UK Baby and Child Photo Rules
UK passport photos of babies and children still have to be a true likeness, but two ages unlock real exemptions: under-6s needn't look at the camera or hold a plain expression, and under-1s may have their eyes closed, lie on a plain light sheet and be supported by a hand kept out of frame. Based on GOV.UK photos-for-passports.
The age thresholds that relax the rules
UK baby and child photos must still be a true likeness, but two ages unlock specific exemptions:
| Under 6 years | Do not have to be looking directly at the camera, and do not have to have a plain expression. |
| Under 1 year | Do not have to have their eyes open. You may support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo. |
These are official carve-outs — the same standard that requires an adult to look at the camera and keep a plain expression does not apply to a child under six.
How to photograph a baby under one
The guidance is specific: Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above. That combination — a plain light sheet, shot from above — solves the two things that most often ruin a baby photo: a busy background and a head that will not stay up.
- Lie the baby on a plain light-coloured sheet for a clean background.
- Shoot straight down from above, keeping the face square to the camera.
- Support the head if needed — but keep your hand out of frame.
- Eyes may be closed for under-ones; there is no need to wake or prop the baby.
Children must be on their own
Every child must be alone in the picture, and babies must not be holding toys or using dummies. That is the other half of the “no other objects or people” rule — comfort items count as objects and will fail the photo.
What still applies
The relaxed expression and eye rules do not switch off the rest. The photo must still be clear and in focus, in colour, unaltered, at least 600 × 750 pixels and 50KB–10MB, against a plain light background, with no shadows on the face or behind, and no red eye. For the technical limits see UK digital photo size.
Related guides
For more on photographing young children, see baby and toddler photos and baby passport photo. The general expression rule is in passport photo expression, and the wider workflow in how to take a passport photo. Verify the finished file with the passport photo checker.
Frequently asked questions
Can a newborn have their eyes closed in a UK passport photo?
Yes. Children under one do not have to have their eyes open.
Will my hand in the photo get it rejected?
You may support a baby under one’s head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
Can I photograph a baby lying down?
Yes. Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet, photographed from above.
Can my baby hold a toy or use a dummy?
No. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies in the photo.
Do young children need a plain expression?
Children under 6 do not have to have a plain expression, or to be looking directly at the camera.
Source: GOV.UK, “Get a passport photo” (gov.uk/photos-for-passports), HM Passport Office, retrieved 2026-09-28. Rules change, so confirm the current guidance before you apply.