How-to Guide  

Using Your Bili Blanket

Here’s everything you need to know about using your bili blanket, tracking your baby’s bilirubin levels, and answers to common questions.

Watch this video to quickly get started with your GE Bili Soft 2.0

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

While receiving jaundice treatment at home with Bili Blanket Baby, babies are able to be fed, swaddled, held, and take part in skin-to-skin contact with their parents. In the hospital, often babies are only in a diaper and goggles as a second overhead panel of lights is usually added. As such they must remain in their isolet. The bili blanket itself is often identical. We use the GE BiliSoft 2.0.

No, you don’t need to move the panel. Bilirubin is broken down through the baby's bloodstream, and so the panel works effectively in one position. You might notice a lightened area of skin where the panel touches, which is normal and indicates that surface bilirubin is being “bleached.” This doesn’t mean the jaundice is gone, but just that the light is doing its job.

The bili blanket panel doesn’t generate measurable heat and doesn’t pose a risk to the umbilical cord. In fact, it can even speed healing!

While this varies by baby, on average, most babies use the bili blanket for about 4 days.. You and your provider will determine when it’s safe to stop treatment, and once that happens, please have them send a stop order so we can arrange a return.

If you’re using a GE BiliSoft 2.0, eye protection is recommended. We’ve included an eye cover in your equipment kit.

The bili blanket panel does not generate heat and should not cause burns. However, because the panel is not breathable, it can cause your baby to sweat. Check your baby’s comfort regularly, especially during diaper changes, and adjust their clothing as needed to prevent overheating. If you're concerned your baby has a fever, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Newborns sleep a lot, especially during their first weeks. Elevated bilirubin levels can also make them sleepier. Premature babies are often more drowsy, and many babies find the comfort of the bili blanket soothing, leading to more sleep. While sleepiness is normal, it can interfere with feeding, so we recommend feeding frequently during phototherapy to help reduce bilirubin levels. As jaundice levels drop, your baby will gradually become more alert.

It’s not necessary for the baby’s head to be on the panel. In the hospital, the head is usually exposed to the light since babies can’t be swaddled. At home, you can slide the panel down to expose the same amount of skin while still allowing the baby to be swaddled or wear a nightgown, which can help keep them comfortable.

If your provider has ordered continuous phototherapy, the bili blanket should be used without interruption, except for diaper changes and medical appointments. Your provider will let you know when it’s safe to stop, based on your baby’s bilirubin levels.

It’s common for bilirubin levels to rise initially after starting treatment, especially since it can take several hours for the bili blanket to begin showing its effect. Typically, after 24 hours of continuous use, bilirubin levels will stabilize and begin to decrease. Consult with your provider for further guidance and to monitor your baby’s progress.

You can put a snap-up sleeper or nightgown on your baby as long as nothing obstructs the skin from coming in contact with the treatment panel. Ensure that no fabric is between your baby’s skin and the bili blanket, as it will block the treatment light.

Your pediatrician is the best person to interpret your baby’s bilirubin levels and assess their risk. The Bhutani Nomogram, developed by Stanford researchers, is widely used to assess jaundice severity, but only your provider can determine your baby’s individual risk and treatment plan. Here's a link to an interactive interpretation tool.

Avoid using lotions or creams on your baby’s torso during phototherapy, as it can interfere with the light’s effectiveness. You can apply these products to your baby’s arms or legs, but ensure nothing is applied to their torso.

If your provider has indicated stopping treatment but wants to keep the bili blanket, please request a stop order be sent to us. We’ll then arrange for the return process. If your baby’s bilirubin levels rise again, you can always rent another bili blanket.

We provide four disposable covers, typically enough for a week or more. If you need more, please contact us. We can either deliver more or mail them to you. If you run out, don’t worry—your baby can continue treatment without them.

Once your pediatrician sends us a stop order, we’ll initiate the return process. You are also welcome to call to initiate at any time.

We’d love to hear your feedback! Please leave us a review on google reviews/yelp/facebook and share your glowing experience with your pediatrician. Feel free to send pictures of your #glowbaby to our social media pages!

We’re sorry to hear that something didn’t go well. Please reach out to us at 877-593-2454 to speak with our founder, Emma, who will address your concerns promptly. Your satisfaction and your baby’s health are our top priorities.

Please email us at orders@biliblanketbaby.com or call us at 877-593-2454 to get clarification on your bill. We're happy to assist you.

