How to prepare for an in studio newborn session

Congratulations! Your baby is here! As soon as you schedule your first pediatrician’s appointment, it’s time to schedule the newborn session.

The best time to do a newborn session is typically within the first two weeks of the baby’s birth. This timeframe is ideal for several reasons:

1. Sleepiness and flexibility: During the first two weeks, newborns tend to sleep for longer periods and are more easily posed. They are still adjusting to the world outside the womb and spend much of their time in deep slumber, allowing the photographer to capture those adorable curled-up poses.
2. Flexibility and molding: Newborn babies are more flexible in their early weeks, making it easier to gently pose them into adorable positions. They haven’t yet developed strong neck and limb muscles, so they can be safely positioned without causing discomfort or harm.
3. Less chance of colic or skin issues: Newborns may experience colic, skin rashes, or baby acne as they adjust to their new environment. By scheduling the session within the first two weeks, you reduce the likelihood of these temporary issues affecting the quality of the photos.
4. Preserving the newborn stage: The first few weeks of a baby’s life are a fleeting and precious time. By scheduling the session early on, you can capture the unique features, tiny details, and delicate expressions that are characteristic of the newborn stage. These images serve as beautiful reminders of this brief and special time.

While the first two weeks are generally considered the optimal timeframe, every baby is different, and circumstances may vary.

When deciding what to wear to a newborn session, it’s important to choose clothing that complements the overall aesthetic and focuses the attention on the baby. Here are some tips for selecting appropriate attire:

1. Keep it simple and timeless: Opt for neutral or pastel colors, such as whites, creams, grays, or soft blues and pinks. These shades create a clean and classic look that won’t distract from the main subject—the baby.
2. Coordinate with the baby: Consider selecting outfits that complement the baby’s clothing or the overall theme of the session. Matching colors or subtle patterns can create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
3. Baby swaddles/wraps are provided, but feel free to bring any special outfit or blanket with baby’s name on it.
4. Bring a toy for size comparison. You can use the same toy for milestone pictures in the future.
5. Feel free to arrive in comfortable clothes and change into your outfit at the studio.

Getting a newborn to sleep during a session can be helpful for capturing those adorable curled-up poses. Here are some tips to help encourage sleepiness:

1. Timing is key: Arrive 15-20min before your scheduled session time and feed the baby at the studio.
2. Studio temperature is between 74-78F. Back room is 70F. Newborns are accustomed to the warmth of the womb, so a comfortable temperature can help them feel relaxed.
3. I will swaddle the baby: Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb. This can help the baby feel secure and promote sleep.
4. I use white noise from baby shusher app. It can mask sudden noises and create a soothing ambiance that encourages sleep.
5. Feeding breaks: Newborns may become sleepier after a feeding session. Consider planning short breaks during the session for the baby to feed, ensuring they are comfortable and content.
6. Be patient and flexible, allowing breaks and adjustments as needed.

It’s important to note that not all newborns(and sometimes parents) will fall asleep during the session, and that’s perfectly normal. Awake shots can also capture the baby’s wide-eyed wonder and personality. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comfortable and relaxed environment that allows the baby to feel safe and content.

Here are a few additional things you may want to know about a newborn session:

1. Duration: Newborn sessions can vary in length, typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours. This allows enough time for feeding, changing, and soothing the baby as needed.
2. Safety: safety of your baby throughout the session is my priority.
3. Feeding and comforting: Be prepared for frequent feeding breaks during the session. Newborns often need to be fed to keep them comfortable and content.
4. Flexibility in poses: it’s important to remember that each baby is unique, and not all poses may be suitable for your baby. Some babies may prefer certain positions over others, and I will work within the baby’s comfort level to capture beautiful images.
5. Patience and flexibility: Newborn sessions require a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Be prepared to go with the flow, as babies can be unpredictable.
6. If you are interested in breastfeeding pictures, please let me know.

Pictured: baby Chase. 7 days old.