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Mild jaundice is very common in newborns and often resolves with frequent feeding and sunlight. Phototherapy is needed when bilirubin levels are high and is completely safe — it uses special blue light to break down excess bilirubin.
⚠️ Caution:Do not skip bilirubin tests hoping jaundice will resolve on its own. Very high untreated bilirubin can cause brain damage (kernicterus). If baby looks increasingly yellow, is sleepy, refuses feeds, or has a high-pitched cry, seek emergency care.
Seeing your days-old baby under bright lights with eye shields is heartbreaking. Parents feel helpless and scared. Moms who've been through it say phototherapy is one of the most common and safest neonatal procedures — babies recover quickly and the jaundice rarely returns.
Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.
Our baby's bilirubin was 18 — doctor admitted for phototherapy for 2 days. Levels came down to 10 and we were discharged. It's very safe.
Sunlight exposure for 10-15 minutes in the morning (indirect, not harsh) helps mild jaundice. But if levels are high, don't rely on sunlight alone.
Feed frequently — at least 10-12 times a day. Frequent feeding helps flush out bilirubin through stool and urine.
The phototherapy lights look scary but baby doesn't feel pain. They just wear eye shields. Our baby slept through most of it.
The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026
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