What to do if your baby has jaundice

Here are some tips and things to do if your baby develops jaundice:

1. Observe symptoms:
   • Pay attention to the extent and progression of jaundice. If your baby's skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, especially if jaundice develops within the first 24 hours of life, seek medical attention.
2. Medical examination:
   • Take your baby to the hospital for examination immediately. The doctor will determine the extent and cause of jaundice through blood tests, usually by measuring serum bilirubin levels.
3. Light therapy:
   • If jaundice is more severe, your doctor may recommend phototherapy (blue light therapy). This treatment can help break down excess bilirubin and lower the level of bilirubin in your blood.
4. Fluid replacement:
   • Make sure your baby gets plenty of breast milk or formula to help excrete bilirubin. If you are breastfeeding, try to have your baby suckle frequently.
5. Regular monitoring:
   • Your doctor will recommend regular monitoring of your bilirubin levels to ensure they are decreasing gradually. If jaundice persists for a long time, further testing may be necessary.
6. Pay attention to other symptoms:
   • If accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, refusal to feed, vomiting, fever, etc., seek medical attention immediately.

In most cases, neonatal jaundice is physiological and will resolve naturally over time, but if you have any concerns, especially if the jaundice is getting worse or lasting for a long time, it is important to seek professional medical help.