What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is the yellow color seen in the skin of newborns. It happens when a chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby's blood. Jaundice can occur in babies of any race or color.

Why is Jaundice common in newborns?

Everyone's blood contains bilirubin, which is removed by the liver. Before birth, the mother's liver does this for the baby. Most babies develop jaundice in the first few days after birth because it takes a few days for the baby's liver to get better at removing bilirubin.

How can I tell if my baby is jaundiced?

The skin of a baby with jaundice usually appears yellow. The best way to see jaundice is in good light, such as daylight. Jaundice usually appears first in the face and then moves to the chest, abdomen, arms and legs as the bilirubin level increases. The whites of the eyes may also be yellow. Jaundice may be harder to see in babies with darker skin color.