Wallaby Blanket Side Effects

Jaundice can be treated at home with a Wallaby blanket.

The Wallaby blanket is a device that is used to treat newborn jaundice at home, allowing the infant to be held and fed during phototherapy treatment. Newborn jaundice is condition in which elevated levels of bilirubin are present in the newborn's blood. If left untreated, this condition may cause brain damage.

Loose Bowel Movements

Babies who are undergoing phototherapy with a Wallaby blanket may have more frequent bowel movements that are loose and green in color.

Unstable Temperature

The heat given off by the lights in the Wallaby blanket may raise the baby's temperature. It may be difficult to dress a baby using a Wallaby blanket, and the lack of appropriate clothing may lower the baby's body temperature.

Dehydration

Babies undergoing phototherapy treatment with a Wallaby blanket may become easily dehydrated. Avoid this by making sure the baby is fed often and monitor the urine output by counting wet diapers.

Skin Discoloration/Rash

The Wallaby blanket may cause a rash or skin discoloration, but this is not harmful. The baby's skin will return to its normal color as the bilirubin levels return to normal.

References

• Birth: Treatments for Jaundice
• UpToDate: Jaundice in Newborn Infants
• Medical Specialties Distributors: Wallaby
• C. S. Mott Children's Hospital: Your Baby, Jaundice and Phototherapy