YES, stork bites are completely normal and harmless! If you've noticed pink or red patches on your newborn's neck, forehead, or eyelids, don't worry - these are very common birthmarks called stork bites. Nearly 50% of babies are born with them! They're also lovingly called "angel kisses" when they appear on the face. Yeh bilkul normal hai, and most fade away on their own without any treatment.
Watch: 15 Newborn Danger Signs Parents MUST Know | Pediatrician Explains What’s Normal vs Serious #newborn
Stork bites (medical name: nevus simplex) are caused by stretched or dilated blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. Here's what you should know:
Why They Happen:
Where They Commonly Appear:
Good news for parents:
| Location | When They Usually Fade |
|---|---|
| Forehead/Eyelids | 1-2 years |
| Between eyebrows | 1-3 years |
| Back of neck | May persist into adulthood (but hidden by hair) |
Most stork bites on the face fade completely by the time your child starts school. Marks on the back of the neck often stay longer but are typically covered by hair, so nobody notices them.
Stork bites DO NOT need treatment. However, consult your pediatrician if you notice:
These could indicate a different type of birthmark that may need evaluation.
While stork bites need no treatment, here's how to care for your newborn's delicate skin:
General Skin Care:
What NOT to Do:
Since you're learning about stork bites, here are other birthmarks you might see:
| Type | Appearance | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Mongolian spots | Blue-grey patches on lower back/buttocks | Common in Indian babies, fade by age 5 |
| Strawberry hemangiomas | Raised, red marks | Appear after birth, usually go away by age 10 |
| Port wine stains | Deep red/purple flat marks | Don't fade, may need treatment |
| Cafe-au-lait spots | Light brown flat patches | Usually harmless |
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra recommends: 'Less is more with baby skin. Most rashes heal on their own with minimal intervention.'
A: Not at all! This is completely normal. When babies cry, strain during potty, or get warm, blood flow increases and makes the mark more visible temporarily. It will fade back to its usual color once baby calms down.
A: Neck stork bites often persist longer than facial ones and may remain into adulthood. However, they're usually covered by hair and not noticeable. Many adults have them without knowing!
A: Stork bites are so common (affecting about 50% of babies) that having them in multiple children is not unusual. It's not a genetic condition to worry about.
A: Please don't apply any substances like turmeric, lemon, or other home remedies to your baby's delicate skin. These can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Stork bites fade naturally and safely on their own.
A: No, laser treatment is not recommended for typical stork bites since they fade on their own. Laser may be considered only for port wine stains (a different type of birthmark) that don't fade.
A: Stork bites are present at birth, flat (not raised), light pink/red in color, and typically located on the neck, forehead, or eyelids. If you're unsure, show it to your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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