Pedemy All toolsTap your baby’s age, where you see yellow, and how your baby is doing. You will know if your baby needs to be checked now, today, or at the next visit.
This tool helps parents know when a newborn’s yellow skin (jaundice) needs a call to the doctor or a trip to the ER. Tap your baby’s age, where you see yellow, how your baby is feeding and acting, and any risk factors.
Jaundice is common in the first week and usually fades by 2 weeks. But yellow skin in the first 24 hours, yellow that spreads to the arms and legs, a very sleepy baby who isn’t feeding well, few wet or dirty diapers, or pale poop need a doctor soon. A high-pitched cry, arching or stiffness is an emergency.
The advice follows the American Academy of Pediatrics 2022 jaundice guideline and the CDC. Looking at the skin can’t tell how high bilirubin is, so the tool encourages parents to call whenever they are unsure.
Call your baby’s doctor right away if yellow skin appears in the first 24 hours, spreads to the belly, arms or legs, or if your baby is very sleepy, not feeding well or has fewer wet and dirty diapers. Go to the ER for a high-pitched cry, arching of the back or neck, or stiffness.
Jaundice usually appears on day 2 to 4 and is mostly gone in 1 to 2 weeks. If your baby is still yellow at 2 weeks (formula-fed) or 3 to 4 weeks (breastfed), call the doctor for a blood test that checks the liver.
No. The AAP does not recommend putting babies in sunlight to treat jaundice. It doesn’t work well and can cause sunburn or overheating. If treatment is needed, doctors use special lights (phototherapy).
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