Baby Birthmarks
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing baby birthmarks, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Birthmarks are extremely common -- more than 80% of babies have at least one. Most birthmarks are completely harmless and many fade or disappear on their own over time. The type, location, and any changes over time help your pediatrician determine whether any follow-up is needed.
Key takeaways
- Birthmarks are extremely common -- more than 80% of babies have at least one. Most birthmarks are completely harmless and many fade or disappear on their own over time. The type, location, and any changes over time help your pediatrician determine whether any follow-up is needed.
- Usually normal when: Flat pink or red patches on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck (salmon patches or stork bites)
- Call your doctor if: A hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, birthmarks are extremely common -- more than 80% of babies have at least one. Most birthmarks are completely harmless and many fade or disappear on their own over time. The type, location, and any changes over time help your pediatrician determine whether any follow-up is needed. At 0-1 month, many birthmarks are visible at birth or appear in the first few weeks. Salmon patches (also called stork bites or angel kisses) are flat pink-red marks on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck and are the most common birthmark. Mongolian spots are flat, blue-grey patches, usually on the lower back and buttocks, most common in babies with darker skin tones. Both types are completely harmless. It is generally considered normal when flat pink or red patches on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck (salmon patches or stork bites). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Many birthmarks are visible at birth or appear in the first few weeks. Salmon patches (also called stork bites or angel kisses) are flat pink-red marks on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck and are the most common birthmark. Mongolian spots are flat, blue-grey patches, usually on the lower back and buttocks, most common in babies with darker skin tones. Both types are completely harmless.
1-3 months
Infantile hemangiomas (strawberry marks) typically appear in the first few weeks and grow rapidly during months 1-3. They are raised, bright red, and can be alarming as they get bigger, but the vast majority are harmless and will shrink on their own. If a hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, or in the diaper area, your pediatrician may recommend early treatment to prevent complications.
3-12 months
Hemangiomas usually reach their maximum size by around 5-6 months and then begin to slowly flatten and fade, a process called involution. Mongolian spots remain stable and typically begin fading in the toddler years. Port wine stains, which are flat, pink to dark red marks, do not fade on their own and may darken over time; they should be monitored by your pediatrician.
1-3 years
Most hemangiomas are well into their shrinking phase by this age, with about 50% significantly resolved by age 5 and 90% by age 9. Salmon patches on the eyelids and forehead usually fade by age 2, though those on the back of the neck may persist into adulthood. Mongolian spots continue to fade gradually.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby birthmarks and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, lip, or diaper area where it could cause functional problems.
- Mention if a hemangioma is growing very rapidly or is larger than a few centimeters.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Flat pink or red patches on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck (salmon patches or stork bites)
- Flat blue-grey patches on the lower back or buttocks (Mongolian spots)
- A small hemangioma (strawberry mark) that is growing in the first few months but is not near the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Small, flat, light-brown spots (cafe-au-lait spots) -- one or two are very common
- Any birthmark that your pediatrician has examined and is monitoring at well visits
- A hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, lip, or diaper area where it could cause functional problems
- A hemangioma is growing very rapidly or is larger than a few centimeters
- You notice more than 5-6 cafe-au-lait spots, as this number can occasionally be associated with a genetic condition
- A birthmark is ulcerating, bleeding, or seems painful
- A hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development
- A large hemangioma is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop it with gentle pressure after 10 minutes
- A birthmark changes dramatically in appearance, becomes tender, or your baby seems unwell
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby birthmarks — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that flat pink or red patches on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck (salmon patches or stork bites) — 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 affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
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 birthmarks normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby birthmarks?
When is baby birthmarks normal?
What causes baby birthmarks?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby birthmarks?
Is baby birthmarks normal at 0-1 month?
Is baby birthmarks normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby birthmarks?
Does baby birthmarks go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Birthmarks.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby birthmarks and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, lip, or diaper area where it could cause functional problems.
- Mention if a hemangioma is growing very rapidly or is larger than a few centimeters.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- A hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, lip, or diaper area where it could cause functional problems
- A hemangioma is growing very rapidly or is larger than a few centimeters
- You notice more than 5-6 cafe-au-lait spots, as this number can occasionally be associated with a genetic condition
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development
- A large hemangioma is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop it with gentle pressure after 10 minutes
- A birthmark changes dramatically in appearance, becomes tender, or your baby seems unwell
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 birthmarks are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development.
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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