NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE

SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION

  • Best Timing: Newborns are best photographed between 5–21 days old. During this time, babies are typically sleepier and more flexible, making it easier to capture those curled-up poses.
  • Book Early (preferably): Ideally, book your session during your third trimester. Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm a date.



SLEEPY BABY ~ The session flows best when we have a sleepy baby. So here are a few things that could help ensure that the baby will sleep.


BEFORE YOUR SESSION

1. Please give the baby a bath in the morning before coming in for your session. This will stimulate the baby and help the baby tire out. Lotioning your baby after the bath will also help with pressure points and relaxation. Allowing your baby to kick and be free for around 10-15 minutes will also help tire them out.

2. Dress the baby in a zip up sleeper, or a button up. NO undershirt please! We do not want any clothing we have to pull over top of the baby's head.

3. Do not use white diaper cream on baby's skin. It is too hard to remove and time consuming to remove.

4. Before you leave the house for your session, Please FEED baby. This will allow the baby to fall into a deep sleep while you are driving to the studio. Depending on how long your ride is, the baby may need to feed when you arrive. I generally like to start as soon as possible so that your preparations are not wasted.


BOTTLE

Some new babies struggle to get the hang of breastfeeding in the first few weeks OR they are cluster feeders. You are more than welcome to breastfeed or you may want to bring a bottle (2-3) of pumped milk or formula in the event we need it. In anycase bring extra bottles (2-3) to feed.

 

BREASTFEEDING

If you're breastfeeding, try to avoid anything spicy (i.e. Pizza, hot sauce, etc.) or anything that will cause gas and upset Baby's tummy for 48 hours proceeding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset, causing them to cry and be inconsolable. Oval or gripe water can be used to ease baby's discomfort prior to your session.


PLEASE BRING A PACIFIER 

We will only use the pacifier if the baby is having trouble transitioning into different poses. Sometimes a baby just needs to suck for a few seconds to relax. This does not necessarily mean they are hungry, however, if they are hungry they will be rooting for a longer period of time. If that happens I will happily give the baby back to Mom for a feed and a little snuggle.


HERE IS A CHECKLIST REMINDER WHEN PACKING FOR YOUR SESSION:

-pacifiers, diapers, wipes, etc.

-Wear comfortable clothing

-Any electronics/chargers/reading material

-Bring baby in a zip up sleeper

-Bring lunch/snacks

-Don't use white diaper cream on baby skin

-Bring (2-3 bottles) formula/pumped milk or essentials to breastfeed.


FAMILY & SIBLING SHOTS

-Wear soft, neutral colors—avoid busy patterns and logos.

-Keep it simple so the focus remains on baby.

-If siblings are involved, bring snacks or activities for them and plan their part early in the session.


TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SESSION

-Try to stay relaxed—babies pick up on stress.

-Don’t worry about accidents (pee, poop, spit-up—they’re part of the job!)

-Trust the process—every baby is different, and we go at their pace.


CLEANLINESS & COVID PRECAUTIONS

-All blankets, wraps, and props are washed and sanitized.

-Sanitization are practiced before and during sessions.

-If anyone is feeling unwell, please reschedule—we’ll make sure to find a new date for you.