Seeing your newborn baby’s skin or eyes turn yellow can be worrying, especially for new parents. This yellow coloring is called jaundice, and it happens to many babies during their first few days of life. In most cases, it is completely normal and goes away on its own. Still, understanding what causes jaundice, how long it lasts, and what signs to watch for can help you feel more confident as your baby recovers.
This guide explains everything parents need to know about newborn jaundice in simple, easy-to-understand terms. You will learn what causes it, how long it usually lasts, what treatments may be needed, and how to support your baby’s recovery at home.
What Is Jaundice in Newborns?
Jaundice is a common condition that causes a baby’s skin, eyes, and sometimes gums to look yellow. This happens because of a substance in the blood called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver filters bilirubin and helps the body get rid of it through stool and urine.
In newborns, the liver is still developing and may not process bilirubin efficiently right away. As a result, bilirubin levels build up in the baby’s body, causing a yellowish tint. This is why jaundice is especially common in the first few days after birth.
It may sound scary, but for most babies, jaundice is a harmless and temporary part of adjusting to life outside the womb.
Why Jaundice Happens in Newborns
Several reasons can contribute to newborn jaundice, and most of them are natural.
- Immature liver function – A newborn’s liver takes time to mature. In the early days, it might not be efficient enough to process bilirubin quickly.
- Increased red blood cells – Babies are born with a higher number of red blood cells than adults. As these cells break down naturally, more bilirubin is produced.
- Reabsorption in the intestines – Some bilirubin that should leave the body through stool can be reabsorbed from the intestines, especially if the baby is not feeding well or is slightly dehydrated.
- Breastfeeding or breast milk factors – In some breastfed babies, mild jaundice may last longer because of factors in breast milk or because the baby is not feeding enough in the first few days.
- Blood group incompatibility – In some cases, if the baby’s blood type differs from the mother’s, the baby’s body may break down red blood cells more quickly, leading to higher bilirubin levels.
How Common Is Newborn Jaundice?
Jaundice is extremely common. About 60 percent of full-term babies and 80 percent of premature babies develop some degree of jaundice in the first week of life. Most of these cases are mild and resolve without treatment.
When Does Jaundice Start?
Jaundice usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth. The yellow color often starts on the face and then moves down to the chest, stomach, arms, and legs. The whites of the eyes may also look yellow.
The timing can provide important clues about the cause:
- Within 24 hours after birth: This may indicate a more serious type of jaundice and needs immediate medical attention.
- Between day 2 and day 4: This is the most common and normal type of newborn jaundice (called physiological jaundice).
- After the first week: This can be related to breastfeeding or another cause and may need a doctor’s evaluation.
How Long Does Jaundice Usually Last?
The length of time Jaundice Lasts depends on the baby’s health, how they are feeding, and whether they were born full-term or premature.
1. In Full-Term Babies
In healthy, full-term babies, jaundice usually appears around day 2 or 3 after birth, peaks around day 4 or 5, and then gradually fades over the next week.
For most full-term babies, jaundice goes away by 10 to 14 days of age.
2. In Premature Babies
Premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) tend to develop jaundice more often and for a longer time. Their liver takes more time to mature and clear bilirubin.
In these babies, jaundice may last up to three weeks or sometimes a little longer, depending on their health and feeding patterns.
3. In Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies may experience two types of jaundice:
- Breastfeeding jaundice appears in the first few days of life, often when milk supply is still increasing and the baby is not feeding frequently enough. It usually improves once the baby starts feeding well.
- Breast milk jaundice develops after the first week of life and can last three to twelve weeks. It is caused by certain natural substances in breast milk that temporarily slow bilirubin breakdown.
Even though breast milk jaundice can last longer, it is not dangerous in healthy babies, and breastfeeding should usually continue.
4. In Babies with Underlying Conditions
If jaundice is due to another medical issue, such as a liver problem, blood group incompatibility, or an infection, it may last longer and need special treatment.
In these cases, the doctor will run tests to find the cause and monitor bilirubin levels closely.
How to Tell If Jaundice Is Improving
You can usually see improvement as the yellow color fades. Here are signs that jaundice is going away:
- The yellow tint begins to disappear from the face and eyes.
- The baby’s skin color starts to look more normal, starting from the top down.
- The baby becomes more alert and feeds better.
- The baby passes stool more frequently, which helps remove bilirubin from the body.
Most parents notice a clear difference within a few days after the peak of jaundice.
