Newborn sessions can be really stressful at a time when you are already feeling tired and stressed and overwhelmed. But they shouldn’t be! If you’re working with the right photographer, they will do everything they can to make it as low-stress as possible. But here’s what you can do to make sure things are as low-stress as possible.
- Schedule your session 1-3 weeks after baby’s arrival.
- Feed your baby 15-30 minutes before you start your session and change them into a clean diaper and your starting outfit of choice.
- Have any additional outfits and any sentimental items you want included in photos all together in your home.
- Relax. If you’re working with a professional photographer, they will be happy to work around whatever you and your baby need, including feeding, changing, comforting, etc. If your baby is fussy, don’t stress. You being worked up will lead to your baby staying worked up. Take a breath, remember that any photographer who works with newborns understands the ups and downs of infancy, and do what you need to do to keep your little one happy.
- Keep your home a little warmer than you normally would. For little ones, warmer is better. Some photographers will bring heating pads or even space heaters. You can do your part by setting your thermostat a little warmer than you normally would.
- If your photographer doesn’t have a sound machine and you do, have that on hand.
- Communicate with your photographer. Most newborns don’t have a schedule, but if you start to notice patterns during the day and want to move the time of your session, talk to your photographer. If you’re concerned about baby acne or jaundice or cluster feeding or difficulty breastfeeding or colic or anything else, communicate with your photographer. Most of us will be more than happy to accommodate you and figure out how to work with any concerns you have.
Newborn photos are SO SO important. This is such a beautiful moment in the growth of your family, and it deserves to be commemorated with photos. Be in the photos. Embrace the chaos of this stage. Relax and let your photographer do their job. And remember how special these photos will be to you, your newborn, and your whole family someday.
