Preparing for your Newborn Session
Your newborn session is coming up! How do you prepare for something like this? Often times this is the very first photo shoot your new little one has, and it is the only time they will be this small. It’s kind of a big deal, but getting ready for your session doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are five things to do before your session to get the most out of our time together.
1. Plan Your Outfits
Picking out what to wear for your newborn session is important, but it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. For parent and family images I usually only capture from the waist up. That way your tiny little one doesn’t get lost in the picture. This is their big day after all! This means you do not need to worry about shoes at all. Heck, come in your slippers if you want! I don’t mind at all! Solid colored tops are perfect. Even a simple black or white t-shirt or tank top photographs beautifully with a new baby!
2. Make a Plan for Big Siblings
Newborn sessions take time. Babies are on their own time tables and I always follow their cues as to when they need to take a break. I never want a newborn session to feel rushed. But sometimes big siblings get antsy. My studio isn’t the most fun place on the planet for energetic toddlers, so I encourage parents to make plans for a fun big sibling outing. I start sessions with family and sibling pictures, so they can be done within the first 30 minutes. It’s hard becoming a big sibling and I find most of them get really excited for some time alone with one of their parents or a grandparent!
3. Pack Your Diaper Bag
Many times newborn sessions are parents first outing with their new baby. I get asked a lot “what do I need to bring?” You will need your baby’s basic needs – extra formula/bottles, any breastfeeding supplies you use, diapers, wipes, and a pacifier. That’s it! Just the basics! And if you forget something, don’t worry. My studio is stocked with extra diapers, wipes, and individually packaged pacifiers. So as long as your little one has food if they get hungry, you are all set! I also keep a boppy pillow in the studio for breastfeeding parents to use. And of course you are welcome to nurse openly in my studio! As a trained postpartum doula and having nursed 3 kids myself, I promise it doesn’t phase me one bit.
4. Give Your Baby Some Awake Time
Babies sleep when they are tired and are awake when they want to be. But trying to give your little one some awake time before your session is great if it works out. This is the perfect time for a nice warm bath, maybe some baby massage, and even just looking into those beautiful eyes and talking to them and soaking up their scent. If your little one does not agree to this plan, then no worries at all! Even if they are awake during some of their photos that’s okay too!
5. RELAX
You have a brand new human you are caring for. You possibly just pushed that human out of your body or had major surgery to welcome that sweet thing into the world. Newborn pictures should not be stressful. Running late? That’s okay – just let me know if you think you’ll be more than 15 minutes late. Need me to hold your baby so you can do your makeup when you get there? Totally fine. I’m always happy to snuggle a baby while you finish getting everyone ready. Being a new parent is hard and I strive to create a calm environment where you can put your feet up and let me do all the work!
Haven’t booked your newborn session yet? Hit that contact me button and let’s chat. The best time to reserve your spot on my calendar is in your 2nd semester, but I often have room for last minute babies as well!
