Baby Passport Photo — How to Take an Infant's Passport Photo

Do Babies Need Passport Photos?

Yes. Every US passport applicant needs a compliant photo, regardless of age — including newborns. The same 2x2 inch size requirements apply to babies as to adults.

The Challenge

Babies don't sit still, don't look at the camera on command, and can't maintain a neutral expression. This makes baby passport photos one of the trickiest photo tasks for parents. But with the right approach, it's entirely doable at home.

Requirements for Baby Passport Photos

The requirements are the same as adult photos with a few practical allowances:

• Size: 2 x 2 inches
• Background: Plain white
• Expression: Neutral or natural (slight expressions are tolerated for infants)
• Eyes: Should be open (difficult with newborns — do your best)
• Mouth: Closed or neutral
• Head position: Facing the camera directly
• Only the baby in the photo: No hands, toys, pacifiers, or other people visible

Method 1: White Sheet on the Floor

The easiest approach for babies under 6 months:

1. Lay a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor (or in a crib)
2. Smooth out all wrinkles — they show up as shadows
3. Place the baby on their back on the sheet
4. Stand directly above and shoot straight down
5. Make sure no shadows fall on the baby or the sheet

This gives you a natural white background without needing to hold the baby upright.

Method 2: White Wall With a Helper

For babies who can sit supported (6+ months):

1. Have one person hold the baby in front of a white wall
2. The holder should wear white or be completely hidden behind the baby
3. No hands should be visible in the final crop
4. The photographer stands at the baby's eye level

Method 3: Car Seat Trick

1. Place the baby in a car seat
2. Drape a white sheet over the car seat, covering everything except the baby's face
3. Position the seat so the baby faces you at eye level
4. Take the photo with the white sheet serving as the background

Tips for Getting a Good Shot

• Timing matters: Photograph after a nap and a feeding when the baby is alert and content
• Take many photos: Shoot 20-30 photos. You only need one good one
• Use natural light: Position near a window. Avoid flash — it startles babies
• Get attention: Have someone stand behind you making sounds or holding a toy to get the baby to look at the camera
• Be quick: Babies lose patience fast. Have everything set up before you start
• Use burst mode: Your phone's burst mode captures multiple shots per second

Using the App for Baby Photos

The US Passport Photo app works with baby photos too:

1. Take the best photo you can using the methods above
2. Import it into the app
3. The AI will detect the baby's face and align it correctly
4. Background removal handles any imperfect backgrounds
5. Compliance checks flag any issues before you export

Common Reasons Baby Photos Get Rejected

• Someone else's hand visible in the frame
• Pacifier or toy in the baby's mouth
• Eyes closed — try to photograph when the baby is awake and alert
• Head tilted — this is common with babies; use the overhead method for better results
• Shadows on background — use the floor/sheet method to minimize shadows

Age-Specific Tips

Newborns (0-3 months)

Use the floor/sheet method. Don't stress about eyes being fully open — reviewers are more lenient with very young infants. Focus on getting a clear, front-facing shot.

Infants (3-12 months)

Use the car seat method or have a helper hold them. These babies are more alert and easier to photograph, but they squirm more.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Can usually sit in a chair in front of a white wall. Use toys or videos on a phone (held by the camera) to get them to look forward. Take the photo quickly before they lose interest.

Final Thoughts

Baby passport photos are challenging but doable. The key is preparation, patience, and taking lots of shots. Use the US Passport Photo app to handle the technical requirements so you can focus on getting a good expression.

For the full list of requirements, see our complete passport photo requirements guide.