Neonatal jaundice is the most common symptom of the neonatal period, divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Jaundice that occurs due to excessive bilirubin production in newborns, immature liver function, and increased bilirubin concentration due to hepatic and intestinal circulation is clinically known as physiological jaundice, which can subside on its own and generally has no effect on the baby. Pathological jaundice is caused by hemolysis, severe infection, neonatal hepatitis, biliary atresia, and metabolic diseases. The effects of pathological jaundice are mainly caused by the original disease that caused the jaundice on the child, such as hemolytic disease, which may cause severe anemia, and infection, which can cause serious complications in the child. Jaundice is caused by a large amount of bilirubin accumulating in the body due to impaired bilirubin metabolism, and excessive bilirubin can enter the child’s brain through the blood-brain barrier, invading the neurons and causing bilirubin encephalopathy, or what we call “nuclear jaundice”, regardless of the cause of jaundice, which can cause nuclear jaundice in severe cases. The prognosis is very poor and life-threatening, and survivors can suffer lifelong disabilities or sequelae due to neurological damage, which can have a significant impact on the child. Parents should pay attention to their child’s jaundice, and it is best to take the baby to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis of pathological jaundice and to provide early intervention to avoid bilirubin encephalopathy, which can cause irreversible damage and lifelong regret.