Jaundice in Babies: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Yes, jaundice (piliya) in newborns is very common and usually harmless. About 60% of full-term babies and up to 80% of premature babies develop some degree of jaundice in their first week of life. In most cases, it resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks without any treatment. However, severe jaundice needs prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
What is Newborn Jaundice (Piliya)?
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Jaundice causes a yellowish tint to your baby's skin and eyes. This happens because of bilirubin - a yellow substance produced when red blood cells break down. In adults, the liver easily processes bilirubin, but a newborn's liver is still developing and may take a few days to work efficiently.
The reassuring truth: Most jaundice in newborns is a normal part of their adjustment to life outside the womb and is called "physiological jaundice."
Types of Jaundice in Babies
1. Physiological Jaundice (Most Common)
Appears 2-4 days after birth
Peaks around days 3-5
Resolves within 1-2 weeks
Usually harmless - no treatment needed
2. Breastfeeding Jaundice
Occurs in first week due to insufficient breastfeeding
Baby not getting enough maa ka doodh
Solution: Feed more frequently (8-12 times/day)
3. Breast Milk Jaundice
Appears after first week, can last 4-12 weeks
Caused by substances in breast milk
Baby is otherwise healthy - usually no treatment needed
Don't stop breastfeeding!
4. Pathological Jaundice (Requires Attention)
Appears within 24 hours of birth
Bilirubin rises rapidly
May indicate underlying condition
Needs immediate medical evaluation
Symptoms to Watch For
Mild Jaundice (Usually Normal):
Yellowish tint starting from face, then chest
Baby is feeding well
Normal wet diapers (6+ per day)
Baby is alert when awake
Warning Signs (Piliya Ki Chinta Kab Karein):
Yellow color spreads to arms, legs, palms, soles
Baby is very sleepy, difficult to wake for feeds
Poor feeding or refusing to feed
High-pitched crying
Fever
Baby appears very sick
Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth
Home Care for Mild Jaundice
Increase Breastfeeding
Feed baby 8-12 times per day (har 2-3 ghante)
Wake baby for feeds if sleeping too long
Ensure proper latch for effective feeding
More feeding = more bowel movements = faster bilirubin removal
The Sunlight Myth
Many families in India believe direct sunlight helps jaundice. Be careful:
Indirect sunlight through a window for 10-15 minutes may help mildly
Never place baby in direct harsh sunlight - can cause sunburn and dehydration
Hospital phototherapy is much more effective and safe
Don't delay medical treatment hoping sunlight will work
Keep Baby Warm and Fed
Maintain skin-to-skin contact
Don't skip feeds
Watch for adequate wet/dirty diapers
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Rush to hospital if:
Jaundice appears within first 24 hours
Yellow color reaches palms and soles
Baby is extremely sleepy or limp
Baby refuses to feed or feeds poorly
High-pitched, inconsolable crying
Baby has fever
Bilirubin level rises rapidly
Schedule a check-up if:
Jaundice persists beyond 2 weeks
You're unsure if jaundice is improving
Baby seems less active than usual
Fewer wet diapers than expected
Hospital Treatment Options
Phototherapy (Light Treatment)
Baby placed under special blue lights
Lights break down bilirubin in the skin
Very safe and effective
Baby wears eye protection
Usually 1-2 days of treatment
Exchange Transfusion
Only for very severe cases
Baby's blood is partially replaced
Removes excess bilirubin quickly
Rarely needed
Prevention Tips
While you can't completely prevent jaundice, you can reduce severity:
Start breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth
Feed frequently - 8-12 times daily in first week
Ensure good latch for effective milk transfer
Don't supplement with water or glucose water (unless doctor advises)
Watch for feeding cues - don't wait for baby to cry
Get bilirubin checked before hospital discharge and at follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Mera baby bahut peela ho gaya hai - kya ye normal hai?
A: Some yellowness is normal, but if the yellow color has spread to baby's arms, legs, or especially palms and soles, please see a doctor immediately. Mild jaundice on face and chest that appears after day 2 is usually normal physiological jaundice.
Q: Should I stop breastfeeding if baby has jaundice?
A: No! In most cases, you should breastfeed MORE frequently. Breast milk helps baby pass stools, which removes bilirubin. Only in very rare cases might a doctor advise a temporary pause - always follow your pediatrician's advice.
Q: Dhoop mein baby ko rakhna chahiye?
A: Mild, indirect morning sunlight through a window may help slightly. But never place baby in direct harsh sunlight - it can cause sunburn and overheating. If jaundice is significant, hospital phototherapy is much more effective and safer than home sunlight exposure.
Q: How long does jaundice last?
A: Physiological jaundice typically peaks at days 3-5 and resolves by 2 weeks. Breast milk jaundice can last longer (4-12 weeks) but is usually harmless if baby is feeding and growing well.
Q: Can jaundice cause brain damage?
A: Severe untreated jaundice (very high bilirubin levels) can rarely cause brain damage (kernicterus). This is why monitoring and timely treatment are important. However, most jaundice is mild and poses no risk - your doctor will monitor bilirubin levels to ensure baby is safe.
Q: My baby's poop is very light colored - is this related to jaundice?
A: Pale or white stools can indicate a problem with bile flow and should be checked immediately. Normal breastfed baby poop is yellow, seedy, and frequent. Report any consistently pale stools to your doctor.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. If you're concerned about your baby's jaundice, please consult a healthcare provider promptly.
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