Newborn Jaundice & Colic
When your baby is jaundiced and cries uncontrollably every night—A beginner's guide for new parents.
Neonatal jaundice – usually normal, but requires monitoring.
Physiological jaundice, which causes the baby's skin to turn yellow from 2 to 3 days after birth, affects more than half of newborns and usually disappears within 1 to 2 weeks.
- When to check with a hospital: If the skin turns yellow within 24 hours after birth, if the yellowish color extends below the navel or to the arms and legs, if it persists for more than 2 weeks, or if the baby is lethargic and not feeding well.
- If the stool is white or gray, there is a rare possibility of bile duct obstruction, so prompt medical attention is needed.
- If treatment is necessary, phototherapy usually resolves the issue effectively. Exposing the baby to sunlight at home is often ineffective and carries a risk of burns.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Infant colic is not the parents' fault.
Infant colic is when a healthy baby cries inconsolably for hours at a time every evening, seemingly without reason. It's common between 2 weeks and 4 months of age and usually resolves on its own.
- Soothing techniques: Swaddling, holding the baby sideways and gently rocking, white noise, pacifier – often referred to as the "5 S's."
- Never shake a crying baby (Shaken Baby Syndrome). When you are exhausted, it is best to put the baby down in a safe place and briefly leave the room to take a break.
- If the baby has a fever, is vomiting, not eating well, or if their cry sounds different and more painful than usual, it may not be colic, so seek medical attention.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
I am breastfeeding, but my baby's jaundice is lasting a long time. Should I stop breastfeeding?
Breast milk jaundice is usually monitored without stopping breastfeeding. If the levels are high, a doctor will determine whether to temporarily stop breastfeeding, so please do not discontinue it based on your own judgment.
Does probiotics help with stomach pain?
Some studies suggest that certain probiotics may help with colic in breastfed infants, but the effectiveness is not definitively proven. Consult with a pediatrician before use.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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