Understanding Stork Bites: What They Are and Their Duration

As new parents often find themselves studying every detail of their newborn’s appearance, discovering an unexpected pink or red mark on your baby’s skin can be alarming. If you’ve noticed a pink spot on your baby’s eyelids, forehead, nose, or neck shortly after birth, take a deep breath. This mark is likely a stork bite, and there’s no need for concern.

Despite the name, stork bites have no actual connection to storks; the term comes from folklore. A stork bite is a type of birthmark commonly found on the back of babies’ necks—where a stork might have gently “nipped” them as it delivered your little one. According to health experts, 30 to 50 percent of newborns either have a stork bite at birth or develop one shortly thereafter, making it one of the most prevalent types of birthmarks.

What Does a Stork Bite Look Like?

Stork bites are typically flat and pink, often becoming darker when your baby cries or is upset. This birthmark results from blood vessels beneath the skin stretching or dilating. Importantly, it’s not caused by any trauma during birth or pregnancy, so there’s no reason to feel guilty.

Generally, stork bites fade or completely disappear over time. If the mark is on the back of the neck, it may be more permanent, but as your child grows, their hair will likely cover it.

Distinguishing Stork Bites from Other Marks

Stork bites, technically known as nevus simplex, are sometimes referred to as salmon patches or angel’s kisses. They differ significantly from port-wine stains, which are more likely to be permanent and can appear pink, red, or purple. Unlike stork bites, port-wine stains do not change color when pressed and may darken as a child ages.

Hemangiomas, often called strawberry hemangiomas, are another type of birthmark; they are raised, bright red, and can grow in size for several months. However, like stork bites, most hemangiomas fade away by the time a child reaches nine years of age.

If you notice any new spots on your baby’s skin, it’s wise to consult your pediatrician. While most birthmarks are harmless and fade with time, they can occasionally indicate underlying issues.

Are Angel Kisses the Same as Freckles?

Angel kisses are not the same as freckles. Freckles appear as dark spots of melanin on the skin, becoming more prominent with sun exposure, whereas angel kisses are visible from birth and are not sun-related.

How Long Do Stork Bites Last?

While every child is unique, stork bites typically fade within the first year. After this period, you might still see the mark when your child is upset, but it usually isn’t a lifelong feature—unless it’s located on the neck. If a stork bite doesn’t fade after a year, consult your pediatrician for further evaluation.

The key point to remember is that stork bites are harmless and do not require treatment. They are simply part of your baby’s developmental journey and will resolve naturally.

Treatment Options for Persistent Stork Bites

Though stork bites generally disappear, some may persist for years. If this is the case, laser treatment may be an option to reduce the size or color of the mark. This procedure targets the blood vessels within the birthmark and is typically painless, requiring multiple sessions for complete removal. However, it’s advisable to consider this option when your child is older.

Do Stork Bites Cause Pain?

Stork bites are not painful. They may appear uncomfortable, but they don’t cause any physical sensations such as pain or itching. The marks might change color when your baby cries or becomes overheated, but they remain non-irritating.

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Summary

In summary, stork bites are common, harmless birthmarks that many babies have at birth or develop shortly afterward. They typically fade within the first year, although those located on the neck may persist but are usually hidden by hair. Stork bites are not painful, and if you have concerns about your baby’s skin, consulting a pediatrician is always a good idea.