How to Take a Passport Photo of a Baby or Infant at Home

Passport photo requirements apply the same way to babies as they do to adults — but you can't use a photo booth. Here's how to get a compliant infant passport photo at home using your phone, a white blanket, and good window light. idpic.app's AI validates the result for free. Check detailed specs for US passports, UK passports, or Canadian passports.

• 1

  Prepare the surface

  Lay a white or off-white blanket or sheet flat on a bed or the floor. Make sure it is wrinkle-free and free of patterns. Avoid using a cot or pram — the bars and sides will appear in the background.

  • A plain white bedsheet or muslin wrap works perfectly
  • Smooth out any creases before you start
  • Keep toys, hands, and other objects out of frame
  • The background must be plain and light — no coloured blankets
• 2

  Set up the lighting

  Good lighting is the most important factor. You need even, shadow-free light across your baby's face and the white background.

  • Lay baby near a large window — natural diffused daylight is ideal
  • Never point the baby towards direct sunlight — it will cause squinting and harsh shadows
  • Avoid using flash — it can startle the baby and causes uneven exposure
  • Overcast days give the most even and flattering natural light
• 3

  Position your baby

  For infants who cannot sit up, lay them on their back on the white surface. Hold your camera or phone directly above, pointing straight down.

  • Baby's face must be centred and looking upward (toward the camera)
  • Alternatively: hold baby against a white wall — a second person can help crop the parent out later
  • Baby's eyes should be open if possible — the UK (under 1) and US are more lenient about this
  • Keep baby's head level — no tilting or turning
  • Make sure baby's face isn't obscured by a hat, hood, or hair
• 4

  Wait for the right moment

  Timing is everything with babies. A calm, sleepy-but-awake baby is easiest to photograph. Avoid feeding times and when the baby is overtired.

  • After a feed, when baby is drowsy but still awake, is the ideal window
  • Take many shots — you only need one good one
  • Use burst mode on your phone to capture the moments when eyes are open
  • Gentle background noise or a pacifier (removed before the shot) can help keep baby calm
  • Eyes should be open — the UK (under 1) and US accept eyes not fully open for infants
• 5

  Validate and download

  Open your best shot in idpic.app. The AI handles the crop automatically, replaces the background if needed, and validates the photo — even for infant faces.

  • No account or sign-up needed
  • Your photos never leave your device
  • Works for babies of any age, including newborns
  • Supports passport and ID photo requirements for 60+ countries

Quick tips for the best result

Common reasons for rejection — avoid these

• Baby's eyes are closed or half-open

• Cot bars, pram edges, or furniture visible in background

• Parent's hands or arms visible in the frame

• Patterned blanket or coloured bedding used as background

• Flash used — causes uneven lighting and shadows

• Baby wearing a hat or hood that obscures the face

• Head tilted or turned to one side

• Photo is blurry due to movement

Frequently asked questions