New therapeutic clothing developed to treat jaundice in newborns

A new type of advanced clothing has been developed to help treat newborns affected by jaundice without the use of an incubator.

Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have created illuminated pyjamas for babies that incorporate optically conductive fibres woven into the material.

Battery-operated LEDs serve as a light source for the light-conducting threads, which are able to emit blue light radiation that can help to counteract the toxic decomposition products of haemoglobin that are deposited in the skin of those with jaundice.

These new therapeutic pyjamas are much more convenient than incubators, which require babies to be isolated with their eyes covered to protect against damage caused by the blue light.

Additionally, with a diameter of around 160 microns, the dimensions of the optical fibres match those of regular threads, meaning the resulting clothing is suitable for everyday wear and usage.

Maike Quandt, lead author of the study, said: "The photonic textiles are washable and tolerated well by the skin; the satin fabric is smooth and matches the wearing comfort of a typical baby onesie."

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