Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Newborn Jaundice?
A pediatrician, a doctor who treats babies and children, usually manages newborn jaundice. A neonatologist, a doctor who cares for newborns, may treat babies who need hospital care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is newborn jaundice?
Newborn jaundice happens when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance the body makes when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps break it down so it can leave the body in the stool. Too much bilirubin makes a baby's skin and the whites of the eyes look yellow. Newborn jaundice is common.
Symptoms
Jaundice causes a yellow color of the skin. It usually begins on the face and then moves down to the chest, belly, legs, and soles of the feet. The whites of the eyes can look yellow too. Some babies with severe jaundice are very tired and feed poorly. If a baby with jaundice has these signs, treat it as an emergency, as described below.
Causes and who gets it
It is normal for a baby's bilirubin level to be a bit high after birth.
Most babies have some jaundice. This is called physiological jaundice. It is usually noticeable when the baby is 2 to 4 days old. Most of the time, it does not cause problems and goes away within 2 weeks.
Breastfed babies can get two types of jaundice, and both are usually harmless. Breastfeeding jaundice is seen in the first week of life. It is more likely when a baby does not nurse well or the mother's milk is slow to come, which leads to dehydration (too little body fluid). Breast milk jaundice may appear in some healthy, breastfed babies after day 7 of life.
Babies born too early are more likely to get jaundice than full-term babies. Severe jaundice can happen when a baby has a condition that raises the number of red blood cells the body must replace. Examples include sickle cell anemia and a mismatch between the blood types of mother and baby.
How doctors diagnose it
Any baby who looks jaundiced should have bilirubin levels measured right away. This can be done with a bilirubin blood test. Many hospitals check total bilirubin levels on all babies at about 24 hours of age. High readings need to be confirmed with a blood test. All babies should be seen by a provider in the first 5 days of life to check for jaundice.
Treatment
Treatment is not needed most of the time. A baby needs treatment if the bilirubin level is too high or is rising too quickly. A baby with jaundice needs to take in plenty of fluids with breast milk or formula. Feeding often leads to frequent bowel movements, which help remove bilirubin through the stools. Ask your provider before giving your newborn extra formula.
Special blue lights are sometimes used on babies whose bilirubin levels are very high. This is called phototherapy, or light therapy. The lights help break down bilirubin in the skin.
If the bilirubin level is not too high or rising quickly, light therapy can be done at home with a fiberoptic blanket. In the most severe cases, an exchange transfusion is needed. In this procedure, the baby's blood is replaced with fresh blood.
A very high bilirubin level can damage the brain, which is called kernicterus. Doctors almost always find the problem before the level gets that high, and treatment is usually effective.
When to see a doctor
Jaundice is an emergency if the baby has a fever, has become listless (very low in energy), or is not feeding well. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your baby has these signs.
Jaundice may be dangerous in high-risk newborns. It is generally not dangerous in babies who were born full term and who do not have other medical problems. Contact the baby's provider if the skin is bright yellow. Also contact the provider if the jaundice keeps increasing after the newborn visit, lasts longer than 2 weeks, or comes with other symptoms. Contact the provider if the feet, especially the soles, are yellow.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A pediatric doctor of this kind can see your baby in the first days of life to check for jaundice.
Common questions
Is newborn jaundice dangerous?
Newborn jaundice is not harmful most of the time. A very high bilirubin level can damage the brain, but treatment is usually effective.
How long does newborn jaundice last?
For most babies, jaundice gets better without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks.
Can newborn jaundice be prevented?
Some jaundice is normal and probably cannot be prevented. The risk of serious jaundice can often be reduced by feeding babies at least 8 to 12 times a day for the first several days.
Does breastfeeding cause newborn jaundice?
Breastfeeding can be linked to two types of jaundice, and both are usually harmless.
Can light therapy for jaundice be done at home?
Yes, in some cases it can be done at home.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
