Patient education: Jaundice in babies – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is jaundice? — "Jaundice" is the word doctors and nurses use when a baby's skin or white part of the eye turns yellow. Jaundice is common in newborns. It can happen within a day or days after a baby's birth.

Jaundice happens when a baby has high levels of a substance called "bilirubin" in the blood. Often, jaundice goes away on its own. But sometimes, it requires treatment with light therapy (figure 1). This is also called "phototherapy." Phototherapy is usually done in the hospital.

How do I care for my baby at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your baby. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Make sure that your baby latches on well to your breast and is getting enough breast milk, if you are breastfeeding.

●Offer your baby regular feedings of breast milk or formula. Most newborns need to eat 8 to 12 times each day. They should be drinking enough to have at least 6 wet diapers each day.

Do not expose your baby to direct sunlight. This does not help with jaundice, and could cause a sunburn.

What follow-up care does my baby need? — Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●Your baby has passed out, seems very sleepy, or is breathing fast and has 1 or more of these signs of severe fluid loss:

•Your baby's skin looks purple and splotchy, is cool, or their hands and feet look blue or gray.

•Your baby has no urine for 24 hours.

•Your baby's soft spot is sunken.

•Your baby's eyes are sunken.

Go to the emergency department if:

●Your baby can't keep any fluids down, has not had anything to drink in many hours, and has 1 or more of the following:

•Your baby is not as alert as usual, is very sleepy, or much less active.

•Your baby is crying all of the time.

•Your baby has not had a wet diaper for over 8 hours.

•Your baby's skin is cool.

●Your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Call the doctor or nurse for advice if:

●Your baby is having trouble feeding normally.

●Your baby has a dry mouth.

●Your baby has few or no tears when they cry.

●Your baby's urine is dark in color.

●Your baby is less active than normal.

●Your baby arches their neck or body backward.

●Your baby has new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Jaundice in babies (The Basics)
Patient education: Breastfeeding (The Basics)
Patient education: Poor weight gain in babies and children (The Basics)
Patient education: When a baby is born premature (The Basics)

Patient education: Jaundice in newborn infants (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Breastfeeding guide (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Common breastfeeding problems (Beyond the Basics)