Jaundice in newborns is something many Kenyan parents hear about, but it can still feel alarming when your tiny baby develops that yellowish tint on their skin or the whites of their eyes. While it may look serious, in most cases, it’s a common condition that can be managed with proper care. Understanding why it happens, what signs to watch for, and how it’s treated can help parents feel more confident and prepared.
Jaundice occurs when there’s a buildup of a substance called bilirubin in a baby’s blood. Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In adults and older children, the liver efficiently processes and removes bilirubin, but in newborns, especially during the first week of life, the liver is still maturing. This means bilirubin can accumulate faster than the body can handle, leading to that familiar yellowish tint.
In Kenya, jaundice is quite common, affecting around 60% of full-term babies and up to 80% of premature babies. Certain factors can increase the likelihood, such as babies who are born early, have a low birth weight, or those whose blood type that differs from the mother’s. Even the color of the skin can sometimes make it easier to notice jaundice; parents with darker-skinned babies might first notice it in the eyes or the soles of the feet.
The first sign of jaundice is usually a yellowing of the skin. It often starts on the face and eyes and gradually spreads down the body. Parents might also notice their baby is sleepier than usual, feeding less, or more irritable. While mild jaundice is common and usually harmless, it’s essential to watch for more severe signs, such as a deep yellow or orange colour, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, or lethargy. These could indicate higher bilirubin levels that need prompt attention.
In Kenya, newborns are usually monitored for jaundice during their first few days at the hospital. Health workers may use a small device called a bilirubin meter or, in some cases, take a small blood sample to measure bilirubin levels. If the levels are not dangerously high, the baby may only need close observation at home, frequent feeding, and regular follow-up as advised by the clinician. In some cases, your clinician may also recommend brief exposure to early morning sunlight. Sunlight can help the body break down bilirubin, so allowing your baby a few minutes of gentle morning sun, while keeping them warm and protected can be helpful when done under medical guidance.
When jaundice is more severe, hospitals in Kenya provide treatment using phototherapy. This is a safe, gentle method where the baby lies under special blue lights, often in an incubator or on a bed with their eyes protected. The light helps the bilirubin in the baby’s blood break down faster. In rare cases where bilirubin levels rise dangerously, a blood transfusion may be needed, but this is uncommon and usually reserved for the most severe situations.
Breastfeeding plays an important role in managing mild jaundice. Frequent feeds help the baby pass bilirubin through stools, reducing its levels naturally. However, sometimes a baby might have trouble latching or feeding well, which can worsen jaundice. In such cases, lactation support from a nurse or pediatrician can make a big difference. Kenyan parents can also seek guidance from community health workers, who are a great source of support and advice, especially in rural areas.
It’s normal for parents to feel anxious when their newborn develops jaundice, but most cases resolve within one to two weeks. Premature babies or those with underlying conditions may take a little longer, but with proper monitoring and treatment, babies usually recover fully without complications. The key is to recognize the signs early, seek medical guidance when needed, and follow the advice of healthcare professionals. If jaundice appears to worsen, spreads to the legs, or your baby becomes unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, or seems unwell, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delayed medical care can allow bilirubin levels to rise to dangerous levels, which may affect a baby’s brain development and lead to long-term complications.
In Kenya, awareness about newborn jaundice is improving, and more hospitals and clinics are equipped to screen and manage it effectively. Parents are encouraged not to panic but to be vigilant. A yellow tint is often just a normal part of life’s first days for many babies, but timely attention can make all the difference in ensuring a healthy start.