About half of all babies get mild jaundice in the first week of life. They look a little suntanned. It is caused by the baby's liver still being a little immature and unable to cope completely with the breakdown of bilirubin. Premature babies are more prone to jaundice.
The baby should be put to the breast a lot as it needs the fluid. Sunlight will be helpful. Some experts belive that not clamping the cord until after delivery of the placenta can reduce the incidence of jaundice.
Studies show that there is no advantage in giving the baby water or water and glucose. Unrestricted breastfeeding and sunlight are the best remedies. Unrestricted breastfeeding and sunlight are the best remidies. In extreme cases phototherapy is needed.