A note before we begin
If you are reading this with a sleeping newborn in one arm and a phone in the other — first, take a breath. Jaundice in newborns is one of the most common conditions in the first weeks of life, and in most cases it is mild, manageable, and short-lived. This guide is here to help you understand what is happening to your baby, when treatment is needed, and how home phototherapy can keep your family together while your little one heals.
What is newborn jaundice, and why does it happen?
Newborn jaundice — also known as neonatal jaundice or infant jaundice — is the yellowing of a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a natural by-product created when red blood cells break down. In the womb, the placenta clears bilirubin for the baby. After birth, your newborn’s liver takes over — but it often needs a few days to catch up.
This is why most babies develop some degree of jaundice between day 2 and day 5 of life. In Singapore, this is even more common, with paediatricians routinely monitoring bilirubin levels in the first week through a simple skin test or, if needed, a small blood draw.
Common signs of jaundice in newborns:
- Yellow tint on the face, chest, or whites of the eyes
- Yellow colour spreading to the abdomen, arms, or legs
- Sleepier than usual or harder to rouse for feeds
- Reduced wet nappies or feeding difficulty
If you notice any of these signs, especially if your baby seems unusually sleepy or is not feeding well, contact your paediatrician right away.
When does jaundice need treatment?
Most cases of mild newborn jaundice resolve on their own with frequent feeding and time. However, when bilirubin levels rise above a certain threshold for your baby’s age and weight, your paediatrician may recommend phototherapy — a safe, well-established light treatment that helps the body break down bilirubin faster.
Phototherapy is recommended when:
- Bilirubin levels exceed treatment thresholds set by your paediatrician
- Levels are rising faster than expected
- Your baby was born prematurely or is at higher risk
- Visible jaundice persists beyond the first week
The earlier mild-to-moderate jaundice is treated, the lower the risk of complications and the shorter the treatment window typically is.
What is phototherapy, and how does it work?
Phototherapy uses a specific wavelength of blue light — usually around 460–490 nanometres — to break down bilirubin in the skin into a form the baby’s body can excrete more easily through urine and stools. It is one of the most studied and trusted treatments in neonatal care, used worldwide for decades.
There are two common formats:
- Hospital phototherapy — your baby stays in the nursery under overhead blue lights, often in just a nappy and protective eye covers, while you visit between feeds.
- Home phototherapy — a soft, flexible LED blanket wraps gently around your baby, allowing treatment to continue while you cuddle, breastfeed, and bond at home.
For most cases of mild to moderate jaundice, home phototherapy delivers the same clinical effect with significantly less disruption to feeding rhythms, breastfeeding establishment, and family wellbeing.
Why home phototherapy is becoming the preferred choice for many Singapore families
The early weeks with a newborn are precious — and exhausting. Hospital readmission for jaundice often means separating mother and baby at exactly the moment when feeding patterns, skin-to-skin contact, and rest are most fragile. Many Singapore parents are now choosing home phototherapy for clear, evidence-based reasons:
- Uninterrupted breastfeeding — frequent feeds support faster bilirubin clearance, and home treatment makes this easier
- Continuous bonding — your baby stays close, swaddled in the LED blanket, even during treatment
- Familiar environment — less stress for parents and baby
- Lower cost than re-hospitalisation in most cases
- Same clinically proven outcome when prescribed appropriately by a paediatrician
Internationally, home phototherapy is recognised as a first-line treatment option for mild-to-moderate jaundice in healthy term newborns, when paediatrician-supervised. It is widely used in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and across Europe.
Important: Home phototherapy is appropriate for mild to moderate jaundice as assessed by your paediatrician. Severe or rapidly rising bilirubin levels require hospital-based intensive phototherapy. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.
Introducing Phototherapy Anywhere by Doctor Anywhere
Doctor Anywhere is one of Southeast Asia’s leading healthtech ecosystems, trusted by over 2.5 million users across the region for safe, accessible, doctor-led care. Phototherapy Anywhere is our home phototherapy rental service designed specifically for Singapore families navigating newborn jaundice.
Here is what makes it different:
A clinically certified medical device, delivered to your door The phototherapy blanket used in our service is a registered medical device under the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore. HSA registration confirms the device has been independently assessed for safety, quality, and performance.
Designed for newborn comfort and parent peace of mind The blanket is soft, flexible, and lightweight — your baby can be held, fed, and swaddled during treatment. Built-in safety features include:
- Temperature alarm that automatically alerts you if the device exceeds safe heat levels
- High and low intensity settings, adjustable to your paediatrician’s recommendation
- Cordless design with a 10-hour rechargeable battery — no power cable risk during use
- Soft fabric that allows skin-to-skin contact during feeds
Booking that works around a newborn’s schedule The entire booking process takes under five minutes online. No queues, no waiting rooms, no carrying a fragile newborn through carparks.
Next-working-day delivery We deliver between 9 am and 1 pm the next working day after booking confirmation, so your baby can begin treatment without delay.
24/7 Nurse helpline A registered nurse is available round the clock if you have any concerns during treatment.
How to book Phototherapy Anywhere — step by step
Our booking flow is built so that even a sleep-deprived parent can complete it on their phone in five minutes:
- Download the paediatrician memo template from the Doctor Anywhere booking page
- Bring the memo to your paediatrician’s appointment so they can record your baby’s bilirubin reading and treatment recommendation
- Submit the booking request online for next-working-day delivery
- Our team confirms the delivery window and collects the refundable deposit on the same working day
- Begin treatment at home with full instructions, 24/7 nurse support, and easy return at the end of your rental
How much does home phototherapy cost in Singapore?
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees:
- Refundable deposit: SGD 250
- 3 days / 2 nights rental: SGD 298 nett
- Extension nights, if needed: SGD 99 nett per night
Compared to hospital readmission costs in Singapore — which can run into the thousands depending on your ward class and length of stay — home phototherapy is significantly more affordable while delivering the same clinical outcome for mild-to-moderate cases.
A final word for new parents
Newborn jaundice can feel frightening — especially when it is the first medical concern you are navigating as a parent. But it is one of the most well-understood, well-treated conditions in newborn care. With the right paediatrician guidance, the right device, and the right support, your baby will be on the other side of this in days, not weeks.
At Doctor Anywhere, we built Phototherapy Anywhere to bring the clinical standard of hospital phototherapy into the calm, familiar comfort of your own home — so you can focus on what matters most: holding your baby close.
Ready to book? Visit the Doctor Anywhere Home-based phototherapy for newborn Jaundice booking page to download the paediatrician memo template and arrange next-working-day delivery.
Have questions first? Our Helpline is available to walk you through anything: +65 3158 4622
8.00am – 11.59pm daily
Medically reviewed by [Doctor Anywhere medical advisory team. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your paediatrician for guidance specific to your baby.
