Newborn Jaundice: Signs, Assessment and Treatment
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General information. This page does not claim clinical review. Editorial standards. Updated 29 September 2026.
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is yellow colouring caused by a build-up of bilirubin. It is common in newborns and often settles, but some babies need treatment.
If you notice yellow skin or eyes
For a baby older than 24 hours, contact your midwife or clinician urgently if you suspect jaundice, it is worsening, or urine is dark or stools are pale. In the UK, NHS 111 can advise. Yellowing may be harder to see on darker skin.
Appearance does not measure severity
Do not use a head-to-toe colour chart to decide whether treatment is needed. Clinicians assess bilirubin with a skin meter or blood test and interpret the result using the baby's age in hours and other risk factors. Keep arranged follow-up appointments.
Treatment and feeding
Continue feeding regularly and seek feeding support when needed. Treatment, when indicated, commonly uses special phototherapy lights under clinical supervision. Sunlight, including through a window, is not a safe home treatment. Do not delay assessment to try it.