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As a child, anytime someone gave birth, one of the first things the adults around me reinforced to the new parents was not to put the baby in yellow-coloured clothes as they could give the child jaundice. Fortunately, there is no truth to this.
Jaundice is a disease caused when a baby has an underdeveloped liver, characterised by the skin turning yellow in colour. There are different things that can cause jaundice in a newborn and several more symptoms to note if a newborn already has it.
Baby jaundice, known medically as neonatal jaundice, results in yellowing of the skin and the white of the eyes. It affects about 60% of full-term babies in their first week. Premature babies are even more susceptible, with around 80% experiencing jaundice, which can be more concerning for their well-being.
Jaundice in infants, which is characterised by yellow skin colouring, is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the baby’s blood, also known as hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubin is a yellow chemical produced when red blood cells break down; the mother’s liver clears it throughout pregnancy, but the baby’s liver takes over after delivery. If the baby’s liver is not completely matured, it may struggle to handle bilirubin, resulting in yellowish skin.
Although baby jaundice is common and often harmless, healthcare professionals need to carefully watch for its occurrence in newborns. Severe jaundice, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage. This is also known as kernicterus.
It is crucial to understand the different types of jaundice in newborns to be able to take appropriate steps towards its management.
This arises when the baby’s body struggles to remove bilirubin, possibly showing up within the first day after birth. It can be triggered by factors like differences in blood types between the mother and baby or liver issues.
Quick action from doctors is essential to identify and treat the root cause and prevent serious problems. Treatment may involve using special lights or addressing the specific health issue causing the jaundice.
It makes up about 75% of cases and happens when a baby’s metabolism can’t clear bilirubin as fast as it’s made. It usually starts a few days after birth and goes away on its own within a few weeks as the breakdown of red blood cells slows and the liver gets better at its job.
This type of jaundice, most common in newborns, shows up in the first few days of life and typically disappears within two weeks as the baby’s liver grows and removes extra bilirubin. See a medical practitioner for further intervention if it persists.
This is more common in breastfed newborns than formula-fed babies. It occurs often in the first week of life due to inadequate breast milk consumption, which can be caused by breastfeeding problems or delayed milk production. This type of jaundice may take longer to resolve.
It occurs when chemicals in breast milk affect bilirubin production, resulting in persistent jaundice after the first week of birth. While usually harmless, it might last a month or longer, requiring monitoring of bilirubin levels and nursing habits.
Treatment is rarely required because the illness often resolves as the baby’s liver grows, although additional assessment may be necessary if jaundice persists or worsens.
This arises when the baby’s body struggles to remove bilirubin, possibly showing up within the first day after birth. It can be triggered by factors like differences in blood types between the mother and baby or liver issues.
Quick action from doctors is essential to identify and treat the root cause and prevent serious problems. Treatment may involve using special lights or addressing the specific health issue causing the jaundice.
It makes up about 75% of cases and happens when a baby’s metabolism can’t clear bilirubin as fast as it’s made. It usually starts a few days after birth and goes away on its own within a few weeks as the breakdown of red blood cells slows and the liver gets better at its job.
This type of jaundice, most common in newborns, shows up in the first few days of life and typically disappears within two weeks as the baby’s liver grows and removes extra bilirubin. See a medical practitioner for further intervention if it persists.
This is more common in breastfed newborns than formula-fed babies. It occurs often in the first week of life due to inadequate breast milk consumption, which can be caused by breastfeeding problems or delayed milk production. This type of jaundice may take longer to resolve.
It occurs when chemicals in breast milk affect bilirubin production, resulting in persistent jaundice after the first week of birth. While usually harmless, it might last a month or longer, requiring monitoring of bilirubin levels and nursing habits.
Treatment is rarely required because the illness often resolves as the baby’s liver grows, although additional assessment may be necessary if jaundice persists or worsens.
A newborn baby’s liver is still growing, so it can’t handle bilirubin as well as an adult’s liver. This leads to higher bilirubin levels in babies. If there’s too much bilirubin or the liver can’t remove it, the baby gets jaundice. According to the National Health Service and other research studies, there are other situations that can lead to high levels of bilirubin in newborns.
