News India Live, Digital Desk: When laughter echoes in the house, there is no limit to happiness. Parents keep staring at the little hands and feet of the child. But, sometimes the color of the child’s skin or eyes starts appearing yellow after two-three days of birth. Seeing this, new parents often get scared. In medical language it is called ‘Newborn Jaundice’. Believe me, this is a very common thing. These symptoms can be seen in about 60% of children born in hospital. But why does this happen and how to fix it? Let us understand in very simple language. Why does a newborn get jaundice? The reason for this is a pigment in our body called ‘Bilirubin’. Actually, when a child is born, old blood cells in his body break down and new ones are formed. In this process a yellow substance called bilirubin is released. In adults, our liver easily filters it and removes it from the body. However, the liver of a small child is still in the ‘learning’ phase. It is not developed enough to process bilirubin fast enough. Due to this reason, this yellow substance starts accumulating in the blood and the child’s skin starts appearing yellow. How to recognize the symptoms? (Symptoms) First of all, the child’s face appears yellow. After this, this yellowness spreads towards the chest and stomach. The white part of the eyes also starts appearing yellow. Method of checking: Lightly press the child’s nose or forehead with your finger and release. If the pressure area looks yellow, it is a sign of jaundice. If the skin comes back white, then there is no need to worry. When is there a need to worry? Actually, this is ‘physiological jaundice’ which gets cured on its own in 1-2 weeks. But when should you go to the doctor? If the yellowness extends from the stomach down to the feet and soles. If the baby is not drinking milk or has become very sleepy. If he is feeling feverish or is crying loudly. Treatment and Prevention (Treatment) It is better to listen to the doctor rather than going for home remedies, but some basic things help: Mother’s milk (Frequent Feeding): Frequent breastfeeding of the baby. Get it done. The more milk a child drinks, the more he will poop and the more bilirubin will be released from the body. Hydration is the biggest treatment. Phototherapy: If the level is high, the doctor exposes the child to blue light. This is called phototherapy. This light helps in breaking down bilirubin. It is completely safe. Sunlight: Light (warm morning) sunlight is also considered beneficial, but do not keep the child in direct bright sunlight, it can burn his delicate skin.