Some infants are afflicted with a condition known a neonatal jaundice, which is the result of the newly formed liver not being completely functional. This leads to the buildup of a protein called bilirubin in the blood, which turns the skin and the whites of the eyes yellow. In order to treat this, fluorescent blue lights can be used which will break down the excess bilirubin, allowing for the restoration of the normal color of the infant's skin until the liver is fully mature. This treatment can be given in a hospital but it can also be done at home using a special blue-light blanket.
Step 1
Plug in the blue light unit and make sure that the device is on a firm base so that it does not slip or fall.
Step 2
Take a disposable cover (provided with the unit) and place the blue light blanket inside of it. This blanket is a flat extension is connected to the power device by a long cord.
Step 3
Place the wrapped blue extension directly onto the skin of your baby's back. Make sure that the blue light blanket is put on so that the clear side (i.e. the side without writing) is down.
Step 4
Turn the dial on the machine to "full intensity" and switch on the unit.
Step 5
Wrap and keep your baby and the blue light blanket together in a fabric blanket and leave the unit plugged in. (except for diaper changes).
Step 6
Have your doctor regularly test your baby's bilirubin levels to determine when the blue light phototherapy can be terminated.
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