All newborns with jaundice should be checked for indications of bilirubin in the brain, which include poor eating, changes in sleep patterns, and seizures. Jaundice usually appears in infants on the second or third day after delivery (lasts for about two weeks). According to the American Liver Foundation, neonatal jaundice develops in severity through four stages (arranged in order of severity, from the lowest to the highest).
Typically, the most common visible sign is yellow colouration. Other possible symptoms include pale coloured faeces and dark yellow urine. More severe jaundice may cause sleepiness. Premature babies, who are more susceptible to jaundice, may experience its onset 5 to 7 days after birth, with a duration of about 3 weeks.
In babies with darker skin tones, yellowing may be less apparent on the skin but could be noticeable:
Based on research made, a few factors could increase a newborn’s risk of getting physiological jaundice:
Furthermore, several risk factors might increase the incidence of severe jaundice in newborns, whether physiological or pathological:
Mild newborn jaundice usually clears itself within two to three weeks without treatment. However, in moderate or severe situations, your baby may require a longer stay in the newborn nursery or perhaps a return to the hospital. Treatment options for lowering bilirubin levels in your baby’s blood may include:
Your doctor may recommend more frequent feedings or supplements to ensure your baby receives adequate nourishment while avoiding weight loss. Feeding is important in therapy because it helps bilirubin be eliminated through urine and stool. Babies should have at least six wet diapers within a 24-hour period and pass stools regularly.
The stool should transition from the initial black, tarry appearance to lighter in colour, looser consistency, often described as “seedy.”
This includes placing your infant beneath a specialist lamp that emits blue-green light. The light modifies the structure of bilirubin molecules, allowing them to pass through urine and stool more easily. During therapy, your infant will only wear a nappy and protective eye patches. Additional light treatment may include the use of a light-emitting pad or mattress.
If jaundice is caused by blood type differences between the mother and the newborn, IVIg may be provided. This treatment aims to decrease the mother’s antibodies in the baby’s blood, which may lessen jaundice severity and the need for exchange transfusions, though its effectiveness varies.
In extreme situations that do not respond to previous therapies, an exchange transfusion may be required. This involves slowly replacing some of the baby’s blood with donated blood to lower bilirubin and maternal antibodies. It’s typically done in a newborn intensive care unit, and its need is extremely rare.
Your doctor may recommend more frequent feedings or supplements to ensure your baby receives adequate nourishment while avoiding weight loss. Feeding is important in therapy because it helps bilirubin be eliminated through urine and stool. Babies should have at least six wet diapers within a 24-hour period and pass stools regularly.
The stool should transition from the initial black, tarry appearance to lighter in colour, looser consistency, often described as “seedy.”
This includes placing your infant beneath a specialist lamp that emits blue-green light. The light modifies the structure of bilirubin molecules, allowing them to pass through urine and stool more easily. During therapy, your infant will only wear a nappy and protective eye patches. Additional light treatment may include the use of a light-emitting pad or mattress.
If jaundice is caused by blood type differences between the mother and the newborn, IVIg may be provided. This treatment aims to decrease the mother’s antibodies in the baby’s blood, which may lessen jaundice severity and the need for exchange transfusions, though its effectiveness varies.
In extreme situations that do not respond to previous therapies, an exchange transfusion may be required. This involves slowly replacing some of the baby’s blood with donated blood to lower bilirubin and maternal antibodies. It’s typically done in a newborn intensive care unit, and its need is extremely rare.
Feeding your baby regularly, especially through breastfeeding, right after birth is important to reduce the chance of jaundice. Regular feeding helps the baby’s liver work better to handle bilirubin. You should notice your baby’s poop changing from dark green to yellow.
If breastfeeding is difficult, seek assistance. Using formula may be suggested to prevent dehydration and severe jaundice. New guidelines stress the importance of preventing and detecting jaundice, with healthcare providers and parents collaborating:
While neonatal jaundice is common and usually inevitable, frequent feeding can help lower the risk of severe jaundice by encouraging regular bowel movements, assisting in bilirubin removal.
