4 Best Natural Remedies for Stork Bites in 2026

Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.

Stork bites (also called salmon patches or nevus simplex) are flat, pink or red birthmarks that appear on about 30 to 50 percent of newborns. They show up most commonly on the back of the neck, eyelids, forehead, and between the eyes. The vast majority fade on their own within the first two years, though marks on the back of the neck sometimes persist into adulthood. While stork bites are harmless and rarely require treatment, some parents look for gentle ways to support skin health.

Here are the most commonly discussed natural approaches.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular natural moisturizers for baby skin, and many parents apply it to stork bite areas. The lauric acid in coconut oil has gentle antimicrobial properties, and the rich moisture content keeps delicate newborn skin soft and hydrated. It is safe for most babies when applied topically, though you should always do a small patch test first.

Use organic, cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for the purest form.

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily after bath time. A jar of quality organic coconut oil costs about $10 to $15 and lasts months. While coconut oil will not make a stork bite disappear faster, it supports overall skin health and keeps the area moisturized.

Price: ~$12 | Check Latest Price

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has been used for skin care for thousands of years, and its soothing properties make it a gentle option for baby skin.

Pure aloe vera gel helps with hydration and can calm any mild irritation. For stork bites, aloe vera keeps the skin over the birthmark healthy and moisturized.

Choose a pure aloe vera gel without added fragrances, dyes, or alcohol. Brands like Seven Minerals and Amara Beauty offer organic aloe vera gels that are gentle enough for babies. Apply a small amount to the stork bite area once daily.

A bottle of pure aloe vera gel costs about $10 to $18. Avoid aloe vera products designed for sunburn in adults, as these often contain additives not suitable for infant skin.

Price: ~$14 | Check Latest Price

3. Calendula Cream

Calendula (marigold extract) is widely used in natural baby skincare products. It has gentle anti-inflammatory properties and is one of the few herbal ingredients that pediatric dermatologists generally consider safe for newborns. Calendula cream supports skin healing and reduces minor irritation.

Weleda makes a popular calendula baby cream that many parents use as a general-purpose baby moisturizer.

Earth Mama Organics also offers a calendula-based baby lotion. Applied over stork bites, calendula cream keeps the skin nourished. A tube of quality calendula baby cream costs about $10 to $15. It will not accelerate the fading of a stork bite, but it supports the health of the skin in that area.

Price: ~$12 | Check Latest Price

4. Breast Milk

Breast milk contains natural antibodies, anti-inflammatory compounds, and moisturizing fats.

Many parents and even some pediatricians suggest applying a small amount of breast milk to various skin irritations in newborns. For stork bites, the gentle moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties can support skin health in the affected area.

Simply express a few drops and gently rub into the stork bite area. This is obviously free and readily available for breastfeeding mothers. There is no clinical evidence that breast milk accelerates stork bite fading, but it is one of the gentlest things you can put on a newborn's skin and will not cause any harm.

Price: Free

What You Should Know About Stork Bites

The most important thing to understand about stork bites is that they are completely harmless and almost always fade on their own.

Stork bites on the forehead, eyelids, and nose typically disappear by age 2. Marks on the back of the neck (often called "angel kisses" or "stork bites") may persist but are usually hidden by hair.

No natural remedy has been clinically proven to accelerate the fading of stork bites. The approaches listed here support general skin health and hydration, which is beneficial regardless of whether your baby has a birthmark.

If a birthmark changes in appearance, grows, or becomes raised or textured, consult your pediatrician to rule out other types of vascular birthmarks that may need medical evaluation.

The bottom line: stork bites are a normal part of newborn development. Time is the most effective treatment, and keeping the skin healthy and moisturized is the best thing you can do in the meantime.