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How to Care for Neonatal Jaundice

Aug 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
When the weather permits, expose the newborn's limbs and face to gentle sunlight for short periods. The blue light in sunlight can help break down bilirubin, but care must be taken to avoid direct exposure to the eyes. The room temperature should be comfortable to prevent the baby from getting chilled. Newborn jaundice care generally includes ensuring adequate feeding, moderate sun exposure, close monitoring of jaundice progression, and maintaining clean skin.

Neonatal jaundice care generally includes ensuring adequate feeding, moderate sun exposure, close monitoring of jaundice progression, maintaining skin cleanliness, and avoiding excessive swaddling. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Ensure adequate feeding: Feed the newborn according to demand, ensuring sufficient intake of breast milk or formula. Adequate feeding promotes bowel movements, helping eliminate bilirubin from the body and reducing its accumulation, thereby alleviating jaundice symptoms.

2. Moderate sun exposure: When weather permits, expose the newborn's limbs and face to gentle sunlight. Each session should not be too long. The blue light in sunlight can help break down bilirubin, but care must be taken to avoid direct sunlight exposure to the eyes, and ensure suitable room temperature to prevent chilling.

3. Close monitoring of jaundice changes: Pay attention to the extent and severity of yellowing of the newborn's skin and sclera, and observe the infant's mental state, feeding intake, and bowel movements. If jaundice continues to worsen, reappears after fading, or is accompanied by lethargy, refusal to feed, or similar symptoms, promptly inform the doctor.

4. Maintain skin cleanliness: Wipe the newborn's skin daily with warm water, especially in skin folds such as the neck and armpits, to keep the skin dry and comfortable. Clean skin reduces the risk of infection and prevents skin problems from affecting jaundice recovery.

5. Avoid excessive swaddling: Dress the newborn in loose, breathable clothing without overwrapping. Excessive swaddling may elevate the newborn's body temperature, potentially affecting blood circulation and bilirubin metabolism. Appropriate warmth is sufficient.

During neonatal jaundice care, follow medical advice and regularly monitor jaundice levels. If the jaundice is pathological, cooperate with the doctor for treatments such as phototherapy, rather than relying solely on home care. Parents should remain patient and carefully observe the newborn's condition to ensure jaundice resolves smoothly.

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