Newborn jaundice needs the right follow-up
Care and guidance for your baby
Jaundice can make a baby’s skin or eyes look yellow. A clinician must decide whether bilirubin testing or treatment is needed. Follow the hospital’s discharge plan and call about new or increasing yellow color.
A visual check cannot measure the risk
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up in the body. The baby’s age, bilirubin level and other health factors affect the clinical decision. Skin color alone, including a photograph, cannot tell you whether a level is safe.
Bring the discharge summary and any bilirubin results with the collection date and time. Do not skip a recommended repeat test because your baby looks better.
Call promptly about concerning changes
- Yellow color that appears or increases.
- Poor feeding or difficulty waking for feeds.
- A baby who seems unusually sleepy or unwell.
- A missed bilirubin test or follow-up appointment.
For severe breathing trouble, inability to wake your baby or another life-threatening emergency, call 911. If your newborn has a fever, seek urgent assessment.
Testing and treatment depend on the assessment
A clinician may use a bilirubin measurement and your baby’s risk factors to decide what to do next. Confirm where any required testing or treatment will happen. Do not assume a particular device or phototherapy service is available in the office.
Do not use sunlight as a substitute for medical treatment. Follow the feeding and follow-up plan your clinician provides. Discuss feeding concerns promptly.
Questions from parents
Is yellow skin always harmless in a newborn?
No. Jaundice is common, but the level and risk need clinical assessment. Follow the discharge plan and call about new or increasing yellow color.
Can a photo tell whether bilirubin is too high?
No. A photo or visual check cannot establish the bilirubin level. A clinician decides whether measurement is needed.
What should I bring to a jaundice follow-up?
Bring hospital records, bilirubin results with dates and times, feeding information and the recommended follow-up instructions.
Can sunlight treat jaundice safely at home?
Do not use sunlight instead of medical assessment or treatment. Follow the clinician’s testing and treatment instructions.
What if my baby is yellow and feeding poorly?
Contact a clinician promptly for assessment. If your baby cannot be awakened, has severe breathing difficulty or another life-threatening symptom, call 911.
More newborn guidance
Your pediatrician in Canarsie
Meet Dr. Miole Pierre Pigeot, MD, the practice pediatrician. Gentle Touch Pediatrics is at 9708 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Call 347-702-5161 to discuss scheduling and office hours.
Ask the office to confirm your baby’s exact insurance plan, appointment availability and any records needed.
Medical information and sources
Updated September 12, 2026. General information supports a conversation with your pediatrician and does not replace assessment of your baby. AAP: Jaundice in newborns · AAP: First-week checkup.