Newborn Photography Preparation Guide for Parents
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! To help you prepare for your upcoming newborn photography session, here are some tips and suggestions to ensure the experience is smooth, stress-free, and memorable.
1. Timing the Session
- Best Time for Newborn Photos: Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled within the first 7–16 days of birth. During this time, babies are sleepier and easier to pose.
- Morning Sessions: Babies are often most settled earlier in the day, so a morning session is preferred for their comfort and ease. Here at Lyndsey Ayres Photography we schedule them for 10.30am as through years of experience, we have worked out that this is the time that works best.
2. Preparing Your Baby
- Feeding: Feed your baby 20–30 minutes before the session to ensure they are full, content, and sleepy.
- Keeping Baby Awake: Try to keep your baby awake for an hour or so before the session. Gentle play or a warm bath can help tire them out for those adorable sleepy poses.
- Clothing: Dress your baby in loose, easy-to-remove clothing, such as a buttoned-up baby grow. Avoid anything that may leave marks on their skin.
- Nappies: Ensure the nappy isn’t too tight to avoid marks, as some poses may involve bare skin.
3. Wardrobe for Parents and Siblings
- Neutral Tones: Choose soft, neutral colours like beige, cream, white, grey, or pastel tones. These keep the focus on the baby and create timeless images.
- Avoid Patterns and Logos: Solid colours photograph best; avoid bold patterns, logos, or distracting designs.
- Comfort First: Wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable, especially for new mums.
- Coordinated Looks: Opt for complementary tones rather than matching outfits. For example, if mum wears a cream dress, dad might wear a soft grey sweater.
- Grooming: Dads should consider light grooming, and siblings should have clean, neat outfits that are easy to move in.
4. What to Bring
- For Baby:
- Extra nappies and wipes.
- A pacifier (even if the baby doesn’t regularly use one, it can help soothe them).
- Any special blankets you’d like included (optional - we do have blankets we use in the studio).
- Favourite toys or comfort items.
- For Parents:
- Snacks for you and any siblings.
- A change of clothes, just in case of spills or accidents.
- Small toys, books, or treats to keep siblings entertained during downtime.
5. Creating a Comfortable Environment (at-home sessions)
- Room Temperature: For at-home sessions, ensure the room is warm (around 75°F/24°C) to keep the baby comfortable, especially during swaddled or bare-skin poses.
- White Noise: A white noise machine or soothing playlist can help keep your baby calm and relaxed.
- Safety First: Always prioritise your baby’s safety. The photographer will handle posing, but your assistance may occasionally be needed.
6. What to Expect During the Session
- Flexibility: Sessions typically last 2–3 hours to allow time for feedings, nappy changes, and comforting the baby. Relax and enjoy the moment—we go at your baby’s pace.
- Poses and Breaks: We’ll capture a variety of poses, from swaddled to bare-skin shots, as well as family and sibling moments. Breaks for feeding or soothing are completely normal.
- Candid Moments: Don’t worry about perfection! Some of the best photos come from natural, unplanned moments.
7. Relax and Enjoy
The best photos happen when parents are calm and relaxed. Your energy affects your baby, so take a deep breath and trust the process. This is a special time, and the session is designed to capture these precious moments beautifully.
If you have any specific ideas, props, or special requests, feel free to share them with me beforehand. We can’t wait to capture this amazing time in your family’s life!
