My Baby Has a Strawberry Hemangioma
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing has a strawberry hemangioma, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
A strawberry hemangioma is a bright red, raised birthmark made of extra blood vessels. It typically appears in the first few weeks of life, grows for several months, and then slowly shrinks and fades over several years. Most hemangiomas are harmless and do not require treatment, though your pediatrician will monitor growth and location.
Key takeaways
- A strawberry hemangioma is a bright red, raised birthmark made of extra blood vessels. It typically appears in the first few weeks of life, grows for several months, and then slowly shrinks and fades over several years. Most hemangiomas are harmless and do not require treatment, though your pediatrician will monitor growth and location.
- Usually normal when: A bright red, raised, bumpy mark that appears within the first month of life
- Call your doctor if: A hemangioma near the eye is growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid
- 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.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines, a strawberry hemangioma is a bright red, raised birthmark made of extra blood vessels. It typically appears in the first few weeks of life, grows for several months, and then slowly shrinks and fades over several years. Most hemangiomas are harmless and do not require treatment, though your pediatrician will monitor growth and location. At 0-4 weeks, hemangiomas are rarely present at birth but typically appear within the first 2-4 weeks of life as a small red spot or pale area that quickly turns bright red and raised. You may first notice a faint mark that rapidly becomes more prominent. Early evaluation by your pediatrician helps establish a baseline for monitoring growth. It is generally considered normal when a bright red, raised, bumpy mark that appears within the first month of life. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a hemangioma near the eye is growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-4 weeks
Hemangiomas are rarely present at birth but typically appear within the first 2-4 weeks of life as a small red spot or pale area that quickly turns bright red and raised. You may first notice a faint mark that rapidly becomes more prominent. Early evaluation by your pediatrician helps establish a baseline for monitoring growth.
1-5 months
This is the rapid growth phase. The hemangioma may grow quickly, sometimes doubling in size over weeks. It becomes bright red, raised, and has a bumpy texture resembling a strawberry. While this growth can be alarming, it is expected behavior. Most hemangiomas complete the majority of their growth by 5 months of age.
5-12 months
Growth typically slows and then stops during this period. The hemangioma reaches its maximum size and then enters a plateau phase. It remains bright red and raised but should not continue enlarging. If located near the eyes, nose, mouth, or diaper area, closer monitoring or treatment may be recommended to prevent functional problems.
12 months - 5 years
The hemangioma begins to shrink and fade during this involution phase. The bright red color gradually dulls, and the raised texture flattens. This process is very slow, with about 50% of hemangiomas mostly gone by age 5 and 90% improved by age 9. No treatment is needed for this natural fading process.
5+ years
Most hemangiomas have significantly faded by this age, leaving behind normal skin or sometimes a slight textural change or faint discoloration. If a residual mark is bothersome, dermatology consultation can discuss cosmetic treatment options. The vast majority of hemangiomas resolve without scarring or lasting issues.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has a strawberry hemangioma 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 located near the eye, nose, mouth, or diaper area where it could interfere with function.
- Mention if your baby has multiple hemangiomas (five or more) scattered across the body.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A bright red, raised, bumpy mark that appears within the first month of life
- The hemangioma grows steadily for the first few months and then plateaus
- The mark is located on an area of the body where it does not interfere with vision, breathing, or feeding
- Your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and meeting developmental milestones
- The hemangioma is not ulcerated, bleeding, or showing signs of infection
- The hemangioma is located near the eye, nose, mouth, or diaper area where it could interfere with function
- Your baby has multiple hemangiomas (five or more) scattered across the body
- The hemangioma continues to grow rapidly beyond 5-6 months of age
- The surface of the hemangioma becomes raw, develops a sore, or bleeds easily
- A hemangioma near the eye is growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid
- A hemangioma in the airway or neck area is causing noisy breathing, stridor, or breathing difficulty
- The hemangioma develops a large, painful ulcer that will not stop bleeding
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has a strawberry hemangioma — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a bright red, raised, bumpy mark that appears within the first month of life — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-4 weeks, 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 growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid.
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 has a strawberry hemangioma normal?
When should I call the doctor about has a strawberry hemangioma?
When is has a strawberry hemangioma normal?
What causes has a strawberry hemangioma?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has a strawberry hemangioma?
Is has a strawberry hemangioma normal at 0-4 weeks?
Is has a strawberry hemangioma normal at 1-5 months?
Should I go to the ER for has a strawberry hemangioma?
Does has a strawberry hemangioma go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has a Strawberry Hemangioma.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has a strawberry hemangioma 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 located near the eye, nose, mouth, or diaper area where it could interfere with function.
- Mention if your baby has multiple hemangiomas (five or more) scattered across the body.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The hemangioma is located near the eye, nose, mouth, or diaper area where it could interfere with function
- Your baby has multiple hemangiomas (five or more) scattered across the body
- The hemangioma continues to grow rapidly beyond 5-6 months of age
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A hemangioma near the eye is growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid
- A hemangioma in the airway or neck area is causing noisy breathing, stridor, or breathing difficulty
- The hemangioma develops a large, painful ulcer that will not stop bleeding
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 has a strawberry hemangioma are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a hemangioma near the eye is growing and affecting your baby's vision or ability to open the eyelid.
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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