When Jaundice Lasts Longer Than Normal
If jaundice continues beyond two weeks in a full-term baby or three weeks in a premature baby, it is considered prolonged jaundice.
This does not always mean something is wrong, especially if the baby is otherwise healthy and feeding well, but it should always be checked by a doctor.
Possible reasons for prolonged jaundice include:
- Breast milk jaundice (most common)
- Thyroid or liver issues
- Bile duct blockage
- Blood type incompatibility
- Infection
Your doctor may order blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and rule out other causes.
How Doctors Check for Jaundice
Doctors can check for jaundice in several ways:
- Visual examination: They look at the baby’s skin and eyes in natural light.
- Transcutaneous bilirubin test: A small handheld device is placed on the baby’s skin to measure bilirubin without drawing blood.
- Blood test: If needed, a small blood sample is taken to get an accurate bilirubin level.
Monitoring is important, especially in the first week, because bilirubin levels can rise quickly in some babies.
When to See a Doctor
While mild jaundice is usually harmless, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- The yellow color appears in the first 24 hours after birth.
- The yellow color is spreading quickly or getting darker.
- The baby is very sleepy or difficult to wake for feed.
- The baby refuses to feed or has trouble sucking.
- The baby’s urine is dark or their stools are pale or white.
- The baby has a fever or seems unwell.
Early evaluation helps prevent complications from high bilirubin levels.
How Jaundice Is Treated
The treatment for jaundice depends on how high the bilirubin levels are and what caused it. Most babies do not need any treatment other than feeding and observation.
Here are the main treatment options:
1. Frequent Feeding
Feeding helps flush bilirubin out of the baby’s system through stool and urine.
- Breastfed babies should feed 8 to 12 times per day.
- Formula-fed babies should feed every 2 to 3 hours.
If a baby is too sleepy to feed, gently wake them by changing their diaper, undressing them slightly, or stroking their feet.
2. Phototherapy
This is the most common treatment for newborn jaundice. The baby is placed under a special blue light that helps break down bilirubin into a form that can be excreted easily.
During phototherapy:
- The baby wears only a diaper and protective eye covers.
- Feeding continues regularly.
- The medical team checks bilirubin levels every few hours.
Phototherapy is safe and effective, and most babies respond within one or two days.
3. Exchange Transfusion
This is used only in severe cases when bilirubin levels are dangerously high. A small amount of the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood to quickly reduce bilirubin. It is performed in a hospital under close monitoring.
4. Treating the Underlying Cause
If jaundice is caused by an infection, liver problem, or blood group incompatibility, the doctor will treat the main issue along with managing bilirubin levels.
Home Care for Babies with Mild Jaundice
For babies with mild jaundice who do not need hospital treatment, home care plays a big role in recovery.
Here are helpful steps parents can take:
- Feed often. Frequent feeding helps the baby pass stools and urine, which removes bilirubin from the body.
- Provide natural light. Place the baby near a sunny window for short periods during the day. Natural light helps reduce bilirubin levels, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent burns.
- Monitor color changes. Check the baby’s skin and eyes daily to see if the yellow color is fading.
- Keep regular doctor appointments. Follow-up visits are important to ensure bilirubin levels are improving.
How Long Does It Take for Jaundice to Go Away After Treatment?
Once treatment begins, improvement is usually quick.
- With phototherapy: Bilirubin levels often drop significantly within 24 to 48 hours. The yellow color fades gradually over the next few days.
- Without phototherapy: In mild cases, the jaundice fades naturally as the baby’s liver matures and feeding improves.
In most full-term babies, jaundice is almost gone by two weeks. In breastfed babies, a mild yellow tint may linger for several weeks, but this is normal and not harmful.
The Role of Feeding in Recovery
Feeding is one of the most important factors in how quickly jaundice improves. Bilirubin leaves the body through the stool, so the more your baby eats, the more effectively the body can eliminate it.
If you are breastfeeding:
- Make sure your baby latches well and feeds frequently.
- Ask a lactation consultant for help if feeding is difficult.
- Do not stop breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically recommends it.
If you are formula feeding:
- Offer feeds every 2 to 3 hours.
- Track wet diapers and bowel movements to ensure your baby is well hydrated.
Jaundice in the NICU
Some babies, especially those who are premature or have other medical conditions, may need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for treatment.
In the NICU, your baby will receive specialized care such as:
- Continuous phototherapy under medical supervision.
- Regular monitoring of bilirubin levels and vital signs.
- Assistance with feeding or IV fluids if needed.
