Official Guidelines for Infant and Baby Photos
Taking a compliant passport photo of a newborn or infant is notoriously challenging for parents. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of State provides specific allowances for infants:
Infant Eyes Allowance: It is acceptable if an infant's eyes (especially a newborn under 1 year) are not completely open or are slightly closed. However, all other guidelines regarding white background, direct frontal view, and absence of other people or hands remain strictly enforced.
Two Proven Techniques for Infant Photos at Home
Technique 1: The Lay-Down Method (Best for Newborns)
- Lay a plain white sheet or blanket on a flat surface (bed or floor).
- Place your baby on their back on top of the white sheet.
- Stand directly above the baby with your camera held at a 90-degree parallel angle to their face.
- Ensure lighting from windows or soft ceiling lights illuminates the baby's face evenly without casting your shadow over them.
Technique 2: The Car Seat Method
- Drape a plain white sheet or white towel completely over the baby's car seat.
- Seat the baby in the car seat so their head is supported upright against the white background.
- Fasten the straps beneath the sheet so no buckles, toys, or colored patterns are visible.
- Take several photos at the baby's eye level when they are calm.
What Is Strictly Prohibited in Infant Photos
- No Visible Hands: A parent cannot hold the child if their hands, fingers, or shoulders are visible in the photo.
- No Pacifiers or Bottles: The baby's mouth must be free of pacifiers, bibs, teething rings, or feeding bottles.
- No Toys or Blankets with Patterns: Only a solid white background is allowed.
- No Headbands or Bows: Large decorative hair accessories, bows, or hats must be removed so the forehead and hairline are fully visible.
Automatic Background Correction for Baby Photos
If your baby was lying on a white sheet with minor wrinkles or shadows, our automated background correction will cleanly isolate the baby's silhouette and render a certified pure white (RGB 255, 255, 255) background while maintaining full biometric compliance.