Noticing a yellow tinge to your newborn’s skin or the whites of their eyes can feel alarming — especially when you are only a few days into parenthood. Take a breath: jaundice is one of the most common things that happens to newborns, and the vast majority of cases are mild and clear up on their own within a couple of weeks.
Here is what you need to know, calmly and clearly.
What is newborn jaundice?
60%
of full-term newborns get jaundice
Day 3–5
when it usually peaks
2 weeks
when most cases clear
Jaundice is a yellow colouring of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a build-up of bilirubin — a natural yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Newborns have a high number of red blood cells at birth, and their livers are still maturing, so bilirubin can temporarily build up faster than the liver can clear it.
It usually shows up first on the face, then spreads down to the chest, tummy and legs as levels rise. Mild cases are barely noticeable; moderate cases give the skin a warm yellow-orange glow.
Why is jaundice so common in newborns?
Babies are born with more red blood cells than they need for life outside the womb. As those extra cells are broken down in the first few days, bilirubin is released. At the same time, the newborn liver is still learning to process it efficiently, and the gut — which clears bilirubin through stools — is just getting going.
About 6 in 10 full-term babies develop some level of jaundice. Premature babies and babies who are not feeding well enough in the first days are at higher risk.
What is the difference between normal and pathological jaundice?
Most newborn jaundice is physiological — a normal, temporary process:
- Appears on day 2–3 of life
- Peaks around day 3–5
- Usually clears by 10–14 days in full-term babies
Pathological jaundice is less common and needs prompt attention:
- Appears in the first 24 hours of life (before physiological jaundice would start)
- Rises very quickly or reaches very high levels
- Lasts more than 2 weeks in a full-term baby, or 3 weeks in a premature baby
- Is accompanied by pale, chalky stools and dark urine (which can suggest a liver problem)
Your midwife or doctor checks bilirubin levels with a small skin probe or a blood test, and uses a chart to see where your baby sits relative to their age in hours.
How is newborn jaundice treated?
For most babies, the main “treatment” is simply feeding well and often:
- Aim for 8–12 feeds every 24 hours in the first week.
- Each feed triggers a bowel movement, which carries bilirubin out of the body.
- If you are breastfeeding and struggling, ask your midwife for help — good milk transfer is key. Our guide on breastfeeding latch and positions has practical tips.
When levels are higher, your baby may be treated with phototherapy (special blue-spectrum lights). The light breaks down bilirubin in the skin so the body can clear it more easily. It is safe, painless and usually works within 24–48 hours. Your baby is placed under the light in a nappy and their eyes are protected with soft pads.
Very rarely, a blood exchange transfusion is needed for extremely high bilirubin — this is uncommon and your medical team will explain if it is ever needed.
Does feeding more really help?
Yes — and it is one of the most important things you can do. Frequent feeding:
- Keeps your baby hydrated
- Stimulates the gut to move stool (and bilirubin) out faster
- Helps your milk come in, which improves transfer even more
If you are worried about how often or how much your baby is feeding, see our guide on how often to feed a newborn for clear, reassuring guidance.
When should I call the doctor?
Most jaundice does not need urgent action, but some signs mean you should contact your midwife, health visitor or doctor the same day:
- Jaundice appears before day 2 (within the first 24 hours)
- The yellow colour is spreading quickly or reaching the legs and feet
- Your baby is very sleepy, hard to wake for feeds, or feeding poorly
- Your baby has fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected
- Your baby has pale, chalky or white stools (not the usual yellow-mustard colour)
- The jaundice is still present after 2 weeks (or 3 weeks in a premature baby)
- You are simply worried — trust your instincts
Always call 999 / 911 or your emergency number if your baby is difficult to rouse, has a very high-pitched cry, or has an arched neck and back — these are signs of a rare but serious reaction to very high bilirubin levels.
A word of reassurance
Jaundice feels scary, but in the vast majority of cases it is your baby’s body doing exactly what it is supposed to do as it adjusts to life outside the womb. Regular check-ups in those first two weeks exist precisely to catch the small number of cases that need extra help. Keep feeding often, keep your follow-up appointments, and reach out to your care team if anything feels off.
Most newborn jaundice is normal and clears on its own. Feed frequently (8–12 times a day) — it’s the single most effective thing you can do to help bilirubin pass.
Related reading
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.
