How Long Does It Generally Take for Neonatal Jaundice to Completely Dissappear?

Neonatal jaundice is a condition that many new parents will encounter, but there is no need for excessive concern as most neonatal jaundice is physiological. Typically, physiological jaundice begins to appear 2 to 3 days after birth, peaks at 4 to 5 days, and then gradually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. For full-term infants, jaundice usually disappears completely within two weeks after birth, while premature infants may take three weeks or longer. The appearance of jaundice is due to elevated bilirubin levels in the newborn's body. Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells break down. In adults, it is processed by the liver and excreted from the body. However, the liver function of newborns is not fully mature and may not be able to promptly process excess bilirubin, resulting in yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Although it may look alarming, in most cases, this condition is normal. At home, parents can assess the severity of jaundice by observing changes in the color of their baby's skin and whites of the eyes. If jaundice is mild, no special treatment is usually required, and ensuring the baby receives adequate breast milk or formula milk to help excrete bilirubin is sufficient. If jaundice is severe or lasts for an extended period, doctors may recommend phototherapy or other treatments. Parents should note that if their baby's jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, has not resolved after two weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or abnormal crying, they should seek medical attention promptly. This may indicate pathological jaundice requiring further examination and treatment. To help the baby's jaundice resolve faster, ensuring adequate feeding is crucial. Breastfed babies may need to be fed more frequently to promote bilirubin excretion. Appropriate sun exposure can also help reduce bilirubin levels, but it is important to avoid direct sunlight to prevent skin burns. Although neonatal jaundice is common, with careful observation and proper care, most babies can successfully navigate this stage and recover their health. As parents, consulting a doctor promptly in any uncertain or worrying situation is the best choice.