Babies sometimes look a little yellow a few days after birth. This usually happens 2 to 7 days after birth, and is known as jaundice. Is it something to worry about? And can it be prevented? We explain in this article.
Jaundice in your baby
Your baby looking a bit yellow a few days after birth is quite normal, and usually clears up on its own. With jaundice, there's a raised level of bilirubin in the blood - a substance produced when red blood cells break down. In a baby, this breakdown happens at a much higher rate than normal, since there are still lots of red blood cells left over from their time in the womb. The bilirubin builds up under the skin, giving the skin a yellowish tinge.
How does jaundice go away?
Usually there's no need to worry if your baby has jaundice - it often clears up by itself. Doesn't clear up, or are you concerned? Get in touch with a doctor, midwife, or nurse. They'll check how yellow your baby looks, examining specific parts of the body in particular - especially the mucous membranes in the mouth, the whites of the eyes, and the face.
Not sure about your baby's health? Contact your doctor.
Can it be prevented?
There are a few things you can keep an eye on yourself to help reduce the chance of jaundice:
- Feed your baby regularly. The more feeds your baby gets, the more often they'll have a bowel movement - and bilirubin is excreted through stool.
- Sunlight also helps break down bilirubin. Let your baby have indirect contact with sunlight, for example by placing the cot or crib near a window. Your baby's skin is still delicate, so always stay behind the window and make sure the contact is genuinely indirect.
- Don't give your baby too much extra water if they have jaundice. Bilirubin is mainly excreted through stool, not urine. Giving your baby a lot of water reduces their need for breast milk, since their tummy is already full - and eating less means fewer bowel movements, making it harder for the body to clear the bilirubin.
About Kabrita
Once you're ready to start reducing breastfeeding, after at least 6 months, Kabrita follow-on milk can be a suitable option. Kabrita goat milk-based formula is a Dutch product that combines mild Dutch goat milk with a modern composition based on the latest scientific insights, resulting in a complete formula that delivers key nutrients gently and supports your child's growth.