How long does newborn jaundice last?

Usually 1-2 weeks; longer in some breastfed babies. Ask your doctor if it lasts beyond 2 weeks (3 weeks if premature).

Does sunlight treat jaundice?

Don't put your baby in direct sunlight; medical phototherapy is used when treatment is needed.

Should I stop breastfeeding for jaundice?

Usually not. Frequent feeding helps. Follow your pediatrician's advice.

Is jaundice dangerous?

Most is mild, but very high levels can be harmful, which is why testing matters.

What does pale poo mean?

Pale or chalky poo with jaundice needs urgent medical review.

Newborn Jaundice: Signs, Feeding & When to Call / Tot

Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026

Quick answer: Newborn jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by bilirubin, common in the first days because a baby's liver is still maturing. Most cases are mild. Feed 8-12 times a day to help clear it (AAP). Call your doctor if the yellow spreads or deepens, your baby is hard to wake or feeding poorly, or poo is pale.

TL;DR

Common and usually mild in the first week.
Frequent feeds help: 8-12 a day.
Call if it spreads, baby is sleepy or poo is pale.

Most babies develop some newborn jaundice. Here's how to recognise it and when it needs attention, based on AAP and NHS guidance.

Why it happens

Bilirubin comes from the normal breakdown of red blood cells and is cleared by the liver. Before birth the mother's liver does this; after birth, a baby's liver takes a few days to catch up, so bilirubin builds up.

Signs

Yellow skin, starting on the face and moving down to the chest, belly, arms and legs
Yellow whites of the eyes
In darker skin, yellowing may be easier to see on the palms, soles or gums

The AAP notes jaundice is best seen in daylight.

Feeding and jaundice

Jaundice is more common in breastfed babies who aren't yet getting enough milk. The AAP advises breastfeeding at least 8-12 times a day in the first days to support supply and keep bilirubin down. Ask for help with latch early. Track feeds and diapers.

Checks and follow-up

All babies should have at least one bilirubin check before leaving hospital, and babies discharged before 48 hours should usually be seen within 2 days, according to the AAP. Treatment, if needed, is usually phototherapy.

When to call

Call your pediatrician if	Get urgent help if
Yellow spreads to belly, arms or legs	Baby is very hard to wake or floppy
Whites of eyes are yellow	Jaundice in the first 24 hours
Baby is fussy or not feeding well	Pale, chalky poo or dark urine (NHS)

Logging feeds and diapers

A clear log of feeds and diapers helps your care team judge whether feeding is on track. Tot logs both, shared with your partner.

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Sources

AAP HealthyChildren.org: Jaundice in Newborns: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
NHS: Jaundice in babies: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
AAP HealthyChildren.org: How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)

Medical disclaimer:

Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.

Newborn Jaundice: Signs, Feeding and When to Call