Question
The baby was born only five days ago, and the doctor has indicated that the jaundice index is high and requires special attention. In this case, if the newborn develops jaundice, can they be directly held in the sunlight?
Answer
Based on your description, the baby may have pathological jaundice, which can lead to severe bilirubin encephalopathy, potentially affecting the child’s intellectual development. It is recommended to seek hospital pediatric care for inpatient treatment, using oral anti-jaundice medication combined with blue light therapy. While it is possible to hold the baby in the sunlight, it should be avoided to have direct sunlight shining into the eyes to prevent any adverse effects on the baby’s eyes. It is appropriate to expose the baby’s soles, palms, and buttocks to the sunlight.