Around 50-60% of newborns develop a yellowish color in their skin or eyes during the first few days of life. In most cases, this is normal and harmless.Jaundice occurs because as red blood cells break down, they release a substance called bilirubin. A newborn’s liver isn’t fully developed yet, so it may struggle to process bilirubin efficiently, causing it to build up in the body. When bilirubin levels are too high, the condition is called jaundice.

To check for jaundice in your baby:

• Look at their face under natural, bright light.
• Gently press a finger on their skin and notice the color change.
• Check how far the yellowing extends down their body.
• If the yellowing is limited to the face, it’s usually mild and should resolve on its own within a few weeks.
• If the yellowing spreads to the chest, abdomen, or legs — or if your baby’s eyes appear very yellow — consult a doctor.

While a small amount of bilirubin is expected, high levels can lead to serious complications. If untreated, severe jaundice can cause kernicterus, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that affects the brain. It can cause long-term damage if not treated quickly. This is why hospitals carefully watch bilirubin levels before you and your baby are discharged.

It’s important to monitor your baby for signs that bilirubin levels may be rising too high. Call your pediatrician if you notice:

• Changes in behavior: Your baby seems unusually sleepy, sluggish, floppy, or difficult to wake.
• Feeding issues: Trouble latching, refusing to eat, or eating significantly less than usual.
• Two missed feeds in a row: If your baby misses two consecutive feedings or is too sleepy to wake and eat, contact your pediatrician.
• Worsening yellowing: If jaundice spreads beyond the face to the chest, belly, arms, or legs, or if the whites of their eyes appear deep yellow.
• High-pitched crying: A shrill or abnormal cry could indicate rising bilirubin levels affecting the brain.
• Arched back or stiffness: Babies with severe jaundice may arch their backs, become rigid, or display unusual postures.

Risk Factors

Certain conditions can increase the likelihood of jaundice becoming more severe:

• Prematurity: Babies born before 37 weeks may take longer to process bilirubin since their livers are still developing.
• Breastfeeding challenges: Limited milk intake in the first few days (breastfeeding jaundice) or natural substances in breast milk that slow bilirubin breakdown (breast milk jaundice) can increase bilirubin levels.
• Blood type incompatibility: If a baby’s blood type is incompatible with the mother’s (such as Rh or ABO incompatibility), their red blood cells may break down more quickly, leading to higher bilirubin levels.
• Bruising or cephalohematoma: Babies with significant bruising at birth or a cephalohematoma are at higher risk because bruised red blood cells break down and release extra bilirubin.

Hospitals will check bilirubin levels, either with the skin test or blood test. They also sometimes use a test called the Coombs test to detect antibodies that attack red blood cells. If the Coombs test is positive and bilirubin levels are high, your baby is at a greater risk for complications and will need to be monitored more closely.

Mild cases:

• At-home care: filtered sunlight through a window for 10–20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Moderate cases:

• Phototherapy (usually in hospital): blue light lowers bilirubin levels. Baby lies under the light with eye protection.

Severe cases:

• Hydration therapy (in hospital).
• Exchange transfusion in extreme cases.

Jaundice is common and often resolves with monitoring and home care. Recognizing signs early helps prevent complications. If you notice worsening yellowing, feeding issues, or unusual behavior, contact your pediatrician.