Baby Red Birthmark Growing
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing baby red birthmark growing, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Infantile hemangiomas (red birthmarks) are the most common benign tumors of infancy, appearing in up to 5% of babies. They typically grow rapidly in the first 3-5 months, then growth slows, and most begin to shrink on their own by 12 months. While watching them grow can be alarming, the majority resolve without treatment by age 5-7.
Key takeaways
- Infantile hemangiomas (red birthmarks) are the most common benign tumors of infancy, appearing in up to 5% of babies. They typically grow rapidly in the first 3-5 months, then growth slows, and most begin to shrink on their own by 12 months. While watching them grow can be alarming, the majority resolve without treatment by age 5-7.
- Usually normal when: A small red birthmark that appears in the first few weeks and grows during the first 3-5 months
- Call your doctor if: A hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP guidelines, infantile hemangiomas (red birthmarks) are the most common benign tumors of infancy, appearing in up to 5% of babies. They typically grow rapidly in the first 3-5 months, then growth slows, and most begin to shrink on their own by 12 months. While watching them grow can be alarming, the majority resolve without treatment by age 5-7. At 0-1 month, hemangiomas may be present at birth as a faint red mark or pale spot, or they may appear in the first 2-4 weeks. They start small and begin a rapid growth phase. Early identification is helpful because if the hemangioma is in a concerning location (near eyes, nose, mouth, or in the diaper area), early treatment can prevent complications. It is generally considered normal when a small red birthmark that appears in the first few weeks and grows during the first 3-5 months. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Hemangiomas may be present at birth as a faint red mark or pale spot, or they may appear in the first 2-4 weeks. They start small and begin a rapid growth phase. Early identification is helpful because if the hemangioma is in a concerning location (near eyes, nose, mouth, or in the diaper area), early treatment can prevent complications.
1-5 months
This is the rapid growth phase. The hemangioma may grow quickly, becoming raised, bright red, and larger. This is the most worrying time for parents, but rapid growth is the typical pattern. If the hemangioma is on the face (especially near the eye, nose, or lip), growing very large, or ulcerating (developing open sores), your pediatrician should evaluate it promptly.
5-12 months
Growth typically slows significantly after 5 months. By 9-12 months, most hemangiomas have reached their maximum size and some begin to show early signs of involution (shrinking). The bright red color may start to fade to a purplish-gray, beginning from the center outward.
1-3 years
Most hemangiomas are in the involution phase by now, slowly shrinking and fading. About 50% resolve significantly by age 5, and 70% by age 7. Some may leave behind residual skin changes like loose skin, a faint mark, or tiny blood vessels. If your child's hemangioma has not started to shrink by 18 months, discuss it with your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby red birthmark growing and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the hemangioma is on the face, especially near the eye, nose, lip, or ear.
- Mention if the birthmark is growing very rapidly or is larger than expected.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A small red birthmark that appears in the first few weeks and grows during the first 3-5 months
- The hemangioma is bright red, raised, and spongy to the touch
- Growth slows after 5-6 months and the color begins to fade toward the end of the first year
- The hemangioma is in a location that does not interfere with function (not near eyes, airway, or in the diaper area)
- The hemangioma is on the face, especially near the eye, nose, lip, or ear
- The birthmark is growing very rapidly or is larger than expected
- The hemangioma has developed an ulcer (open sore) or seems painful
- A hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding
- The hemangioma is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop the bleeding with firm pressure for 15 minutes
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby red birthmark growing — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a small red birthmark that appears in the first few weeks and grows during the first 3-5 months — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Growth Percentile Calculator
Plot your baby's weight, length, and head circumference on WHO/CDC growth charts.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby red birthmark growing normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby red birthmark growing?
When is baby red birthmark growing normal?
What causes baby red birthmark growing?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby red birthmark growing?
Is baby red birthmark growing normal at 0-1 month?
Is baby red birthmark growing normal at 1-5 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby red birthmark growing?
Does baby red birthmark growing go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Red Birthmark Growing.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby red birthmark growing and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the hemangioma is on the face, especially near the eye, nose, lip, or ear.
- Mention if the birthmark is growing very rapidly or is larger than expected.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The hemangioma is on the face, especially near the eye, nose, lip, or ear
- The birthmark is growing very rapidly or is larger than expected
- The hemangioma has developed an ulcer (open sore) or seems painful
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding
- The hemangioma is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop the bleeding with firm pressure for 15 minutes
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby red birthmark growing are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a hemangioma near the eye is interfering with vision or near the nose or mouth is affecting breathing or feeding.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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