How to Handle Newborn Jaundice: What Parents Should Know

The first days with a newborn are full of love and discovery, but they also come with challenges that require patience and guidance. One common concern that many families face in the first few days is newborn jaundice. It’s a condition that affects nearly 60% of full-term newborns and up to 80% of preterm babies, making it a frequent topic of discussion in pediatric care.

Jaundice in newborns can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents, but with the right knowledge and management, it’s usually temporary and treatable.

What Is Newborn Jaundice?

Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes take on a yellowish tint. This happens due to high levels of bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms as red blood cells break down. While the liver usually processes and removes bilirubin from the body, a newborn’s liver is still developing and may not yet be efficient at eliminating it.

Types of Newborn Jaundice

There are different types of jaundice, and understanding them can help parents determine the best course of action:

1. Physiological Jaundice – The most common type, occurring in about 50% to 60% of newborns. It typically appears 2 to 4 days after birth and resolves on its own as the baby’s liver matures.

2. Breastfeeding Jaundice – Seen in babies who are not getting enough breast milk, often due to feeding challenges. It can be improved with frequent feedings and proper latch techniques.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice – Some babies develop jaundice due to substances in breast milk that temporarily interfere with the breakdown of bilirubin. This type can last 3 to 12 weeks but is usually harmless.

4. Pathological Jaundice – A more serious form of jaundice caused by blood type incompatibility, infections, or liver disease. This type requires medical attention.

5. Premature Jaundice – Preterm babies are more likely to develop jaundice because their livers are less mature than full-term babies, making bilirubin breakdown slower.

Signs and Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice

Jaundice is usually easy to spot, but it’s important to monitor your baby closely. Common signs include:

• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, starting from the face and moving downward.

• Increased sleepiness and difficulty waking up for feedings.

• Poor feeding or refusal to eat.

• Dark urine (newborn urine is typically very light-colored).

• Pale-colored stool (healthy newborn stools should be yellowish or greenish).

If jaundice spreads to the arms and legs, or if your baby is excessively sleepy and not feeding well, seek medical advice immediately.

How Is Newborn Jaundice Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose jaundice using a combination of visual examination and bilirubin level testing. This can be done in two ways:

1. Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TcB) Test – A small device is placed on the baby’s forehead or chest to estimate bilirubin levels through the skin.

2. Blood Test – A tiny sample of blood is taken from the baby’s heel to measure bilirubin levels more accurately.

Treatment Options for Newborn Jaundice

Mild jaundice usually resolves on its own as the baby’s liver matures and bilirubin levels naturally decrease. However, in some cases, treatment is needed to help speed up the process and prevent complications.

1. Frequent Feedings

One of the best ways to manage jaundice at home is to ensure your baby is feeding well. Feeding helps the baby pass more stool, which removes excess bilirubin from the body.

• Breastfeeding: Aim for 8 to 12 feedings per day in the first few days to encourage milk production and bilirubin elimination.

• Formula feeding: If you’re using formula, ensure your baby is getting adequate intake as per pediatrician recommendations.

2. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

For moderate to severe jaundice, phototherapy is the most common treatment. This involves placing the baby under a special blue light that helps break down bilirubin in the skin, allowing the body to eliminate it more efficiently.

At-home phototherapy is becoming more accessible, allowing parents to treat their baby’s jaundice without extended hospital stays.

3. Using The Ollie® Swaddle with Light Therapy

Swaddling is essential for newborn comfort, but many traditional swaddles aren’t designed for babies undergoing phototherapy. This is where the Ollie Swaddle stands out—it is not only easy to use but also allows parents to swaddle their newborn comfortably without obstructing light therapy treatment.

• Convenient design: The Ollie® Swaddle’s adjustable closure makes it simple for parents to wrap their baby securely, even while undergoing phototherapy.

• Breathable fabric: The moisture-wicking material helps prevent overheating, making it safe and comfortable during treatment.

• Easy diaper changes: With its bottom opening, diaper changes are quick and hassle-free, ensuring minimal disruption to the baby’s therapy sessions.

The Ollie® Swaddle supports the comfort and well-being of newborns undergoing jaundice treatment, allowing parents to manage the condition with greater ease.

4. Biliblanket (Portable Light Therapy)

Some babies may need a biliblanket, a portable phototherapy device that wraps around the baby’s body and emits light. This allows parents to continue treatment at home, reducing the need for extended hospital stays.

5. Exchange Transfusion (Rare Cases)

In very severe cases of jaundice, where bilirubin levels are dangerously high, doctors may recommend an exchange transfusion. This involves replacing some of the baby’s blood with donor blood to rapidly lower bilirubin levels. However, this is rarely needed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most cases of newborn jaundice are mild and resolve on their own, but medical attention is necessary if:

• Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life.

• The baby’s skin turns deeper yellow or spreads beyond the face and chest.

• The baby is extremely lethargic, difficult to wake, or refusing to feed.

• There are signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers.

• The baby has high-pitched crying or unusual body stiffness.

Early treatment prevents complications such as kernicterus, a rare but serious condition where excessive bilirubin can damage the brain.

Preventing Newborn Jaundice

While not all cases of jaundice can be prevented, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk:

• Ensure early and frequent feedings to support bilirubin elimination.

• Monitor your baby’s skin and eyes for signs of jaundice.

• Follow up with your pediatrician for bilirubin level checks, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has a history of jaundice.

• Use the Ollie Swaddle for newborn comfort during phototherapy, ensuring your baby stays secure while receiving effective treatment.

Final Thoughts

Newborn jaundice is common and usually harmless, but proper monitoring and early management are key to ensuring your baby stays healthy. Whether through frequent feedings, phototherapy, or home treatments like The Biliblanket paired with The Ollie® Swaddle, parents have plenty of resources to help their little one recover safely.

Always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, consult your pediatrician. With the right care and attention, jaundice will soon be a thing of the past, allowing you to fully enjoy these precious first weeks with your newborn.