Need to help your baby pass the baby passport photo requirements? Keep reading.
Taking your little one overseas is a fun experience they will never forget. But, you have to make sure that they have pictures that meet the baby passport photo requirements. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
On average, it will cost around $115 to get a passport for your baby. To make this process easier, give them a comfortable area for them to take their passport photos. By the end of this guide, you will know how to get your baby prepared for his or her first passport!
Review the Requirements
Review the U.S. baby passport photo requirements on your state department’s website. These listed standards are the same no matter who the passport is for. While looking straight into the camera and creating a quick smile is simple for an adult, it might cause some problems for an infant.
- Made in photo quality paper
- 2×2 inches dimensions
- Taken within the last 6 months to accurately reflect your appearance
- Both eyes are open, and you have a neutral expression
- Taken with an off-white or white background
- Taken in clothing that you wear normally
By reviewing the requirements for your baby’s passport, you’ll be more prepared and increase the chances of obtaining it.
Get the Right Photo Setting
When taking a photo of your baby, you want them to be in a relaxed mood. To do this, you need to create a photo setting that’s comfortable and natural for your child.
Dismiss any notion of taking your baby to a post office or drug store and taking the picture. This isn’t going to happen. Also, don’t hold your baby up vertically. Instead, create a space where your child can lay down safely. If they aren’t mobile,a dining or kitchen room table works as well.
Place a diaper change pad or some towels for your baby to lay on. Use the head from a baby’s stroller or car seat to keep the baby’s head in one fixed position. Then cover this up with a white bed sheet and lay your baby with their head fitting into the head insert.
Get Ready for the Photo
Now that your baby is ready to take photos, have one person stand on top of a table or another surface with the camera aimed at the baby. The baby has to look directly into the camera so make sure the second person is waving a toy or something that interests them right beside the camera.
The baby’s mouth has to be closed, meaning no pacifier and no crying. This might take some timing — insert a pacifier in the baby’s mouth, remove it, and take 10+ photos before the baby screaming ensues. Rinse and repeat until you find the photo that meets the baby passport photo requirements.
Upload and Print Photos
Once you’ve created over a dozen photos, give your baby a break and upload the photos onto a computer. First, you have to crop the image to 2×2 and space your baby’s head to meet the US passport requirements.
This might be difficult because a baby’s head doesn’t have the same proportions as an adult. Make sure to stay as true to the requirements as much as you can.
Conclusion
With the increased demand for baby passport photos, it’s important that you take proactive action and get your baby their passport so you can travel as a family. To do this, create a natural setting for them and take multiple photos until you find one that works best (neutral expression, no crying, no pacifier). Conclusively, take the time to get your baby their passport photo. You’ll be able to enjoy your next business trip abroad and balance time with work and your loved ones!
