Newborn jaundice in Ireland: signs, feeding and when to call

In short

Jaundice is common in newborns and usually harmless. It turns the skin and the whites of the eyes yellow, usually starts at 2 to 3 days old and lasts 10 to 14 days. If you think your baby has it, have them checked by your GP, midwife or public health nurse, and call again urgently if it gets worse or lasts past 14 days.

Signs: yellow whites of the eyes and slightly yellow skin. Some babies are sleepy or slow to feed.
When: usually from 2 to 3 days old, lasting 10 to 14 days. Most babies are better by 2 weeks without treatment.
Mild jaundice: feed at least every 3 to 4 hours, wake your baby for feeds, and look for a wet nappy before every feed.
Call your GP, maternity hospital or PHN if signs appear after 72 hours. Call again urgently if it gets worse or lasts past 14 days.
Treatment is only needed when the bilirubin level is high. The main one is phototherapy in hospital.

These answers come from the two HSE pages listed at the end, checked on 6 November 2026. If you are worried about your baby, your GP, midwife or public health nurse (PHN) is the person to ask, or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.

What is newborn jaundice?

Newborn (neonatal) jaundice is common and usually harmless. It happens when bilirubin, a chemical found naturally in your baby's blood, builds up. A newborn's liver clears bilirubin more slowly, and by 2 weeks old it has got better at this, so most babies get better without treatment by then.

A doctor checks your baby for signs of jaundice during the newborn physical examination.

What does jaundice look like in a newborn?

Jaundice shows up as yellow-looking whites of the eyes and slightly yellow-looking skin. On brown or black skin the colour change can be harder to notice, and the yellow may show more clearly in the eyes. Some babies with jaundice are also sleepy or slow at feeding.

When does newborn jaundice start and how long does it last?

The HSE says signs of jaundice usually appear when a baby is 2 to 3 days old, and they last from 10 to 14 days. Most babies get better without any treatment by the time they are 2 weeks old, as the liver gets better at clearing bilirubin.

When should I call the GP, midwife or PHN about jaundice?

If you think your baby may have jaundice, have them checked by your GP, midwife or public health nurse, who will tell you whether any tests or treatment are needed. The HSE also says to contact your GP, maternity hospital or PHN if your baby develops signs of jaundice after 72 hours.

Contact your GP or PHN again urgently if

your baby's symptoms are getting worse
the jaundice has gone on for more than 14 days

They may take a blood test, particularly if your baby's pee is dark or their poos are pale, and a test of your baby's liver and gallbladder may also be needed. You can also call HSELive on 1800 700 700.

How should I feed a baby with jaundice?

A baby with jaundice needs lots of fluids. For mild jaundice the HSE says to feed your baby at least every 3 to 4 hours, wake them up for feeds, and make sure they have a wet nappy before every feed. You will also be told what to do if it is not getting better.

If a baby with jaundice gets dehydrated, they may need extra fluids through a drip, a small plastic tube put into a hand, arm or foot. For help with feeding in the first days, read why your baby will not latch and how to tell if your baby is feeding enough.

Is jaundice more common in breastfed babies?

Yes. The HSE says jaundice is more common in breastfed babies than in formula-fed babies, and that nobody is sure why. Now and then jaundice has a more serious cause, such as an infection, the baby's blood group not matching the mother's, problems with the baby's blood cells, or liver problems.

So if you think your baby has jaundice, have them checked. The HSE says a blood test may be needed, particularly if your baby's pee is dark or their poos are pale.

How is newborn jaundice checked?

Your GP, PHN or midwife will usually undress your baby and look at their eyes, gums and skin in bright, natural light. They ask whether your baby had jaundice at birth, how feeding is going and about wet nappies. If they have a bilimeter, a sensor placed gently on the skin gives a bilirubin reading.

If no bilimeter is available, you may be sent to a baby clinic or a children's emergency department. Your baby may also need blood tests, tests for infection or a liver scan, which are normally done in hospital.

What is phototherapy for jaundice?

Treatment is only needed when the bilirubin level is high. Phototherapy is the main treatment: your baby lies on a special blanket, or under a special light, which helps the jaundice clear. It is given in hospital, your baby stays in for at least 12 to 24 hours, and you bring them home once the level is low enough.

After phototherapy ends, your baby may need another blood test to check that the bilirubin level is staying down.

How can I keep track of feeds and wet nappies?

The midwife or PHN will ask how feeding is going and about wet nappies, and for mild jaundice you watch for a wet nappy before every feed. Writing down each feed and nappy with the time makes that easy to answer, especially on broken sleep in the first week.

Lullagram logs feeds and wet, dirty or dry nappies in one tap, both parents can log on their own phones, and you can show or email the record to your public health nurse. Open lullagram.ie/app. Our guide to public health nurse visits covers what else the PHN checks. This is general information from the HSE, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby, call your GP, midwife or PHN.

Sources and guidance

This guide is written from the official HSE guidance below. It is general information for people in Ireland, not medical advice. Links checked 6 November 2026.