What to do with jaundice in children

Pediatric jaundice is a problem faced by many parents of newborns. Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the body and manifests as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. For neonatal jaundice, most cases are physiological, usually appearing within a few days after birth and disappearing within two weeks. However, as parents, we always want to provide the best care for our children, so what should we do about pediatric jaundice?

It is very important to stay calm. Most neonatal jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon and there is no need to worry too much. In order to help your baby get rid of jaundice faster, breastfeeding is a good choice. Breast milk not only provides adequate nutrition for your baby, but also helps promote intestinal peristalsis and accelerate the excretion of bilirubin. Make sure your baby can breastfeed frequently, usually 8 to 12 times a day, which can help your baby excrete bilirubin better.

If the jaundice is mild, you can increase the exposure to sunlight to help break down bilirubin. Let your baby bask in the sun for a while every day, but be careful to avoid direct sunlight to avoid sunburning your baby's delicate skin. Usually, it is safe and effective to expose your baby to natural light through a window indoors.

If your baby's jaundice is severe or lasts for a long time, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend phototherapy, which uses special blue light to help break down excess bilirubin in the body. Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment that usually reduces bilirubin levels quickly.

When taking care of a baby with jaundice, parents also need to pay attention to other physical conditions of the baby, such as whether the baby has abnormal symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty in feeding, weak crying, etc. If these conditions occur, it may mean that the jaundice is more serious and requires immediate medical attention.

In most cases, pediatric jaundice can be resolved through simple care and observation. As a parent, it is important to remain patient and careful, and take timely measures to help your baby recover. Through scientific feeding and proper care, most babies can successfully pass this period and grow up healthily.