That Yellow Tint on Your Baby’s Skin Could Be Neonatal Jaundice
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
When Your Baby’s Skin Turns Yellow and You Wonder If It’s Something to Worry About
Bringing your baby home is meant to be a time of wonder and connection. But when you start to notice a yellowish tint to your newborn’s skin or eyes, it can bring with it a wave of worry. Is this normal? Should we be concerned? At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we are here to help you understand neonatal jaundice with calm, compassionate care.
Neonatal jaundice is common in newborns and, in most cases, is mild and temporary. Still, it is natural to want answers and reassurance. We are here to guide you gently through what to expect, what to watch for and how we support your baby’s early days.
What Is Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is the yellowing of a baby’s skin and eyes caused by a temporary build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a natural substance released when red blood cells are broken down. Newborns often have higher levels of bilirubin because their livers are still maturing and may take time to process it efficiently.
Mild jaundice is considered normal and often appears between the second and fourth day of life. It usually fades within one to two weeks as the liver becomes better at clearing bilirubin. In some babies, jaundice may last longer or reach a level that requires treatment.
There are a few types of jaundice, including:
Physiological jaundice, the most common and harmless form
Breastfeeding jaundice, due to low fluid intake in the early days
Breast milk jaundice, related to substances in the milk that slow bilirubin breakdown
Prolonged jaundice, which may need further assessment in babies older than two weeks
What You Might Notice at Home
Jaundice often starts on the face and moves downward. You may notice:
A yellowish tint on the face, chest or arms
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
Sleepiness or difficulty waking for feeds
Poor feeding or fussiness in some cases
Dark yellow urine or pale-coloured stools, though this is less common
It is important to note that many babies with jaundice appear otherwise healthy and feed well. If you have concerns, we are here to take a closer look and guide you through what your baby needs.
How We Support Babies with Jaundice at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we take a gentle and thorough approach to newborn care. We understand how sensitive the early days can feel and how much trust it takes to hand your baby into someone’s care.
When you visit us, your baby’s care may include:
A careful physical examination under natural light
A bilirubin level check using a simple skin or blood test
Monitoring of weight, feeding and stool output
Guidance on feeding frequency and hydration
Planning for follow-up reviews to monitor improvement
Phototherapy if bilirubin levels rise beyond a certain threshold
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu provide supportive, thoughtful care based on your baby’s age, bilirubin trend and overall wellbeing. If needed, they will arrange treatment or referrals promptly, always keeping you informed and included.
Caring for Newborns and Reassuring Parents
Even when jaundice is mild, it can bring a lot of questions and emotions. You may be told your baby needs more sunlight, more feeds or more tests. At Joyful Seeds, we offer clarity instead of confusion. We explain what is happening in simple terms and help you feel confident in how to support your baby.
If your baby requires treatment such as phototherapy, we explain how it works and what to expect. If home care is appropriate, we guide you through every step. Our goal is always to support your baby’s health and your peace of mind.
Let’s Keep a Gentle Eye on Your Baby’s First Signs
If you have noticed a yellow tint in your baby’s skin or are unsure about changes in feeding or sleep, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we are here to guide you gently through those early questions with trusted care, warmth and steady support, so you can focus on loving and bonding with your baby.
