We describe a case of neonatal lupus erythematosus in a 4-week-old male baby presenting with nodules/papules on the plantar surface of both feet. Skin histology of the right foot papule was consistent with lupus erythematosus. Annular lesions more typical of this condition then appeared later and maternal antibodies were positive for speckled antinuclear antibodies (1:5120), anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB(+), rheumatoid factor 1380.0 IU/mL. The patient had no evidence of cardiac, haematological or hepatobilary involvement. Although the mother was asymptomatic, the maternal grandmother had recently been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome.