Can you guess which presidents these baby photos belong to?
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Before they stepped into the Oval Office, they were just little ones in overalls, bonnets, or bow ties.
From shy smiles to curious stares, these childhood photos offer a rare glimpse at US presidents long before the weight of the world was on their shoulders.
You might recognize some by their early charm—or be surprised by how different they looked back then.
Along the way, you’ll learn quirky facts, family history, and lesser-known stories from their early years.
Let’s see how many of these presidential baby faces you can match to their future selves.
Tiny Texan with a future in the White House
Hint: He famously choked on a pretzel while watching football.
It’s George W. Bush (1946– ).
This 1947 photo of baby George was taken in New Haven, Connecticut, while his father was studying at Yale.
Though he would later be known as a Texas governor and 43rd president, Bush’s early years weren’t rooted in the Lone Star State.
Decades later, he would become known for his humor, Texas drawl, and a memorable snack-related mishap during his presidency.
Also read: Would you have named your baby this? Nurses share the name they can’t forget
Dressed for success in the Gilded Age
Hint: That gown was standard attire for boys in the 1880s.
It’s Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945).
This 1884 portrait shows FDR dressed in typical childhood fashion of his era—boys often wore dresses until age six or seven.
Even then, his expression hints at the calm authority he’d later bring to the presidency during the Great Depression and World War II.
Early photos like this show just how much times—and clothing customs—have changed.
Also read: These baby names are going extinct–Find out what they are!
Born to charm from the very start
Hint: His charisma earned him the nickname “Comeback Kid.”
It’s Bill Clinton (1946– ).
This 1950 photo captures a young Bill (then William Blythe III), years before he adopted the surname Clinton.
Raised in Arkansas, Clinton’s ability to connect with people would become one of his strongest assets in politics.
The twinkle in his eye as a toddler seems to foreshadow his confident public presence.
A gentleman then and now
Hint: The flower may have been for future First Lady Barbara.
It’s George H. W. Bush (1924–2018).
Snapped in 1925 on the steps of his grandfather’s home in Maine, this image shows young George taking early steps—literally and figuratively.
He would go on to serve as a congressman, CIA director, vice president, and the 41st president.
Even in defeat, he showed grace, famously leaving a heartfelt note to Bill Clinton wishing him success for the good of the country.
Also read: This '90s superstar just posted her baby photo—guess who she grew up to be!
Texas roots, big boots to fill
Hint: This future president had a town named after his family.
It’s Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973).
Born near Johnson City, Texas, LBJ’s early life was steeped in rural tradition.
This porch photo captures a simple beginning for a man who would later champion civil rights and sign Medicare into law.
His legacy is a mix of sweeping reforms and political complexity—qualities hinted at even in his childhood images.
Musically gifted with a complicated legacy
Hint: A newspaper photo captured his charitable first steps.
It’s Richard Nixon (1913–1994).
Featured in a 1916 newspaper for donating to war orphans, young Nixon’s early photo became his unofficial debut to the public.
Though best remembered for the Watergate scandal, Nixon was also a skilled pianist who could play five instruments.
His story reminds us how multifaceted even controversial figures can be.
Also read: These familiar faces had much humbler beginnings—can you guess them all?
From Dutch boy haircut to Hollywood charisma
Hint: He was nicknamed after his resemblance to a “fat little Dutchman.”
It’s Ronald Reagan (1911–2004).
That classic bowl cut earned Reagan the childhood nickname “Dutch,” which stuck with him well into adulthood.
The future 40th president went from radio announcer to movie star before turning to politics.
His optimism and communication skills made him a defining figure of the 1980s.
Also read: This '70s sitcom star just made a rare appearance–can you guess who it is?
From family photo albums to history books
Even presidents start small—often with chubby cheeks, wide eyes, and curious expressions.
These childhood photos serve as charming reminders that behind the speeches and suits were once toddlers just trying to balance on two feet.
Whether they came from modest farms or political families, their early days helped shape the leaders they’d become.
And maybe, just maybe, you recognized a few of those baby faces along the way.
Read next: You’ll never guess which 80s sci-fi star turned to bank robbery—Find out who secretly led a double life
Which presidential baby surprised you most? Were you able to guess correctly just from the photos and clues? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear how you did!
From shy smiles to curious stares, these childhood photos offer a rare glimpse at US presidents long before the weight of the world was on their shoulders.
You might recognize some by their early charm—or be surprised by how different they looked back then.
Along the way, you’ll learn quirky facts, family history, and lesser-known stories from their early years.
Let’s see how many of these presidential baby faces you can match to their future selves.
From tiny toes to timeless leadership—every president starts somewhere. Image Source: YouTube / Brain Puzzle.
Tiny Texan with a future in the White House
Before the Oval Office, he was just a curious baby taking in the world—long before history knew his name. Image Source: White House/Shutterstock / Reader's Digest.
Hint: He famously choked on a pretzel while watching football.
It’s George W. Bush (1946– ).
This 1947 photo of baby George was taken in New Haven, Connecticut, while his father was studying at Yale.
