Jaundice

What is it? Jaundice is so common in newborn babies, it is considered normal. It usually starts on the second or third day of life and disappears by the seventh to tenth day. 'Normal' or 'physiologic' jaundice occurs when a yellow pigment called bilirubin accumulates in the tissue, especially the skin, giving it a yellow tint. Physiologic jaundice is not a disease - it is nearly always a harmless condition, as long as the bilirubin count doesn't reach dangerous levels. Babies with jaundice are often sleepy and may be reluctant to feed.