of immune proteins (immunoglobulins) for jaundice caused by blood type problems. In rare, severe cases, an exchange transfusion is used, where a small amount of the baby's blood is replaced with donor blood. These treatments are only used when needed and are very effective.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is only needed in rare cases where jaundice is caused by a blocked bile duct, a condition called biliary atresia. This is usually found when jaundice does not fade and the stools are pale. Surgery in the first weeks of life gives the best outcome.
Living with this condition
During the jaundice period, keep a simple routine: feed the baby regularly, note how alert and active they are, and keep an eye on the yellow colour. Your midwife or health visitor will guide you on when the jaundice should fade and which checks are needed.
Lifestyle tips
- Keep feeding on demand, day and night, and wake the baby for feeds if they are sleepy.
- Follow the advice of your midwife, health visitor, or GP about extra checks.
- Ask for help early if breastfeeding is painful or the baby is not latching well.
Diet and exercise
For a baby, food is milk — breast milk or formula. More milk means more bowel movements, and each bowel movement removes bilirubin from the body. Premature babies sometimes need extra feeding support, and the hospital team will help you with this.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
It is natural to feel anxious when your baby looks yellow. Try to remember that jaundice is common, temporary, and very treatable. Talk to your midwife, health visitor, or GP if you feel overwhelmed — they are there to support parents too.
Prevention
Most newborn jaundice cannot be prevented, but you can help stop it from becoming worse. Recognising early signs, feeding well, and attending the newborn checks before and after leaving hospital are the best steps.
Screening programmes
Before a new baby goes home, a healthcare professional will examine them as part of routine newborn checks. This includes looking at the skin and eyes for jaundice. Midwives and health visitors continue these checks during home visits. Extra screening is not needed for most babies.
Complications
If left untreated
- Very high bilirubin levels can reach the brain and cause a rare condition called kernicterus.
- Kernicterus can cause hearing loss, movement problems, and developmental delay.
- Poor feeding linked to jaundice can also lead to dehydration and slow weight gain.
Long-term outlook
The outlook is excellent. With simple checks, prompt treatment, and follow-up, almost all babies with jaundice recover fully and have no lasting problems. Serious complications are very rare, particularly when jaundice is caught early.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- Your midwife or health visitor · UK
- Your GP surgery · UK
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.