Quick Answer: Is This Normal?
YES, stork bites are a very common and benign birthmark. If you’ve noticed pink or red patches on your newborn’s neck, forehead, or eyelids, these are usually stork bites (medical name: nevus simplex). They are seen in roughly 40% of newborns and are also lovingly called “angel kisses” when they appear on the face. Most fade on their own without any treatment. If you are ever unsure whether a mark is a stork bite or something else, show it to your pediatrician.
What Causes Stork Bites?
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:
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Blood vessels near the skin surface are slightly expanded
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This is a normal variation during fetal development
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They’re NOT caused by anything you did during pregnancy
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Not related to delivery method (normal or cesarean)
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Not a sign of any underlying health problem Where They Commonly Appear:
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Back of the neck (most common - this is where the “stork carried the baby”)
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Forehead or between the eyebrows
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Eyelids
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Upper lip
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Lower back
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Sometimes on legs or other body parts
What Do Stork Bites Look Like?
- Color: Light pink to reddish
- Texture: Flat - you cannot feel them as raised areas
- Size: Can be small spots or larger patches
- Shape: Often irregular, V-shaped, or butterfly-shaped on forehead
- Special feature: They may become MORE visible when baby cries, strains, or gets warm (this is normal!)
When Do Stork Bites Fade?
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.
When to Worry (Red Flags)
Stork bites DO NOT need treatment. However, consult your pediatrician if you notice:
- The mark becomes raised, bumpy, or has a different texture
- It grows significantly larger over time
- The color changes to deep red, purple, or blue
- The mark bleeds or develops sores
- You notice new marks appearing after birth
- The birthmark has a rough, bumpy, or warty texture These could indicate a different type of birthmark that may need evaluation.
Home Care for Baby’s Skin
While stork bites need no treatment, here’s how to care for your newborn’s delicate skin:
General Skin Care:
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Use lukewarm water for baths (gunguna pani)
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Pat dry gently - don’t rub
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Apply baby-safe moisturizer if skin is dry (Sebamed, Cetaphil Baby, Himalaya Baby Lotion)
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Protect from direct sunlight What NOT to Do:
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Don’t try to bleach or lighten the marks
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Avoid applying any creams or oils specifically on the stork bite
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Don’t scrub or rub the area
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Don’t use home remedies or “totkas” to remove them - they fade naturally
Understanding Other Common Birthmarks
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: Less is more with baby skin. Most newborn skin findings settle on their own with minimal intervention — when in doubt, ask your pediatrician rather than applying creams or remedies.
FAQs
Q: My baby’s stork bite turns darker when she cries. Is this dangerous?
A: Not at all. This is expected behaviour for stork bites. 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.
Q: Will the stork bite on my baby’s neck go away?
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!
Q: Should I be worried that both my babies have stork bites?
A: Stork bites are so common (seen in roughly 40% of babies) that having them in multiple children is not unusual. It’s not a genetic condition to worry about.
Q: My mother-in-law says I should apply haldi paste to fade the mark. Should I?
A: Haldi (turmeric) paste is widely used in Indian homes but has no proven benefit for stork bites — please discuss with your pediatrician before applying anything. Substances like turmeric, lemon, or other home remedies can irritate a newborn’s delicate skin or cause allergic reactions. Stork bites fade on their own and need nothing applied to them.
Q: Is laser treatment needed for stork bites?
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.
Q: How do I know if it’s a stork bite or something else?
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.
This article was reviewed by Babynama Pediatricians. Last updated: June 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information for parents in India and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Birthmarks can occasionally look alike, so have any new, changing, raised, or unusual mark examined in person. Always consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and care specific to your child.
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