Pediatric Nutrition

Infantile jaundice

Infantile jaundice occurs when the baby's blood contains too much bilirubin, the yellow pigment found in red blood cells. Infantile jaundice is a common condition, especially in babies born before 38 weeks of gestation (prematurity) and breastfed babies. In most cases, jaundice is temporary and harmless. Rarely, jaundice is serious or even life-threatening. Fortunately, prompt treatment can prevent most complications of jaundice in children. If not treated properly, jaundice can lead to serious health problems. If your child suffers from jaundice, you will notice that their skin has a yellowish tint.The whites of their eyes will also turn yellow. Your child may also have dark yellow urine and pale stools.The skin may become itchy. Children with jaundice often have a yellowish tinge to their eyes and skin, usually starting on the face and spreading over the body.