The medical team in the NICU will keep you informed about your baby’s progress and guide you on what to do once your baby is ready to go home.
What Parents Can Do During Recovery
While waiting for jaundice to clear, it is natural to feel anxious. Here are some practical things parents can do to help:
- Stay calm and patient. Jaundice is usually harmless and improves with time.
- Keep track of feeding schedules and diaper changes.
- Ask questions during doctor visits to understand your baby’s progress.
- Take care of yourself, too. Rest, eat well, and accept help from family and friends.
When Jaundice May Be Serious
While most cases are mild, very high levels of bilirubin can be dangerous if left untreated. Severe jaundice can lead to a condition called kernicterus, where excess bilirubin affects the brain. This is rare but serious.
Early signs that jaundice may be severe include:
- Deep yellow or orange skin tone spreading to the arms and legs.
- Poor feeding or refusal to eat.
- Extreme sleepiness or floppy muscles.
- High-pitched crying.
- Seizures or unusual movements.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Jaundice is very common in newborns and usually appears between days 2 and 4 of life.
- In most full-term babies, it peaks around day 4 or 5 and disappears by 2 weeks.
- Premature and breastfed babies may have jaundice for up to 3 weeks or slightly longer.
- Frequent feeding helps bilirubin leave the body faster.
- Medical treatment, such as phototherapy, is effective and safe when needed.
- Always contact your doctor if jaundice appears early, worsens, or lasts longer than 2 weeks.
FAQs
1. Can jaundice return after it has gone away?
Yes. In rare cases, jaundice can return, especially if the baby develops another health issue such as dehydration, infection, or poor feeding. However, for most babies, once bilirubin levels drop and the liver matures, jaundice does not come back.
2. Does the mother’s diet affect the baby’s jaundice?
The mother’s diet usually does not directly cause or worsen jaundice. However, breastfeeding mothers should stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to ensure good milk supply, which helps the baby feed well and recover faster.
3. Can formula feeding help clear jaundice faster?
In some cases, temporarily supplementing with formula can help lower bilirubin levels if the baby is not getting enough breast milk. However, this should only be done after consulting a doctor or lactation consultant.
4. Does sunlight help reduce jaundice?
Yes, indirect sunlight can help the skin break down bilirubin naturally. Placing your baby near a bright window for short periods during the day may help mild jaundice improve faster. However, never expose your baby to direct sunlight because it can cause sunburn.
5. Can jaundice affect a baby’s sleep pattern?
Babies with jaundice may seem sleepier than usual, especially when bilirubin levels are high. While rest is good, too much sleepiness can make feeding harder, so parents should gently wake the baby for regular feeds every two to three hours.
6. Can jaundice cause long-term problems?
Most babies recover from jaundice without any long-term issues. Severe, untreated jaundice can lead to complications like brain damage (kernicterus), but this is very rare in modern medical care where monitoring and treatment are available.
7. Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has jaundice?
No, you should continue breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise. Breast milk helps the baby stay hydrated and flush bilirubin out of the body. If feeding is difficult, seek help from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant.
8. Can dehydration make jaundice worse?
Yes. Dehydration slows down the removal of bilirubin from the body because the baby produces less urine and stool. Ensuring frequent feeding and good hydration helps bilirubin leave the body more efficiently.
9. Is jaundice more common in certain ethnic groups?
Yes. Jaundice tends to occur more frequently and sometimes lasts longer in babies of East Asian, Mediterranean, or Native American descent due to genetic differences in how bilirubin is processed.
10. How often should bilirubin levels be checked?
Bilirubin levels are usually checked within the first 24–48 hours after birth and again if the yellowing increases or lasts longer than expected. The doctor decides how often to test based on the baby’s age, health, and visible symptoms.
Conclusion
Jaundice in newborns can be worrying at first, but it is usually a normal part of early life. It shows that your baby’s body is learning to work on its own after birth. In most cases, it improves quickly with time, good feeding, and sometimes a little help from light therapy.
By knowing what to expect, how long it may last, and when to ask for help, you can stay calm and confident while supporting your baby’s recovery. Remember, every baby is different. Some recover in just a few days, while others take a little longer. What matters most is that your baby is feeding well, growing, and becoming stronger each day.
If you ever have concerns about your baby’s jaundice or notice any unusual signs, contact your doctor right away. With the right care and attention, your baby’s natural color will soon return, and this early chapter will become just one small step in their healthy journey ahead.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your baby’s condition.