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AnswerUnited States passportchecked November 10, 2026

Passport photos of babies and toddlers

Lay the baby on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with one. No other person can be in the photo. The child must face the camera with a neutral expression and full face visible. It is fine if a baby's eyes are not fully open.

Why it happens

  • A parent's hand or arm is in the frame.
  • Shadows on the face from taking the photo from above.
  • The sheet is creased or not plain white.
  • The baby is turned away or crying.

How to fix it

  1. Use a sheet

    Lay the baby on their back on a plain white sheet, or drape one over a car seat.

  2. Avoid your own shadow

    Light from a window beside you, and hold the camera directly above without blocking the light.

  3. Keep hands out

    Support the head from behind the sheet, not in view.

  4. Take many shots

    Choose the one where the baby faces the camera with a calm face.

Check your photo now, free

2 in 2 in 25–35 mm

Checks

  1. Add a photo to see the crop and the checks.

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Questions

Do baby photos need the same head size?

Yes. The 2 × 2 in size and the 1 to 1 3/8 in head rule apply. Our tool crops to them.