Welcoming a new baby is such a special time, and I am honored to capture these precious moments for you! To ensure a smooth and successful newborn session, here are some quick reminders to help you prepare. 😊
Before You Arrive:
🛏 Keep baby awake for 1-2 hours before the session – This helps ensure they are nice and sleepy when we start. Try engaging them with gentle playtime, a warm bath, or even a little tummy time.
🛁 Give baby a bath (optional) – A warm bath can help soothe them and make them extra sleepy. It can also help remove any flakes of dry skin, leaving them fresh for photos.
👕 Dress baby in easy-to-remove clothing – A zip-up or snap pajama is perfect. Skip outfits that have to be pulled over the head to avoid disturbing them. Layers are great if the weather is chilly, but we will be keeping the studio warm for baby’s comfort.
🍼 Feed baby RIGHT before leaving the house – A full tummy means a happy, sleepy baby! Try to burp them well to minimize discomfort and gas.
🥛 Bring enough formula or pumped milk – If you are nursing, having a bottle of pumped milk can be helpful for quick top-offs while baby is already in position. If nursing exclusively, we can take breaks as needed to keep baby content.
🧸 Bring a pacifier – Even if you don’t usually use one, it can be a lifesaver for soothing baby during the session. If you prefer not to use one, that’s completely okay! However, even a few gentle sucks can help baby settle in certain poses.
👚 Pack parent outfits & extras – Wear something you love for parent photos, and bring a backup outfit just in case of any baby-related surprises. 😉 Soft, neutral colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your precious little one.
💅 Mind your hands and nails – Your hands will be in the parent photos, so keep nails neat and avoid bold colors. Natural or light tones work best for timeless images.
🚗 Arrive with baby sleepy in their car seat – Once you get here, I will gently take baby out and begin the session right away. If baby is still a little awake, don’t worry! The warm environment and gentle movements will usually lull them to sleep quickly.
Including Older Siblings:
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👧 Sibling & family images happen at the beginning – We’ll do these within the first 30-45 minutes. This ensures that young children are fresh, engaged, and cooperative.
👨👩👦 Have a plan for siblings afterward – The studio is warm and cozy, and I need to focus entirely on baby’s safety. A relative or parent should take siblings out for some special time together after their photos are done. This keeps the session calm and relaxing for baby and parents.
🧸 Preparing siblings – Let them know they will have special photos with their new baby brother or sister! Keeping the experience fun and relaxed helps them enjoy the process. Bringing a favorite snack or small reward for afterward can also help keep spirits high.
These little preparations can make a huge difference in making your session smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable! I can’t wait to capture these beautiful moments for you and your family.
Rest assured, your baby is in great hands with me! With over 10 years of experience and having photographed hundreds of babies, my top priority is always safety. You can relax, enjoy the moment, and watch me work my magic. Congratulations on your beautiful baby! 🎉
Some of my favorite tricks and tools.
🍼 White Noise Machine – Mimics the sounds of the womb, creating a calming environment. My all time favorite is definetly the Baby Shusher.
🌡 Space Heater – Keeps baby warm and cozy, just like they were before birth.
🤲 Gentle Rocking & Swaddling – Helps them feel snug and secure.
🛏 Soft, Comfy Posing Beanbag – Supports baby in the sweetest, sleepiest poses.
💆♀️ A Little Soothing Touch – A gentle forehead stroke works wonders!
I wish I had known all these tricks 13 years ago when I had my own newborn! 😅 If you’re a new parent, take notes—these little hacks can make all the difference! 💕
You can follow this link to purchase these game-changing products for newborn babies—items that have made a huge difference in my sessions and can help you create a calmer, more comforting experience for your little one too!
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