Cornish Maine Newborn Photographer // Newborn Baby Session Prep

I know that most parents think that preparing for a newborn session can take forever and require a ton of work. Parents often worry that their baby will not sleep for their pictures, but it really is as simple as following a few steps to get your little one photo shoot ready. I’ve had parents that think that I have some magical baby whisperer power and that their baby falls asleep at the sound of my voice, but I can assure you that this is not the truth and I could never get my own children to sleep when I wanted them to! It is as simple as them following my prep guide.

We’ve already discussed outfits that we will use from my newborn wardrobe, so no worries there! I do ask that parents keep anything that would be needed for feeding or soothing in the room that we will be shooting in. Diapers, wipes, burp clothes anything that will come in handy should be readily available. I know that not every parent loves to give their baby a pacifier, but if your baby uses one, keep it handy. Pacifiers can be a lifesaver for a newborn session. A warm blanket just in case they get a little chilly is also super helpful once I start to unwrap your little one. Lastly, any feeding or nursing accessories should be kept within arms reach just in case your little one wakes up wanting a snack.

I ask that parents try to keep baby awake for 2 hours prior to the shoot. Sometimes doing an activity like taking a bath or doing a little tummy time can help keep your little one awake without getting fussy. The tummy time and bath is for the baby not the adult, just to clarify, but I guess whatever helps! Once I arrive, I will have my travel studio to unpack. This can take a few minutes and may actually look like I am moving into your home, but, trust me, I use almost everything I bring. While I unpack, I ask that you feed your baby until they get really sleepy but not asleep. Once they are sleepy, I will take them and dress them in one of the outfits that we discussed and throw a couple wraps over that. Think of your baby as an onion, we will slowly peel back the layers throughout the session. Then you get your little one back to top off.

Now your baby is a bit milk drunk and ready to get into their first pose. The real fun begins. Most babies wake up from time to time during the session and a little gentle rocking may be needed to get them a sleepy again but most babies sleep from this point on. Of course, I on occasion get a baby that is super curious and wants to watch EVERYTHING that is going on, but even they eventually succumb to the sleepiness of newborn life. They may require me to turn up the white noise that I use. As it turns out that works for both big and little humans. I’ve had parents fall asleep to the sound of my white noise machine. Or they may need just a little more gentle rocking or bouncing or forehead rubs to get them to get a little more sleepy.

Every baby is different and requires a different level of soothing to get them to sleep, but one way or another, I always seem to figure it out!

2022 is booking up fast! Contact me with your due date as soon as you have it!