Newborn passport photos: safe and council-compliant

Jaweed Studio · A guide for parents

Your baby's first official photo, with their comfort in mind. Everything you need to know about preparation, photo requirements and a relaxed appointment in Ghent.

Your baby's first official photo is often needed when you are planning a trip, applying for an identity document or arranging residency paperwork. Between feeds, naps and everyday care, it is understandable to have questions: how do you photograph a baby who cannot sit up yet? Do their eyes need to be open? And what if your child cries?

A baby passport photo need not be a stressful experience. Knowing the document requirements, choosing a suitable time and taking a patient approach all help create a clear, recognisable photo. Your baby's comfort and safety always come first.

What to know before your appointment

• Let us know which document and country the photo is for.

• For a Kids-ID in Ghent, you must bring a passport photo if your child is under three.

• The exact photo requirements and any exceptions depend on the child's age, the document and the issuing authority.

• Allow plenty of time and work around your baby's usual routine.

• All passport photo sessions at Jaweed Studio are by appointment only.

Does a newborn baby need an official photo?

Whether a photo is needed depends on the document you are applying for. You may be asked for a photo of your baby for a Kids-ID, passport, certain residence documents or a visa for another country. A photo that meets the requirements for one document will not automatically be suitable for every other application.

Check three things before booking:

• Which document are you applying for?

• Which country or authority issues the document?

• Do you need to provide a print, a digital file or both?

This information helps the photographer choose the correct size, crop and delivery format. Bring the official instructions with you for applications with specific requirements.

Will the City of Ghent take your baby's photo?

According to current information from the City of Ghent, a Kids-ID photo is usually taken at the service desk. However, you must bring a passport photo if your child is under three, or if an older child cannot sit still independently. Your child must also be present when you apply.

Source: Applying for or collecting a Kids-ID — City of Ghent.

Applying for a Kids-ID for your newborn in Ghent? Arrange the photo before your council appointment. For a passport, residence document or embassy application, check the requirements separately. The Kids-ID procedure does not automatically apply to every other document.

How is a newborn passport photo different from an ordinary baby photo?

A sleeping baby, a warm cuddle or a lovely blanket can make a beautiful keepsake photo. An official photo serves a different purpose: your child's face must be clearly recognisable for identity checks.

The exact requirements must be assessed according to the child's age, the document and the issuing authority. A general checklist is no substitute for the official instructions for your application.

Do a newborn baby's eyes need to be open?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer depends on the document requirements. There is no single rule that applies to every country and age group.

A calm, awake moment is usually helpful when taking the photo. However, do not assume that closed eyes, an open mouth or looking away from the camera will automatically lead to acceptance or rejection. An age-related exception may only be used if the relevant authority allows it.

Is your baby asleep when you arrive? Discuss this with the photographer. Rushing or repeatedly trying to get a reaction is no substitute for carefully checking the requirements.

Photographing a baby who cannot sit up independently

A baby does not need a complicated pose for an official photo. Their position must suit their physical abilities and comfort.

• Do not place your baby in a sitting position or any other position they cannot yet maintain independently.

• Never remove necessary head and neck support simply to keep hands out of the frame.

• Never leave your baby unattended on a high or unstable surface.

• Make sure fabric or supporting aids do not cover the face or obstruct breathing.

• Take a break if your child becomes unsettled.

The photo session adapts to your baby. If a different position is needed, it is agreed with the parent and introduced without putting pressure on the child. Safety matters more than getting a quick shot.

How to prepare for the passport photo session

Choose a time that suits your baby

Consider not only your own diary, but also the times when your baby is usually settled. Do not change their normal sleeping and feeding routine just for the photo.

Leave plenty of time between the photo session and your council appointment. Even with good preparation, your baby may need a feed, a clean nappy or a quiet break.

Choose simple, comfortable clothing

Clothes that are easy to put on and adjust work well. A high collar, hat, large headband or decoration near the face can make taking the photo more difficult.

A colour that contrasts sufficiently with a light background is often practical. Above all, choose something your baby feels comfortable in: the focus is on their face, not their outfit.

Bring your usual baby care essentials

A spare outfit, nappies and anything you normally use for feeding or comforting your baby can come in handy. A dummy or familiar toy may help settle your child beforehand, but must not cover their face in the final photo.

Have the document requirements ready

For a foreign passport or visa, bring the official instructions, for example as a link or a clear screenshot. The country name alone is not always enough; the type of application matters too.

For a digital application, also note the required pixel dimensions, file type and maximum file size, if the authority specifies them.

What can you expect during the photo session?

A good session starts with checking the document and its photo requirements. A suitable way to position your baby is then chosen. Parents can help reassure their child.

Sometimes several shots are needed to get a suitable photo. Movement or a brief unsettled moment does not mean the session has failed. It helps to allow time to pause, offer comfort and try again.

After the photo is taken, it is checked for recognisability, cropping, background and the required output format. A lovely photo alone is not enough: it needs to be prepared for the specific application.

Common mistakes with newborn passport photos

Simply cropping an ordinary baby photo

A lovely photo taken at home is not automatically suitable for an official document. The angle of the face, lighting or background may be unsuitable. Cropping alone will not fix these issues.

Changing the face with filters or AI

Heavy skin retouching, reconstructed eyes or changes to the shape of the face alter how your baby is represented. It is better to take a suitable photo from the outset than to digitally change the face afterwards.

Using a file without checking the technical requirements

A digital photo is not automatically suitable for every online form. Check the required dimensions, file size and file type before uploading.

Submitting a photo that is too old

According to information from the Flemish government, a photo you bring for a Kids-ID must be no more than six months old. Bear the date of the photo in mind when planning your application.

Source: Kids-ID for children under twelve — Flanders.

Having your baby's passport photo taken in Ghent

Jaweed Studio provides official baby and children's photos for Kids-ID, passports, residence documents and visas, among other applications. We adapt our approach to your child's age and comfort. The service includes eight printed passport photos and a digital file.

All visits are by appointment only. When booking, tell us your baby's age and which document you need the photo for. For foreign document applications, bring the official photo instructions.

You will find the studio at Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent.

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Frequently asked questions about newborn passport photos

No. Being unable to sit independently is not, in itself, a reason not to take a photo. The approach must suit your baby; your child must not be placed in an unsuitable position.

Your presence can help reassure your baby. The final photo must meet the document requirements, with no other person visible in the frame.

Take a break to attend to your baby's needs. That is why it helps to arrive without rushing and leave plenty of time before your next appointment.

Not always. Sizes, cropping and digital specifications can differ. Let us know in advance which documents you need so that the requirements for each application can be checked.

The final decision rests with the relevant authority. Correct instructions and careful checks help avoid the need for adjustments, but do not replace that assessment.

Ask for the specific reason or required adjustment and send it to the photographer. A clear explanation about dimensions, cropping or file quality makes it easier to provide targeted help.

Yes. Passport photos for babies, children and adults are taken by appointment only. Book before visiting and tell us your child's age and the document you need.

A relaxed first official photo

Plan a time that suits your baby

Clear document requirements, plenty of time and a patient approach make the appointment more manageable for the whole family.

Find more practical tips in our articles on passport photos and official documents. You can also explore all passport photo and document services at Jaweed Studio in Ghent.