What parents should know
What newborn jaundice means
Jaundice is caused by bilirubin building up in the blood. Many newborns develop mild jaundice, but some need a bilirubin measurement and treatment. Looking at skin colour alone cannot reliably show the bilirubin level.
What parents can observe
Note when yellowing began, whether it is deepening or spreading, how well the baby feeds, wet and dirty nappies, and whether the baby wakes normally. These details help during assessment.
- Time jaundice first appeared
- Feeding strength and frequency
- Alertness and wet nappies
- Changes in urine or stool colour
Assessment and follow-up
A clinician may examine the baby, review birth and feeding history, check weight and arrange bilirubin testing when indicated. Follow-up matters because bilirubin can change after the first review.
Seek urgent medical care now if
- • Yellow colour during the first 24 hours after birth
- • A baby who is difficult to wake, weak, floppy or refusing feeds
- • Fever, breathing difficulty, seizures or a high-pitched cry
- • Very pale stools, dark urine or rapidly deepening yellow colour
Do not wait for an online reply or routine clinic appointment when a child has emergency warning signs.
See all emergency red flagsThis information is for general parent education and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified medical professional. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a clinic or online appointment.