Can newborns get rid of jaundice by basking in the sun? Can babies get rid of jaundice by basking in the sun?

Soon after a baby is born, the head, hands, feet and other parts of the body usually turn yellow. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and can be eliminated with proper care. The elderly say that sunbathing is the simplest and most practical way to get rid of jaundice. So can sunbathing get rid of jaundice in newborns? Can sunbathing get rid of jaundice in babies?

Can sunbathing cure jaundice in newborns?

As long as the baby's jaundice is not serious, it will be cured by sunbathing, but you should choose a time when the sun is not strong. In addition, the baby should not be exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise it will be bad for the baby's skin and eyes.

You can sunbathe your buttocks, hands, feet, neck and other exposed parts. It should be done at 7 or 8 in the morning. If it is too late, the sun will be too strong. It is best to sunbathe after falling asleep. It only takes about 15 minutes. It is enough to sunbathe three times a day. In addition, drink more sugar water to reduce jaundice quickly.

Remember not to expose your baby's face to the sun. When the sun is weak, expose his back to the sun for a few minutes. Remember not to expose his baby through glass, otherwise it will not be effective.

What is neonatal jaundice?

When the baby is still a fetus, it relies on the placenta to supply blood and oxygen. After it is separated from the mother's body, the baby begins to breathe with its own lungs to obtain oxygen. The low oxygen environment in the body changes and so many red blood cells are no longer needed. At this time, bilirubin is produced and may be in excess.

The excess bilirubin cannot be excreted from the body through the immature enzyme system, and flows through the blood to various parts of the baby's body, which is reflected in the external signs that the baby's skin and sclera turn yellow. This phenomenon is called neonatal jaundice.

What to do with neonatal jaundice

Neonatal physiological jaundice is a phenomenon unique to the neonatal period. Due to the hypoxic environment in the womb, the fetus produces too many red blood cells in the blood, and these red blood cells are mostly immature and easily destroyed. After the fetus is born, it causes excessive bilirubin production, which is about twice that of adults.

On the other hand, the immature liver function of newborns limits bilirubin metabolism, which causes jaundice in newborns for a period of time.

Physiological jaundice begins on the 2nd to 3rd day of full-term infants. At this time, the skin is light yellow, the sclera (white of the eye) is mainly blue with a slight yellow tint, and the urine is slightly yellow but does not stain the diaper. It is the yellowest on the 4th to 5th day and disappears on the 10th to 14th day of full-term infants. Liver function tests show normal results and increased serum unconjugated bilirubin.

Physiological jaundice in premature infants will appear earlier, be higher, and last longer, and may be delayed to disappear in 3 to 4 weeks. Although there is jaundice, the child does not feel any discomfort and is generally in good condition. Physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require treatment.

Precautions for neonatal jaundice

1. Let the baby's meconium be discharged as soon as possible

Feed the newborn as early as possible in the early stage to expel the meconium as soon as possible, because the meconium contains a lot of bilirubin. If the meconium is not expelled completely, the bilirubin will be reabsorbed into the blood through the special enterohepatic circulation of the newborn, causing jaundice to increase. To see whether the meconium is expelled completely, it is mainly to see whether the meconium changes from black to yellow.

Check whether the meconium is completely discharged, mainly to see whether the meconium changes from black to yellow.

2. Give the newborn plenty of water

The way to judge whether the newborn's fluid intake is sufficient is to observe the newborn's urine. Generally, a normal newborn urinates 6-8 times a day. If the frequency is less than that, it is possible that his fluid intake is not enough. Too little urine is not conducive to the excretion of bilirubin. We should ensure the newborn's fluid intake. Generally, the meconium of the newborn should be excreted in 2-3 days, which can reduce the degree of jaundice.

3. Get more sun

Getting more sun exposure can help neonatal jaundice go away early.

4. Pay attention to cleaning

Keep the baby's skin, umbilicus and buttocks clean to prevent damage and infection. When blood transfusion therapy is required, the air in the ward should be disinfected in time, blood and various medicines and items should be prepared, and the operating procedures should be strictly followed.