Paediatrics in Lagos
Newborn jaundice treatment in Lagos: phototherapy and exchange transfusion
Treatment in Lagos with the price set out before you book.
Published prices
Newborn Jaundice Treatment
- Phototherapy for jaundice, per day₦35,000
- Exchange blood transfusion, excluding the blood₦520,000
- Neonatal intensive care, per day₦195,000
Prices last checked 22 October 2026.
Newborn Jaundice Treatment at Mezo Health: phototherapy for jaundice, per day, ₦35,000. It covers bilirubin checked before and during treatment, phototherapy under the paediatric team, and help to keep feeding during treatment. Prices last checked 22 October 2026.
Many babies look a little yellow in the first week, and most need nothing. When the bilirubin level is high, light treatment (phototherapy) brings it down safely, usually over a day or two. Rarely, a level that is very high or rising fast needs an exchange transfusion to protect the baby's brain. A blood test decides which, never the colour of the skin alone. Treatment is at Haven Paediatrics in Ikeja, with the daily price published.
Also called: Phototherapy, Neonatal jaundice treatment, Exchange transfusion for jaundice, Treatment for a yellow baby
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Published price
₦35,000
Phototherapy for jaundice, per day
What the price covers
- Bilirubin checked before and during treatment
- Phototherapy under the paediatric team
- Help to keep feeding during treatment
- A clear plan for checks after you go home
What it does not cover
- The cot or room for the stay, priced per day
- Blood for an exchange transfusion, which a blood bank supplies at its cost
- Tests for the cause, such as blood group and G6PD, billed as used
Related prices
Phototherapy for jaundice, per day
₦35,000
Exchange blood transfusion, excluding the blood
The blood itself is supplied by a blood bank and billed at its cost.
₦520,000
Neonatal intensive care, per day
The cot, neonatal nursing and the doctors' daily care. Medicines, tests and breathing support are added per day where needed.
₦195,000
What would change this price
- The number of days of phototherapy
- A baby who also needs neonatal intensive care, priced per day
- An exchange transfusion, needed only when the level is very high or rising fast
Many HMO plans cover paediatric admission and neonatal care with prior authorisation. Give the desk your HMO number and it files the request. If the plan declines, you are told the cash price before anything is agreed.
Who this is for
- A baby whose bilirubin level is above the treatment line for their age in hours and how early they were born
- Jaundice in the first 24 hours of life, which always needs a blood test the same day
- Jaundice with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or a high-pitched cry
- Jaundice lasting beyond two weeks in a term baby, or three weeks in a preterm baby, which needs tests for the cause
When it is not the right answer
- If your baby is struggling to breathe, turning blue, fitting, floppy, very cold or hot, or not feeding, go to the nearest hospital with a neonatal unit now, or call 112. Do not wait for a booking or a call back.
- A yellow baby who is floppy, arching their back, or will not wake to feed: this can be jaundice affecting the brain, and needs emergency treatment now
- Putting the baby in sunlight at home, which is not a safe or reliable treatment
The pathway, step by step
- 1
Blood test
The bilirubin level is measured and plotted against your baby's age in hours.
- 2
Phototherapy₦35,000
Your baby lies under blue light with eyes covered, fed regularly, with the level rechecked.
- 3
Exchange transfusion, only if needed₦520,000
If the level is very high or keeps rising despite light, your baby's blood is replaced in small amounts in the neonatal unit.
- 4
Home and a recheck
Once the level is safely down, you go home with a date for a recheck if the team advises one.
What happens afterwards
During treatment
Most babies need phototherapy for one to two days.
After going home
The yellow colour fades over days. A recheck is booked if the level could rise again.
Risks and limits you should know
- Phototherapy is very safe. Babies can become a little dehydrated or get a mild rash, which is why feeding continues.
- Exchange transfusion is a bigger procedure with real risks, including infection and changes in blood salts, and is done only when the jaundice itself is the greater danger.
Every treatment has limits and side effects. Yours are explained before you start, and you can always say no.
Questions people ask
How much does phototherapy cost in Lagos?
At Haven Paediatrics through Mezo, phototherapy is ₦35,000 a day. The cot or room is priced per day on top. Most babies need one to two days.
Can I put my baby in the sun instead?
No. Sunlight is not a reliable treatment for jaundice and can overheat or burn a newborn. If you are worried, get a blood test.
Will glucose water or herbs help?
No. Neither treats jaundice, and they can reduce feeding. Keep breastfeeding often and get the level checked.
When is jaundice an emergency?
Jaundice in the first day of life, or a yellow baby who is very sleepy, floppy, not feeding, arching or has a high-pitched cry. Go to the nearest neonatal unit now.
Prices shown are Mezo cash prices in naira and were last checked on 22 October 2026. The consultation fee is the same whatever is found. Anything that follows, such as medication, tests or further sessions, is priced and agreed with you before it starts.