Preparing for a Newborn Session
Congratulations!!!
Your sweet baby is here!
After months of waiting and dreaming, you can finally hold her in your arms. Every little detail is perfect - those tiny fingers that curl around yours, silky hair that softly rubs against your cheek as you snuggle her close. Couldn’t you just stare at her for hours? Watching every little face, yawn and sleepy smile?
I know that those first few days (weeks!) with a newborn can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Your baby’s newborn session may be her first outing (if you come to my studio), or event (if we do a home session). Let’s make it a beautiful experience for you and your family!
How do I prepare for the session?
Dress your baby in loose clothing, that is easy to remove. If he is already asleep at the beginning of the session, we want to remove his clothes without disturbing him. So clothing that zips or buttons in the front is better than taking it off over his head. Also, make sure the outfit is loose around his wrists and ankles, so there are not lines on his skin.
We will want to keep baby warm, so my studio, or your house may need to be warmer than usual. Dress yourself accordingly, so you are not overheated. Layers are great, so you can add or remove layers to stay comfortable. (And bring extra clothing for you, because babies are messy! Spit and poop often end up on parents during sessions, and it’s nice to have a change of clothes available if necessary!)
What should Mom and Dad wear? Anything that makes Mom feel beautiful! Mama, you just gave birth. Your body has gone through a lot the last 9 months, so be kind to yourself! Take a few minutes to pamper yourself before the session. Do your hair, put on some make-up, and breathe. You will look beautiful in the photos! When choosing colors, think where you want to display the photos, and choose clothing that matches. Are you going to hang them in your living room? The baby’s room? Choose clothing that compliments those locations. Solid colors work better than patterns, so the focus is on the baby, and not the clothing.
Make sure your nails are clean. You can wear nail polish if you would like. We will be getting shots of your hands as you hold your baby, so make sure Mom’s and Dad’s hands are photo-ready too! :)
5. Bring some snacks if you’ll be traveling to the session, or have them ready if you’re at home. Newborn sessions involve a lot of waiting. Waiting for baby to feed, changing diapers, waiting for baby to settle down and sleep or be content. You don’t want you, your hubby or other children to get hungry and cranky while you’re waiting. And don’t forget food for baby! If she takes bottles, bring plenty of formula/pumped milk. If she’s nursing, your boppy pillow may make you more comfortable. Babies often stop to feed a few times during the session. This is normal. :) They have tiny tummies, and feeding is soothing.
6. Bring a pacifier if your baby uses one.
7. Try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before your session, so she’s sleepy during the session. Feed her right before the session, so she starts with a full and happy tummy.
What will happen during the session?
We will try to get a few different looks for baby. Some babies are naturally calm, and don’t mind being unwrapped. In that case, we can use 2-3 different outfits. I have little clothes here intended for photography. They have no buttons or snaps, and come on and off easily for changing quickly.
Other babies prefer to be wrapped up and snuggled close. I have several wraps for babies that feel happier being swaddled.
The truth is, your baby will call the shots during the session! :) We will try different ideas and see what he likes. If he gets cozy in one of my props, we can try bowls, beds and and baskets. If he doesn’t like to be put down, we’ll do the session with you holding him. I just want you to love on your little one and soak in all the sweetness!
If you have other children, we will try to do siblings shots and whole family shots. Young siblings (toddler or preschoolers) often have short attention spans. We will try to get shots together, and then Dad or a grandparent can take them off to play.
The most important thing?
Just come and love on your new baby! This stage passes so quickly. It doesn’t matter what you pack or what you forget. What matters is that every picture will remind you of this precious bit of time, when he was so very tiny!