Baby jaundice, also known as newborn jaundice, refers to a common condition where a baby's skin and eyes are yellow. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is due to an elevation of bilirubin (yellow pigment) in your baby's red blood cells. Sometimes babies with jaundice are tired and eat poorly. MedlinePlus states that if your baby's jaundice is not treated promptly, he can develop kernicterus (a condition characterized by involuntary movements and deafness) and acute bilirubin encephalopathy (a condition in which bilirubin goes to the brain and causes fever, problems feeding and arching of the body). There are specific steps to prevent your baby from developing jaundice.
Step 1
Check your baby's bilirubin levels during the first day of life. A doctor can draw your baby's blood and determine if he is at risk for developing jaundice.
Step 2
Breastfeed your infant 12 times a day for the first two weeks of your baby's life. MedlinePlus states this can increase your baby's bowel movements and remove any excess bilirubin from his system. With decreased amounts of bilirubin, jaundice will not develop.
Step 3
Feed your baby with 1 to 2 ounces of infant formula every three hours for the first week if you do not breastfeed, the Mayo Clinic recommends. This will also increase your baby's bowel movements and decrease the risk of jaundice.
Step 4
Call your doctor if your baby develops a fever, is fatigued and is not feeding well. This could be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Things You'll Need
- Infant formula
