They do not have to look directly at the camera or keep a plain expression.
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Baby photo guide · October 2026
Baby passport photo UK: rules for babies and children
Babies and young children get a few official exceptions, but the photograph still needs to show the child alone, clearly and against a suitable background.
Official baby and child rules
The younger the child, the more flexible the expression rules become.
Their eyes do not have to be open.
The child must be alone in the picture. Keep hands, toys, dummies and other people out of frame.
For a very young baby: GOV.UK recommends laying the baby on a plain light-coloured sheet and taking the photograph from above. Keep your hands out of the image.
How to get a better baby passport photo
Make the setup simple before you start taking photos.
Choose a calm moment
Try after feeding or rest, when the baby is settled and less likely to move suddenly.
Use soft, even light
Natural indirect light can help avoid harsh shadows on the face and background.
Take several originals
Do not rely on editing later. Capture multiple unaltered images and choose the strongest one.
Digital and printed rules still apply
Age exceptions do not remove the technical requirements.
For online applications, the digital file still needs to meet the current pixel, file-size and quality rules. For paper applications, the printed photographs still need to meet the 45×35mm print requirements.
Prefer to use your phone?
Use the website or open our iOS/Android apps. Keep the child’s original photograph natural and unedited.
FAQs
Baby passport photo questions.
Does a newborn baby need to have their eyes open?
No. Babies under 1 year old do not need to have their eyes open in a UK passport photo.
Can I hold my baby for the passport photo?
You can support the baby while taking the picture, but you or your hands must not appear in the final photograph.
Can my baby use a dummy or hold a toy?
No. Children must be alone in the photo without a toy or dummy.
Can I edit the sheet or background out afterwards?
No. Use a suitable plain light-coloured setup from the start. Current digital-photo rules require an unedited photograph.
Ready to choose the strongest photo?