Why does my baby have jaundice and how long will it last?

Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of pigment bilirubin, which breaks down red blood cells. Now, the liver, which is responsible for removing bilirubin from the body is immature in the babies. Hence, it is unable to remove the pigment properly and this is what causes jaundice. Major symptoms are yellow skin and white-ish eyes. This condition may last for about 15 days.