Why baby photos are tricky
Babies cannot hold their head still, look at the camera or keep a neutral face. Many authorities relax some rules for infants, but the background, lighting and size rules still apply.
Use a plain background you control
Lay a plain white or light sheet on a flat surface and place the baby on it, or lay it on a bed. Light the baby evenly from a window so there are no shadows on the face or the sheet.
No other person in the photo
Most countries do not accept a visible parent or hand holding the baby. Hold the baby from underneath the sheet, or stand over the baby and take the photo from above, with your hands out of the frame.
Eyes and expression
Rules for infants vary by country and age. Some allow eyes that are not fully open or a head that is not perfectly straight. Check the official page for the exact rule for your baby's age before you submit.
No toys, no dummy, no hat
Remove pacifiers, toys, hats and blankets from the frame, unless the country allows a medical or religious exception.
Crop and size the photo
Use the right maker for your country: US, UK, Canada or Australia. Zoom so the baby's head fills the frame the way the rules describe.
Be patient
Take many photos over a calm, fed and rested moment. Only one good frame is needed. If the background is not plain, you can fix it with the ID photo background remover, but confirm the country allows edited backgrounds.