Infant diseases · Educational
Newborn Jaundice: Symptoms, Causes & Warning Signs
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes from bilirubin. It is common after the first 24 hours of life, but day-one yellow color, rapidly deepening color, or poor feeding needs prompt clinical review.
Parental Care Hub helps parents learn about common infant diseases, baby symptoms, newborn care, safe sleep, feeding concerns and when to contact a pediatrician.
Emergency first
Jaundice in the first 24 hours, yellow palms or soles plus poor feeding, or an infant who will not rouse. Seek urgent care.
What this means
Newborn jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up faster than a young liver can clear it. Most cases are monitored with feeding and follow-up. Phototherapy, if needed, is a clinic treatment — home sunlight lamps are not a substitute. This is infant-disease education, not a lab result.
Baby symptoms to notice
- Yellow skin spreading from the face toward the body
- Yellow whites of the eyes (sclera)
- Sleepiness that interrupts feeds
- Dark urine or pale stools
Safe home care (not a prescription)
Feed frequently and count wet diapers. Daylight near a window is only adjunctive. Never place a naked newborn in harsh direct sun. Track alertness. If color deepens quickly, return to the clinician who is following the baby.