5 Tips to Prepare for Your Newborn Session
Preparing for your newborn session can feel overwhelming. There’s so much information about what to do and what not to do, and oftentimes that information is conflicting. My goal is to make everything as easy as possible for you because you literally just had a baby and that’s a lot!
If you’re the type of person who wants some direction, here are some tips for you. But most importantly, you really don’t need to do anything different. A big change routine for a new baby can actually have the opposite effect and cause your baby to be more fussy.
Timing is everything for the curled up, sleeping newborn photos. Meaning both the age of your baby and time of day.
The ideal age window is 5-14 days old when they are still super sleepy and curled. Though it’s not a hard and fast rule, it is preferred. I also schedule all newborn sessions in the mornings as this is the time they are the least fussy in the day.
Please do not change any part of the routine you’ve been establishing!
If you’ve decided to delay your baby’s first bath, but want them bathed before their session, please do so 24 hours beforehand. A common piece of advice is to keep baby awake for x amount of time before the scheduled photo session, but this does not create a well rested, happy baby and often makes sleep much harder for them when being moved around throughout the session.
There will be ample time for feeding and soothing your baby.
Don’t try to overfill your baby before your session. This can cause an upset belly. A baby-led session means that your baby gets to eat when they are hungry and I am more than happy to take a break whenever your baby needs.
Dress your baby in loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to take on and off.
Before your session starts, I will have you remove all clothing and change baby into an unprinted diaper that I will provide for you. Having an outfit that is easy to slip off (bonus points if the clothing doesn't have to go over their head) makes this change a bit less disrupting.
Communicate any preferences.
If you have specific poses or props that are a must have, please discuss these with me beforehand. I’m happy to include any special items (like blankets or stuffed animals) into your session, but please note that I do not pose babies in any unnatural way. My main focus is your unique baby, just the way they are.
Bonus Tip: Relax and Enjoy this one time experience! Your baby’s only way to communicate is through your nervous system, which means they can sense your mood and mimic your nervous system. Staying calm will help keep them settled.
These fleeting newborn days pass so quickly – don’t miss the chance to document it!
