Newborn babies are normally tested in hospital to check if they have jaundice. Or you can try this quick test. In a well-lit room, gently press your fingers on your baby's nose or forehead. If there's a yellow tinge to baby's skin as the pressure is released. If your baby has dark skin, check for yellowness in the whites of her eyes or gums. You may also notice that you baby does very pale poo. Your baby poo is pale because no bilirubin is reaching baby's digestive system. Bring baby to the doctor immediately if baby has prolonged jaundice, jaundice started seven days or more after birth and her poo are chalky white. Your doctor will give your baby a blood test to check her bilirubin levels. If it is too high, baby may need phototherapy treatment.
Usually before your baby gets discharged, he would already have been tested for jaundice. If it's high, he would be required to stay extra nights at the hospital to get treatment. In some cases, baby is allowed to be discharged with mummy but will have to go back to either the Polyclinic or hospital for blood test to monitor the jaundice levels. This test is reeated every 2.3 days until the jaundice level drops. Otherwise as Reine as mentioned, your baby's skin will appear yellowish.