Our rental period is based on calendar days per your contract. Tuesday is day one, Wednesday is day two, Thursday is day 3. You had until COB on Friday to complete your return with no extra charges.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider for medical advice on the faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

While receiving jaundice treatment at home with Bili Blanket Baby, babies are able to be fed, swaddled, held, and take part in skin-to-skin contact with their parents. In the hospital, often babies are only in a diaper and goggles as a second overhead panel of lights is usually added. As such they must remain in their isolet. The bili blanket itself is often identical. We use the GE BiliSoft 2.0.

No, you don’t need to move the panel. Bilirubin is broken down through the baby's bloodstream, and so the panel works effectively in one position. You might notice a lightened area of skin where the panel touches, which is normal and indicates that surface bilirubin is being “bleached.” This doesn’t mean the jaundice is gone, but just that the light is doing its job.

The bili blanket panel doesn’t generate measurable heat and doesn’t pose a risk to the umbilical cord. In fact, it can even speed healing!

While this varies by baby, on average, most babies use the bili blanket for about 4 days.. You and your provider will determine when it’s safe to stop treatment, and once that happens, please have them send a stop order so we can arrange a return.

If you’re using a GE BiliSoft 2.0, eye protection is recommended. We’ve included an eye cover in your equipment kit.

The bili blanket panel does not generate heat and should not cause burns. However, because the panel is not breathable, it can cause your baby to sweat. Check your baby’s comfort regularly, especially during diaper changes, and adjust their clothing as needed to prevent overheating. If you're concerned your baby has a fever, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Newborns sleep a lot, especially during their first weeks. Elevated bilirubin levels can also make them sleepier. Premature babies are often more drowsy, and many babies find the comfort of the bili blanket soothing, leading to more sleep. While sleepiness is normal, it can interfere with feeding, so we recommend feeding frequently during phototherapy to help reduce bilirubin levels. As jaundice levels drop, your baby will gradually become more alert.

It’s not necessary for the baby’s head to be on the panel. In the hospital, the head is usually exposed to the light since babies can’t be swaddled. At home, you can slide the panel down to expose the same amount of skin while still allowing the baby to be swaddled or wear a nightgown, which can help keep them comfortable.

If your provider has ordered continuous phototherapy, the bili blanket should be used without interruption, except for diaper changes and medical appointments. Your provider will let you know when it’s safe to stop, based on your baby’s bilirubin levels.

It’s common for bilirubin levels to rise initially after starting treatment, especially since it can take several hours for the bili blanket to begin showing its effect. Typically, after 24 hours of continuous use, bilirubin levels will stabilize and begin to decrease. Consult with your provider for further guidance and to monitor your baby’s progress.

You can put a snap-up sleeper or nightgown on your baby as long as nothing obstructs the skin from coming in contact with the treatment panel. Ensure that no fabric is between your baby’s skin and the bili blanket, as it will block the treatment light.

Your pediatrician is the best person to interpret your baby’s bilirubin levels and assess their risk. The Bhutani Nomogram, developed by Stanford researchers, is widely used to assess jaundice severity, but only your provider can determine your baby’s individual risk and treatment plan. Here's a link to an interactive interpretation tool.

Avoid using lotions or creams on your baby’s torso during phototherapy, as it can interfere with the light’s effectiveness. You can apply these products to your baby’s arms or legs, but ensure nothing is applied to their torso.

If your provider has indicated stopping treatment but wants to keep the bili blanket, please request a stop order be sent to us. We’ll then arrange for the return process. If your baby’s bilirubin levels rise again, you can always rent another bili blanket.

We provide four disposable covers, typically enough for a week or more. If you need more, please contact us. We can either deliver more or mail them to you. If you run out, don’t worry—your baby can continue treatment without them.

Once your pediatrician sends us a stop order, we’ll initiate the return process. You are also welcome to call to initiate at any time.

We’d love to hear your feedback! Please leave us a review on google reviews/yelp/facebook and share your glowing experience with your pediatrician. Feel free to send pictures of your #glowbaby to our social media pages!

We’re sorry to hear that something didn’t go well. Please reach out to us at 877-593-2454 to speak with our founder, Emma, who will address your concerns promptly. Your satisfaction and your baby’s health are our top priorities.

Please email us at orders@biliblanketbaby.com or call us at 877-593-2454 to get clarification on your bill. We're happy to assist you.

Our rental period is based on calendar days per your contract. Tuesday is day one, Wednesday is day two, Thursday is day 3. You had until COB on Friday to complete your return with no extra charges.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider for medical advice on the faqs

Additional Support

Live, multilingual support is available every day from 8am to 8pm (365 days a year).

Phone or text: (877) 593-2454
Email: orders@biliblanketbaby.com