Congratulations mama!! You’ve survived the first few days of parenthood and successfully booked your newborn studio session. Now comes the part that often gives parents “anxiety”, BUT I promise you won’t feel that with me! You might be wondering, “how to prepare baby for newborn photos” and if they will sleep or cry.
As a Tampa newborn photographer for over 10 years, I’ve seen it all – from babies who sleep the whole time and those that keep their eyes open and watch me the entire time. No matter which your baby is, we take everything at baby’s pace and your session will be successful!
Table of Contents
A Full Belly
The most important factor in a sleepy newborn session is a satisfied baby. When considering how to prepare baby for newborn photos, timing the final feeding is everything. I always recommend giving baby a top off right when you arrive at the studio. This ensures that they will be in a deep sleep (aka milk coma) allowing me to gently pose them without them waking up.
If you are nursing, try to avoid spicy or gas inducing foods at least 24 hours before your session. A comfortable tummy makes for a much happier subject.
Keep Baby Awake
I know, it sounds counterintuitive but try to keep your baby awake for about 1 to 2 hours before your scheduled session. Give them a bath to clean up their hair and face, tickle their toes, and let them have some diaper playtime looking around. By burning off that little bit of energy at home, they will get their feed and be ready to crash for a long nap. This is a crucial step in how to prepare baby for newborn photos.
Travel Light
One of the biggest pluses to booking a newborn session with me is that I have everything needed for the actual session. You only need to bring your family, milk, and diaper bag! I provide a climate-controlled environment, the professional lighting, and a curated collection of wraps and props. When parents ask how to prepare baby for newborn photos, I tell them it’s just this simple!
What to Pack in your bag:
- Extra diapers and wipes (just in case they have their first blow out)
- A pacifier even if you don’t think baby will take it! Sometimes just a little bit of sucking can soothe baby into some poses
- A change of clothes for parents, so you can change into something comfy during the baby portion
- Plenty of milk or formula
Dressing Baby
To avoid waking baby up upon arrival, dress baby in something that is easy to remove. I suggest a simple button down or zip up sleeper. That helps me avoid anything being pulled up over their head, as this almost always wakes them up from their nap. Knowing how to prepare baby for newborn photos means thinking about these small transitions so they sleep peacefully.
Trust the Process
Lastly, I know that you are nervous as you don’t know what to expect, but the best way for how to prepare baby for newborn photos is for you to stay relaxed. Babies are incredibly sensitive to their parents’ energy. If you are stressed about them crying or not sleeping, they will feel it. By following these simple steps, you aren’t just preparing baby, you are also ensuring that your session is a calm, luxury experience that results in beautiful, timeless portraits for your family.