How to test jaundice for babies at home
Jaundice is a common physiological phenomenon in neonates, but in severe cases, it may cause complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy. Many parents are concerned about how to initially judge the baby's jaundice at home. The following is a structured guide for you based on popular topics and medical advice on the entire network in the past 10 days.
1. Basic knowledge of jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism. It is usually divided into physiological jaundice (appears 2-3 days after birth and subsides 7-10 days) and pathological jaundice (appears early, progresses quickly, and lasts for a long time).
| Types of jaundice | Time of occurrence | Peak time | Time of extinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiological jaundice | 2-3 days after birth | Days 4-5 | 7-10 days |
| Pathological jaundice | Within 24 hours of birth | indefinite | More than 2 weeks |
2. Home testing methods
1.Visual method (Kramer law): Observe the yellowing range of baby's skin under natural light
| Yellow-stained parts | Estimated bilirubin value (mg/dL) | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Face | 5-8 | Low risk |
| Chest | 8-12 | Medium risk |
| abdomen | 12-15 | High risk |
| Four limbs | 15+ | Need urgent medical treatment |
2.Mobile APP assisted detection(Use with caution): Some applications analyze skin color through cameras, but the accuracy is questionable
3.Percutaneous jaundice device rental: Professional equipment can provide relatively accurate data, with a daily rent of about 30-50 yuan
3. Things to note
• Optimal detection time: 10 am to 3 pm under natural light
• Avoid observation under fluorescent or yellow lights
• It is more obvious after pressing the skin (avoiding the birthmark part)
• Premature babies and low-weight babies need to be monitored more closely
4. Danger Signal Identification
| symptom | Possible problems | Handling suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Jaundice occurs within 24 hours | Hemolytic diseases | Seek medical treatment now |
| Yellow skin of hands and feet | Severe jaundice | Seek within 6 hours |
| Rejection/Sleeping | Bilirubin encephalopathy | Urgent medical treatment |
| Grey white stool | Biliary atresia | Check within 48 hours |
5. Parent FAQ Q&A
Q: Can sunbathing reduce jaundice?
A: Moderate sunlight (invalid window) can be assisted, but please note:
• Time is controlled at 10-15 minutes/time
• Avoid direct eyes and genitals
• Cannot replace medical intervention
Q: Do you need to stop breastfeeding with breast milk jaundice?
A: Usually not required. There are two situations:
1. Early hairstyle (3-4 days of birth): Strengthened feeding (8-12 times a day)
2. Late hairstyle (after 2 weeks): If bilirubin is less than 15mg/dL, you can continue to breastfeed
6. Latest medical trends (hot spots in the past 10 days)
1.Remote jaundice monitoring system: Some hospitals launch wearable devices + mobile tracking services
2.Genetic testing applications: Predicting jaundice risk through G6PD enzyme deficiency screening
3.New phototherapy technology: LED blue light blanket family rental services are emerging
Summarize: Home jaundice monitoring can be used as a preliminary screening method, but when the value is ≥12mg/dL or dangerous symptoms appear, be sure to seek medical treatment in time. It is recommended to test once every 3rd, 5th and 7th days after birth, and the frequency of premature babies needs to be increased.
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