Tips for Making your Newborn Session Go Smoothly- Davis County Newborn Photographer
Newborns are not all just rainbows and lots of sleeping. As as mom of 2 and expecting my 3rd, I’ve dealt with my seasons of colicky babies and trying to handle the fussiness. SO here’s some tips if you are expecting and getting ready for your own newborn pictures.
Try to do your newborn session earlier in the day. I know mornings are hard. But late mornings are probably your best bet for a sleep/happier baby than doing something in the afternoon when babies tend to get more fussy and hit witching hour.
2. If you have family, a close friend, or nanny near by ask for them to come help you get kids ready for the session, pick up your house or give baby a bottle so you have the time you want to get yourself ready without all the stress.
3. Look for rooms or spots in your house with good natural light. You want to take pictures in spots where direct light is not coming through. Pay attention during the day to when the best natural light seems to come in. Sometimes all you need is a good blank wall or corner of the house to use. Also if it is warm outside and you want to do anything outside on your front step or yard, this is a great option as well!
4. Be Flexible: Whether it’s baby crying or short attention spans for older siblings, be flexible with getting baby fed, or changed. And we can take breaks and get different variations of older siblings, or another parent with a child. Though the focus is the new baby, my sessions are lifestyle based so we make sure to include all the other regular stuff happening behind the scenes like siblings jumping on the couch, drawing with chalk, or playing together.
5. Moms wear something you will feel comfortable in. Your body will likely not be back to any pre-baby size, so look for something that will be comfortable to you but be flattering. Loose fitting sweaters, tops, or dresses that won’t hug any areas you’re not comfortable with are all a good idea.
6. If doing pictures in your own home stresses you out, communicate with your photographer that you would rather go to a studio. They can look into local options for you which usually include furniture and everything you would need to you a similar experience to being in your home without having to stress about cleaning it for your session.
7. Try and give baby a good feeding and diaper change before the session is planned. Hungry babies usually aren’t happy babies. And then this usually means that baby will be ready to sleep as well once session time comes.
8. Have a swaddle and white noise on hand for baby. This usually helps keep them calm and sleep longer. If baby is happy when I arrive in their outfit we can go with that til we need to switch things up, but swaddles really do help and babies loves white noise. These two things usually are the key to a happy (aka sleepy) baby.
9. As stressful and unpredictable a newborn session can be remember to love on your people and enjoy them. This is a life changing event and everyone is adjusting. An older sibling may need a break as much as the baby. I will do all I can to make everything go as smoothly as possible, and reassure you that we can still get great pictures even if there is crying or fussiness. You’d be surprised how much good variety you’ll get back in your final gallery.
If you are expecting and wanting newborn pictures done once baby comes please reach out!