Baby Jaundice Singapore: Causes, Symptoms & When to Worry

Bringing your newborn home is exciting—but seeing your baby's skin turn yellow can be alarming. Don't panic. Newborn jaundice is one of the most common conditions affecting babies in Singapore, and in most cases, it resolves on its own without treatment.

This guide covers everything Singapore parents need to know about baby jaundice, from causes and symptoms to treatment options at local hospitals and when you should worry.

What is Baby Jaundice?

Baby jaundice (neonatal jaundice) is a condition where your newborn's skin and the whites of their eyes turn yellow. This yellowing is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.

Here's what happens:

• Before birth, the mother's liver processes the baby's bilirubin
• After birth, the baby's own liver takes over this job
• A newborn's immature liver sometimes can't keep up with bilirubin production
• Excess bilirubin causes the yellow colouring

Singapore Stat: Approximately 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies in Singapore develop some degree of jaundice in their first week of life.

Types of Newborn Jaundice

1. Physiological Jaundice (Most Common)

This is the "normal" type that affects most newborns. It appears around day 2-3 of life and typically resolves by day 7-10. It's caused by the baby's immature liver adjusting to processing bilirubin independently.

2. Breastfeeding Jaundice

Occurs in the first week when a breastfed baby isn't getting enough milk. This leads to dehydration and reduced bowel movements, meaning less bilirubin is excreted. Solution: More frequent feeding, not stopping breastfeeding.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice

A different condition that appears after day 7 and can last 4-12 weeks. Certain substances in breast milk affect how the baby's liver processes bilirubin. It's harmless and does not require stopping breastfeeding.

4. Pathological Jaundice (Requires Treatment)

This type appears within 24 hours of birth or rises rapidly. Causes include:

• Blood group incompatibility (ABO or Rhesus) between mother and baby
• G6PD deficiency (common in Singapore's Chinese population)
• Infections
• Liver problems

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Check your baby in natural daylight. Jaundice typically progresses from:

1. Face (mild)
2. Chest and abdomen (moderate)
3. Arms and legs (more severe)
4. Palms and soles (severe)

Pro tip: Gently press on your baby's forehead or nose. When you release, if the skin looks yellow before returning to normal colour, jaundice may be present.

When to Seek Medical Help Immediately

While most jaundice is harmless, these warning signs require immediate medical attention:

• 🚨 Jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth
• 🚨 Yellow colour spreads to arms, legs, palms or soles
• 🚨 Baby is difficult to wake or very sleepy
• 🚨 Baby refuses to feed or feeds poorly
• 🚨 Baby has a high-pitched cry
• 🚨 Baby's body is stiff or floppy
• 🚨 Baby has dark urine or pale stools

Treatment Options in Singapore

Monitoring at Home

For mild jaundice, your doctor may recommend:

• Frequent feeding (8-12 times per day) to help excrete bilirubin
• Daily check-ups to monitor bilirubin levels
• Sunlight exposure (indirect morning light, not direct sun)

Phototherapy (Light Treatment)

The most common treatment for moderate to severe jaundice. Your baby is placed under special blue LED lights (bili lights) that help break down bilirubin in the skin.

What to expect:

• Baby wears only a diaper and eye protection
• Treatment typically lasts 1-2 days
• Breastfeeding can continue during treatment
• Side effects may include loose green stools and mild rash

Exchange Transfusion

Reserved for severe cases where bilirubin levels are dangerously high. Small amounts of baby's blood are replaced with donor blood. This is rare and only done in hospital settings.

Treatment Costs in Singapore (2026)

*Before subsidies for Singapore Citizens. MediShield Life may cover part of the costs.

G6PD Deficiency and Jaundice in Singapore

G6PD deficiency is particularly relevant for Singapore parents. This genetic condition is common among the Chinese population and can cause severe jaundice in newborns.

All babies born in Singapore are screened for G6PD deficiency at birth. If your baby has this condition:

• They're at higher risk of severe jaundice
• You'll need to avoid certain medications and foods (like mothballs, fava beans)
• Inform all healthcare providers about the condition

Tips for Parents Managing Jaundice at Home

1. Feed frequently — Aim for 8-12 feeds per day to help your baby pass bilirubin through stool and urine
2. Monitor wet diapers — Your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers per day by day 4
3. Check skin colour daily — Do this in natural daylight, not under yellow lights
4. Attend all follow-up appointments — Bilirubin levels can rise quickly in the first week
5. Know your baby's blood type — Ask if there's any incompatibility with mother's blood type

The Bottom Line

Baby jaundice is incredibly common and usually nothing to worry about. Most cases resolve naturally within 1-2 weeks. However, it's important to monitor your newborn closely and know the warning signs that require medical attention.

When in doubt, always consult your paediatrician. Singapore's healthcare system is excellent at detecting and treating jaundice, and serious complications are rare when the condition is properly monitored.

Remember: You're not alone in this. Most parents in Singapore have experienced the worry of seeing their baby turn yellow. Trust the process, feed frequently, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed.