I’ll often get the question, “What is the best way for parents to prepare for a newborn portrait session?” And it’s a fair question to ask! I want to help create the best possible experience for you and your little one, so I’ve put together some helpful tips to use on our shooting day.

1) Keep Your Baby Awake For 3-4 Hours Prior To The Session

It’s very important that your newborn maintains a docile and sleepy demeanor for our shoot, to help get those perfect dreamy poses. Because we move baby around so much during the shoot, it can be hard for them to stay asleep. I recommend keeping them awake for 3-4 hours before our session with some playful gestures, like kisses and foot tickles! And the next tip also helps keep them awake…

2) Give Your Newborn A Sponge Bath

This goes along perfectly with the first tip, because it helps keep baby awake for that extra time right before the session. A sponge bath 2.5 hours prior to the newborn portraits means they’re given more than enough time to stay up, while keeping them tired out when we need it most!

3) Avoid Dressing Them (And Yourselves) In Warm Clothing Prior To Session

Let’s face it – when we’re warm, we get sleepy! And the same goes for baby. While at home and prior to our photo session, I recommend putting them in lighter outfits, or keeping them in their diapers. This means they’ll stay awake for longer!

In the colder months, I recommend layering your’s and baby’s clothes on your travel here. The studio can get very warm, which makes it perfect for your sleeping beauty, so a comfortable short sleeve shirt or tank top is ideal.

4) Feed Baby Before Coming And/Or Bring A Bottle of Milk

At this young of an age, you never know when the hunger pang strikes, so it’s important to make sure that baby stays happy and well-fed before and during the photography session. If you bottle-feed your baby, I would bring a full one just in case. And nursing your little one is more than acceptable as well! If you nurse your baby right before coming, it ensures they will be content for a great session.

5) Bring A Pacifier (If Desired!)

Binkie, pacifier, sucker – whatever you want to call it, it’s the perfect little lifesaver for when baby needs to be soothed. Bring your newborn’s favorite ones, just in case they need it, because it aids in keeping your little one content during the breaks in our session!

What are some tips you’d add to ensure a happy and stress-free newborn photography session? Comment below!