Yes, it is normal for newborns to have some jaundice causing yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin. However, some babies can have excessive jaundice for the following reasons – incompatibility between the mothers and baby’s blood groups, preterm babies who are born < 37 weeks or before, babies that are born with low birth weight < 2.5 kg and babies not breastfeeding well. Your doctor may check for predischarge bilirubin levels and if required, again when you go for a checkup with the baby.
If you are concerned about the yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin – especially if there is a yellowish discoloration of palms and soles, or the baby is not feeding well, is sleepy or irritable – visit your doctor for a blood test to determine the severity of jaundice. High bilirubin levels can usually be treated by keeping the baby under a special blue light called phototherapy.