During the first week, breastfed babies should nurse 8 to 12 times a day, and formula-fed babies should have 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 millilitres) of formula every 2 to 3 hours, making sure they are fed at least 8 times in 24 hours.
Also, ensure your baby’s doctor checks their bilirubin level before leaving the hospital, and schedule a follow-up appointment within the first week for another bilirubin check.
Before leaving the hospital, get written information on your baby’s jaundice, bilirubin level, and extra test findings. You should also be given specific directions on when to visit the paediatrician.
After leaving the hospital, keep an eye on your baby’s jaundice. It normally starts in the face and progresses lower as bilirubin levels rise. Contact your doctor if your baby:
Remember that jaundice is frequent, but significant issues are rare. However, if you are concerned, it is always preferable to contact your doctor to be cautious.
No, wearing yellow clothes does not cause jaundice in newborns. Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood due to factors like immature liver function or breastfeeding difficulties, not by the colour of clothing.
While most cases of jaundice in newborns are harmless and resolve on their own, severe jaundice left untreated can lead to brain damage. It’s essential to monitor your baby for signs of worsening jaundice and seek medical attention if necessary.
Mild jaundice usually clears on its own within two to three weeks without treatment. However, moderate or severe cases may require interventions and may last longer. Breast milk jaundice, for example, can persist for a month or longer.
Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to jaundice if the baby is not getting enough milk, which may be due to breastfeeding difficulties or delayed milk production. This can result in inadequate elimination of bilirubin, contributing to jaundice.
You can monitor your baby’s jaundice by observing changes in skin colour, particularly yellowing that spreads beyond the face, as well as changes in feeding patterns, urine output, and stool consistency. Regular follow-up appointments with the paediatrician can also help monitor jaundice levels.
If you suspect your baby has jaundice or notice any concerning symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin, poor feeding, or unusual behaviour, you should contact the doctor promptly for evaluation and guidance. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing jaundice effectively.
No, wearing yellow clothes does not cause jaundice in newborns. Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood due to factors like immature liver function or breastfeeding difficulties, not by the colour of clothing.
While most cases of jaundice in newborns are harmless and resolve on their own, severe jaundice left untreated can lead to brain damage. It’s essential to monitor your baby for signs of worsening jaundice and seek medical attention if necessary.
Mild jaundice usually clears on its own within two to three weeks without treatment. However, moderate or severe cases may require interventions and may last longer. Breast milk jaundice, for example, can persist for a month or longer.
Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to jaundice if the baby is not getting enough milk, which may be due to breastfeeding difficulties or delayed milk production. This can result in inadequate elimination of bilirubin, contributing to jaundice.
You can monitor your baby’s jaundice by observing changes in skin colour, particularly yellowing that spreads beyond the face, as well as changes in feeding patterns, urine output, and stool consistency. Regular follow-up appointments with the paediatrician can also help monitor jaundice levels.
If you suspect your baby has jaundice or notice any concerning symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin, poor feeding, or unusual behaviour, you should contact the doctor promptly for evaluation and guidance. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing jaundice effectively.
1.American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Guideline. August, 2022. Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation. Alex R. Kemper, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP.
2. American Liver Foundation. August, 2023. Newborn Jaundice.
3. Ansong-Assoku B, Shah SD, Adnan M, et al. Neonatal Jaundice. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
4. “New guidelines on newborn jaundice: What parents need to know”. November 2, 2022. Claire McCarthy, MD. Harvard Health Publishing House.
5. Canadian Paediatric Society. December, 2022. Jaundice in Newborns.
6. Cleveland Clinic. January, 2022. Jaundice in Newborns.
7. Mayo Clinic. January, 2022. Infant Jaundice.
8. Kapadia, V. S., & Brion, L. P. (2016). “Neonatal Jaundice”, American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care.
9. National Health Service. February, 2022. Overview. Newborn Jaundice.
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