Based on content form the baby-care experts at JOHNSON'S®
When you look at your newborn child, you may notice a yellowing of his skin. The yellowing may start at his head and spread down to his toes. The whites of your baby's eyes may also have a yellowish tint. This yellowing is called jaundice, and it's quite common in newborn babies. For most babies, this is a temporary, harmless condition that will go away on its own or with mild treatment. But in rare cases, it can be very serious (especially if jaundice does not develop until after 1 week of age), so it's very important to discuss your baby's jaundice with your pediatrician.
Check with Your Pediatrician
Your physician and nurse will assess your baby for jaundice while in the hospital. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that if your baby is discharged from the hospital at less than 72 hours of life, he should be re-evaluated by your pediatrician within 48 hours to check for jaundice. If yellowness of the skin is increasing, call your doctor immediately.
Jaundice occurs when newborns produce too much of a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is the end product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin levels may become high enough to require immediate medical treatment. Your pediatrician can monitor your baby's bilirubin level and begin treatment if necessary.
To learn more about jaundice, visit BabyCenter.com
