Jaundice, newborn

Jaundice is very common in newborn babies. Over half of all newborns have some degree of jaundice. It's usually nothing to worry about, and needs no treatment as it disappears after a couple of weeks.

Jaundice is caused by the liver not being fully developed and not yet fully functioning properly.

The skin of a baby with jaundice will look slightly yellow. In some babies the yellowing can be noticed in the whites of the eyes.

Jaundice is more common in boys than girls and in premature babies.