It’s George W. Bush—pictured here decades before becoming the 43rd president of the United States. Image Source: YouTube / ABC News.
Though he would later be known as a Texas governor and 43rd president, Bush’s early years weren’t rooted in the Lone Star State.
Decades later, he would become known for his humor, Texas drawl, and a memorable snack-related mishap during his presidency.
Dressed for success in the Gilded Age
This 1884 portrait captures a well-dressed toddler with a calm gaze—long before he would lead America through some of its toughest times. Image Source: Alan Landsburg Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock/ Reader's Digest.
Hint: That gown was standard attire for boys in the 1880s.
It’s Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945).
This 1884 portrait shows FDR dressed in typical childhood fashion of his era—boys often wore dresses until age six or seven.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership during the Great Depression and World War II cemented his legacy as one of the most influential presidents in history. Image Source: YouTube / Biographics.
Even then, his expression hints at the calm authority he’d later bring to the presidency during the Great Depression and World War II.
Early photos like this show just how much times—and clothing customs—have changed.
Also read: These baby names are going extinct–Find out what they are!
Born to charm from the very start
Captured around 1950, this sweet toddler was already flashing the charm that would later define his public life. Image Source: The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum / Reader's Digest.
Hint: His charisma earned him the nickname “Comeback Kid.”
It’s Bill Clinton (1946– ).
This 1950 photo captures a young Bill (then William Blythe III), years before he adopted the surname Clinton.
It’s Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, known for his charisma and ability to connect with people across the political spectrum. Image Source: YouTube / Biography.
Raised in Arkansas, Clinton’s ability to connect with people would become one of his strongest assets in politics.
The twinkle in his eye as a toddler seems to foreshadow his confident public presence.
A gentleman then and now
Taken in 1925, this little one was already on his feet—unaware he’d one day lead the nation with grace and diplomacy. Image Source: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum / Reader's Digest.
Hint: The flower may have been for future First Lady Barbara.
It’s George H. W. Bush (1924–2018).
Snapped in 1925 on the steps of his grandfather’s home in Maine, this image shows young George taking early steps—literally and figuratively.
It’s George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, remembered for his steady leadership and enduring commitment to public service. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Sunday Morning.
He would go on to serve as a congressman, CIA director, vice president, and the 41st president.
Even in defeat, he showed grace, famously leaving a heartfelt note to Bill Clinton wishing him success for the good of the country.
Also read: This '90s superstar just posted her baby photo—guess who she grew up to be!
Texas roots, big boots to fill
Snapped on a Texas porch, this youngster had deep country roots and a big future ahead. Image Source: National Historical Park Texas.
Hint: This future president had a town named after his family.
It’s Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973).
Born near Johnson City, Texas, LBJ’s early life was steeped in rural tradition.
It’s Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, known for his bold vision and sweeping civil rights legislation. Image Source: YouTube / Grunge.
This porch photo captures a simple beginning for a man who would later champion civil rights and sign Medicare into law.
His legacy is a mix of sweeping reforms and political complexity—qualities hinted at even in his childhood images.
Musically gifted with a complicated legacy
Dressed for church and already in the papers—this little one had a public life from the start. Image Source: The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum / Reader's Digest.
Hint: A newspaper photo captured his charitable first steps.
It’s Richard Nixon (1913–1994).
Featured in a 1916 newspaper for donating to war orphans, young Nixon’s early photo became his unofficial debut to the public.
It’s Richard Nixon, the 37th president, whose early life hinted at the complex legacy he’d leave behind. Image Source: YouTube / Biography.
Though best remembered for the Watergate scandal, Nixon was also a skilled pianist who could play five instruments.
His story reminds us how multifaceted even controversial figures can be.
Also read: These familiar faces had much humbler beginnings—can you guess them all?
From Dutch boy haircut to Hollywood charisma
With a bowl cut and a nickname to match, this little “Dutchman” was already stealing the spotlight. Image Source: Snap/Shutterstock / Reader's Digest.
Hint: He was nicknamed after his resemblance to a “fat little Dutchman.”
It’s Ronald Reagan (1911–2004).
That classic bowl cut earned Reagan the childhood nickname “Dutch,” which stuck with him well into adulthood.
It’s Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, whose charm and charisma were evident long before his Hollywood days. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Sunday Morning.
The future 40th president went from radio announcer to movie star before turning to politics.
His optimism and communication skills made him a defining figure of the 1980s.
Also read: This '70s sitcom star just made a rare appearance–can you guess who it is?
From family photo albums to history books
Even presidents start small—often with chubby cheeks, wide eyes, and curious expressions.
These childhood photos serve as charming reminders that behind the speeches and suits were once toddlers just trying to balance on two feet.
Whether they came from modest farms or political families, their early days helped shape the leaders they’d become.
And maybe, just maybe, you recognized a few of those baby faces along the way.
Read next: You’ll never guess which 80s sci-fi star turned to bank robbery—Find out who secretly led a double life
Which presidential baby surprised you most? Were you able to guess correctly just from the photos and clues? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear how you did!
