Explore how light therapy is revolutionizing neonatal care by supporting newborn health, reducing jaundice, and promoting growth and development.
When a baby is born, all parents hope for a healthy child—ten fingers and toes, a strong heart, and an able body. Yet 10–15 % of babies born in the U.S. need special care in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), where pre-term or ill newborns are treated.
This period is critical; humans are most vulnerable during the first hours of life. After delivery, newborns should receive eye care, vitamin K, and recommended immunizations (birth-dose OPV and hepatitis B vaccine). Staff check birth weight, gestational age, congenital anomalies, and signs of illness. Extra support is given to sick, pre-term, low-birth-weight, HIV-exposed, or congenitally infected infants.
A common problem in pre-term infants is jaundice—a yellow tint to the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes caused by excess bilirubin. This by-product of red-cell breakdown usually fades within days.
Jaundice becomes visible when bilirubin exceeds ~3 mg/dL, spreading from face to trunk and limbs. It may be physiological or signal underlying disease.
If untreated, severe jaundice can lead to kernicterus—brain injury from very high bilirubin that may result in cerebral palsy or hearing loss.
Newborns, especially those born early, are delicate. Their immature immune systems increase infection risk; skin problems, feeding difficulty, and fever are common.
Because of these vulnerabilities, gentle, non-invasive options are attractive. Phototherapy (light therapy) is one such tool. Blue-green light penetrates the skin, converting bilirubin into harmless compounds that the newborn can excrete. During treatment, the infant’s eyes are protected and the lamp is placed no closer than 30.5 cm, allowing safe exposure of the skin.
This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
WHO newborn health | Mayo Clinic infant jaundice | NICHD neonatal research
Light therapy is commonly used to treat newborn jaundice by lowering bilirubin levels through photo-oxidation, a process that adds oxygen so the bilirubin dissolves more readily in water.
Because light therapy may also help regulate circadian rhythm and melatonin, it might support better sleep for babies, which is important for recovery and development.
Led Mask offers customizable light-therapy devices designed for infants. The company states its products are MDASAP-certified and cleared for certain at-home uses; still, consult a pediatrician before starting treatment. Contact the team for details.
This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
