Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, occurring when the body accumulates too much bilirubin, an orange-yellow pigment, in the blood. Symptoms can appear after birth, ranging from mild to severe. If pathological jaundice is not diagnosed and treated correctly, infants are at risk of developing kernicterus, brain damage, and even life-threatening complications.

Some infants may experience prolonged jaundice, lasting over 14 days in full-term infants and over 21 days in premature infants. Causes include insufficient breast milk or certain substances in breast milk that can inhibit liver metabolism, thereby slowing bilirubin excretion; this is usually benign. Other causes include conditions such as hypothyroidism or congenital biliary atresia.

Current global pediatric guidelines do not recommend direct sunlight exposure for newborns to prevent or treat jaundice. Solar radiation, including ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) and infrared rays, can cause sunburn, dehydration, or increase the risk of skin cancer over time.

To prevent and reduce jaundice, infants need increased feeding with sufficient milk or formula supplementation if breast milk is inadequate, approximately 8-12 times daily. This helps excrete bilirubin through stool and urine. Parents should observe their baby's skin under natural daylight. If jaundice rapidly spreads to the lower body, reaching the abdomen or thighs, immediate medical examination is necessary.

If an infant with jaundice requires treatment, doctors will administer phototherapy, or light therapy, with appropriate and safe intensity and wavelength.

Phototherapy treatment for newborn jaundice. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

You can expose your child to natural light to observe their skin color between 7-8h or 16-17h, when UV rays are weaker. This can be done one to three times per week, for about 10-15 minutes each time. When outdoors, prioritize shade, lightweight clothing, and a stroller canopy.

Some sunlight exposure to the skin on hands and feet can support vitamin D synthesis, which aids calcium absorption and bone development. Exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning, can also help regulate a baby's circadian rhythm, improving sleep and mood.

It is best not to expose newborns directly to sunlight between 10h and 16h, and avoid having them lie completely exposed to the sun outdoors, as this is ineffective in reducing jaundice. Instead of sunbathing, parents should take their child to the hospital so a doctor can assess whether jaundice treatment is necessary and recommend effective methods.

Dr. CKI To Vu Thien Huong

Neonatal Center

Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM