What is the normal bilirubin level for a two-month-old baby?

Under normal circumstances, a bilirubin level below 5 mg/dL in a two-month-old infant is considered normal.

Jaundice is a common symptom during the neonatal period, primarily characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Generally, there are two methods to measure an infant's bilirubin level: transcutaneous bilirubin measurement and serum total bilirubin measurement. Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement is a non-invasive method that uses a bilirubinometer on areas such as the infant's forehead, cheeks, or chest to assess bilirubin levels. Serum total bilirubin measurement involves drawing venous blood from the infant for testing and provides more accurate bilirubin results. The bilirubin levels measured by both methods should be below 5 mg/dL.

If an infant develops jaundice at two months of age, it is important to first distinguish between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice before proceeding with appropriate management. Physiological jaundice generally does not require special treatment and can resolve naturally by enhancing feeding, encouraging the infant to eat and excrete more frequently, thus facilitating bilirubin excretion through feces. However, if it is pathological jaundice, standard treatments are usually ineffective, and parents should promptly take the infant to the hospital for a thorough examination and targeted treatment to ensure the infant's health.