Can my baby wear a bib in his passport photo? What clothes should he wear? A dozen questions like these may pop into your head when you are getting a passport photo for your baby. To create a compliant and decent photo for your baby, here we offer you a complete guide on US baby passport photos, including the requirements, dressing tips and more.

Can My Baby Have Bib in His Passport Photo?

There are no rules concerning whether wearing a baby bib is allowed and the requirements for baby passport photos are lenient in particular. According to the US Department of State, for applicants under age 16, apart from hats and glasses, accessories are acceptable as long as they don’t cover any part of the applicants’ face. Therefore, a bib on your baby should be acceptable in his passport photo. Just make sure it doesn’t cover his face.

What Should a Baby Wear for a Passport Photo?

Putting on a suitable outfit will make the baby feel more comfortable during the shooting and an appropriate color may enhance the quality of outcome. Here are some suggestions for baby’s outfits based on official requirements:

• A color contrasts to the background

The background color of a US passport photo is white. The baby should wear a color that doesn’t collide with the background, such as yellow and blue. Avoid wearing white or any color close to white, or the body of the baby may blend into the background.

• Simple styling

Some parents may try to make their baby look cute in the photo. You can put the baby in a colorful jumpsuit, but make sure it is something he is comfortable wearing daily and costumes are not recommended.

• No hair accessories

No headgear and hair accessories are allowed. A bow or a headband on the baby’s head may look pretty, but it is not appropriate for a passport photo. All the hair accessories need to be taken off when he takes the photo. If your baby has to wear it for religious or medical reasons, you should provide written proof.

• No glitter or shiny texture

Avoid wearing clothes of shiny texture because glittering or shiny texture will cause glare or reflection in the photo. Cotton clothing is preferred.

US Baby Passport Photo Requirements

Besides dressing the baby, it is crucial to understand the basic requirements for US baby passport photos. Please refer to the following list:

• Size and position

The photo size required is 51 mm x 51 mm (2 x 2 inches). The image should be in the center and the length of your head should be between 25 mm to 35 mm.

• Background

The background should be plain and white or off-white without any objects.

• Quality

The photo should be clearly printed on glossy or matte photo paper. 

• Shadow and lighting

Shadows on the baby’s face or in the background are not allowed and make sure the photo is not underexposed or overexposed.

• Pose

The baby needs to sit straight or lie down, and look directly into the camera. Try not to have a tilted head.

• Face

Keep the baby’s face to the front. It is required to have his eyes open and mouth closed but this is not mandatory for infants.

• Expression

A neutral expression is required. Exaggerated expressions are not acceptable, including grinning or a funny face. There is no need to put up a smile.

How to Take Baby Passport Photo at Home

After you understand the baby passport photo requirements, you can take your baby to a photo studio which may cost more time and effort, or you can simply take the photo at home. Here are the steps:

Prepare shooting environment

Find a place near a window in your house. Then, clear all the unnecessary stuff in the area. You need to do the photoshoot during the daytime with good lighting.

Gather shooting materials

Gather necessary materials for the shooting, such as a white cloth big enough to use as a background, a tripod, some toys to attract the baby’s attention, etc.

Position your baby

Put a plain white cloth on the floor and make sure there is no crease. Gently lie the baby down on it and adjust its position. If his arms are up, put them to both sides.

Mind the shooting distance

Stand next to the baby and put your camera about 1 meter away from above the baby. You also can set a tripod to fix the camera instead of holding the camera by yourself.

Take the photo

Draw the baby’s attention using a toy he likes. Put the toy in the camera’s direction so that he looks into the camera and then does a dozen of clicks.

Resize the photo to US baby passport photo size

• Access an online passport photo maker, AiPassportPhotos, to make baby passport photos online for free.

• Tap the blue button and you will be redirected to a new page. Click “Open Image” to upload a photo that you are satisfied with.

• Your photo will be processed in 15 seconds. The photo size will be adjusted and the background will be changed to a compliant standard.
• On the left column, make sure you have chosen the “Baby Passport Photo” template and then click the blue button “Free Download” on the top menu.

• Finally, both your digital baby passport photo and its printing template will be ready for free.

Additional Tips on Taking Baby Passport Photos with a Bib

As we talked about, it is acceptable for babies to have bibs in their passport photos. If you insist on it, here are some tips for taking a baby passport photo with a bib:

• Since a bib will cover most of the baby’s shoulders, the color you choose should meet the requirements of the color for clothes. It should be in contrast to the photo background, such as blue and yellow.
• Bibs with simple styles are suggested. It is not an occasion to dress up your baby. Avoid fabulous patterns and glitter decorations.
• Cotton texture is recommended for the bib. It is comfortable and will not cause reflection or glare in the photo.
• When you take the photo, make sure the bib doesn’t cover the baby’s face. Put it under the baby’s chin.
• Even if the bib doesn’t cover the baby’s face, shadows caused by it are not allowed.
• The bib should be clean and with no crease if you want a nice result. 

FAQ

How strict are toddler passport photos?

Although there are still basic requirements to follow, passport photos for toddlers and infants are less strict than passport photos for adults.

Can a baby have a bow in a passport photo?

No. Any hair accessories are not allowed for a baby passport photo.

Can a baby wear a headband in a passport photo?

No. It is not acceptable to have hair accessories including headbands in a baby passport photo.

Can a baby’s passport photo have a hat?

No. A baby can not wear a hat or any hair accessories in a passport photo.

Conclusion

Taking a passport photo for newborns is common but challenging. In this article, we have walked you through the requirements and procedure for baby’s passport photo and how to take it by yourself. Either with or without a bib, following the instructions and tips we provide, taking a photo of your baby should not be a difficult task anymore.