Stork Bites and Angel Kisses (Salmon Patches)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches), here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Stork bites (on the back of the neck) and angel kisses (on the forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes) are flat pink or red birthmarks caused by stretched blood vessels under the skin. They are the most common type of birthmark, appearing in up to 80% of newborns, and are completely harmless. Most on the face fade by age 1-2, while those on the neck may persist but are typically hidden by hair.
Key takeaways
- Stork bites (on the back of the neck) and angel kisses (on the forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes) are flat pink or red birthmarks caused by stretched blood vessels under the skin. They are the most common type of birthmark, appearing in up to 80% of newborns, and are completely harmless. Most on the face fade by age 1-2, while those on the neck may persist but are typically hidden by hair.
- Usually normal when: Flat pink or red patch on the back of the neck, forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes present from birth
- Call your doctor if: A birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, stork bites (on the back of the neck) and angel kisses (on the forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes) are flat pink or red birthmarks caused by stretched blood vessels under the skin. They are the most common type of birthmark, appearing in up to 80% of newborns, and are completely harmless. Most on the face fade by age 1-2, while those on the neck may persist but are typically hidden by hair. At 0-1 month, salmon patches (nevus simplex) are present at birth and are among the most common newborn skin findings. They appear as flat pink or red patches, most often on the back of the neck (stork bite), forehead, eyelids, nose, or upper lip (angel kisses). They may become more noticeable when your baby cries, strains, or is warm. They are not raised, do not grow, and do not cause any discomfort. It is generally considered normal when flat pink or red patch on the back of the neck, forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes present from birth. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Salmon patches (nevus simplex) are present at birth and are among the most common newborn skin findings. They appear as flat pink or red patches, most often on the back of the neck (stork bite), forehead, eyelids, nose, or upper lip (angel kisses). They may become more noticeable when your baby cries, strains, or is warm. They are not raised, do not grow, and do not cause any discomfort.
1-3 months
The marks may appear more prominent at times, especially when baby is flushed from crying or warmth. This is normal and does not mean they are getting worse. Salmon patches on the face often begin to fade during this period. No treatment is needed.
3-6 months
Facial salmon patches typically continue to fade gradually. The marks on the eyelids and between the eyes usually fade faster than those on the forehead. Stork bites on the back of the neck tend to persist longer but are generally covered by hair as it grows in.
6-12 months
Most facial salmon patches have faded significantly or disappeared entirely by the first birthday. Marks on the back of the neck may remain indefinitely in about 50% of children but are cosmetically inconspicuous. If a mark is growing, raised, or changing in appearance, it may not be a salmon patch and should be evaluated.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a birthmark appears to be growing, thickening, or changing color.
- Mention if you are unsure whether a mark is a salmon patch or a different type of birthmark.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- 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 patch on the back of the neck, forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes present from birth
- The mark becomes more visible when baby cries, is warm, or strains
- The patch is flat and not raised or bumpy
- Gradual fading of facial marks over the first year
- A birthmark appears to be growing, thickening, or changing color
- You are unsure whether a mark is a salmon patch or a different type of birthmark
- A facial salmon patch has not faded by age 2
- A birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation
- Large or unusual birthmarks near the eyes, nose, or mouth that could affect vision, breathing, or feeding
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that flat pink or red patch on the back of the neck, forehead, eyelids, or between the eyes present from birth — 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 birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation.
Related Conditions
My Baby's Hemangioma Is Getting Bigger
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in babies, appearing in about 5-10% of infants. They typically grow rapidly during the first 3-5 months, then gradually plateau and shrink over years. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own without treatment, but those near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway may need early intervention.
Normal Skin Peeling After Birth
Skin peeling in newborns is very normal, especially in the first one to three weeks after birth. Babies who were born past their due date often have more peeling. The peeling happens as the skin adjusts from the watery environment of the womb to the drier outside air. No treatment is needed, and the peeling will resolve on its own.
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 stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) normal?
When should I call the doctor about stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches)?
When is stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) normal?
What causes stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches)?
Is stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) normal at 0-1 month?
Is stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches)?
Does stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Birthmarks and Your Baby. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Mayo Clinic. Birthmarks. Patient Care and Health Information. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Stork Bites and Angel Kisses (Salmon Patches).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a birthmark appears to be growing, thickening, or changing color.
- Mention if you are unsure whether a mark is a salmon patch or a different type of birthmark.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- A birthmark appears to be growing, thickening, or changing color
- You are unsure whether a mark is a salmon patch or a different type of birthmark
- A facial salmon patch has not faded by age 2
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation
- Large or unusual birthmarks near the eyes, nose, or mouth that could affect vision, breathing, or feeding
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 stork bites and angel kisses (salmon patches) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a birthmark is rapidly growing, raised, or bleeding, which may suggest a hemangioma or other vascular lesion requiring evaluation.
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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Related Skin Concerns
My Baby's Hemangioma Is Getting Bigger
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in babies, appearing in about 5-10% of infants. They typically grow rapidly during the first 3-5 months, then gradually plateau and shrink over years. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own without treatment, but those near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway may need early intervention.
Normal Skin Peeling After Birth
Skin peeling in newborns is very normal, especially in the first one to three weeks after birth. Babies who were born past their due date often have more peeling. The peeling happens as the skin adjusts from the watery environment of the womb to the drier outside air. No treatment is needed, and the peeling will resolve on its own.
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