Did you know that when you book a newborn session, I send you a whole packet on how to prepare? It includes tips and tricks for getting your baby to sleep during the session, and when mamas follow it, we get the BEST images! Now, don’t worry because we all know that our new little friends don’t read e-mail (or care at all what time it is, EVER, for their sleepy little selves – hello 2, 4, and 6 am wake-up calls!). So, if they don’t want to sleep, we just go with it and take lots of family shots until they decide to shut their little eyes.

What are some ideas for getting your baby to sleep for the session?

1. Babies love warmth! Not hot, just warm. We recommend kicking the heat up a bit or turning the air down so that when we unwrap your baby, they are not too squirmy. Of course, wrapping them almost always calms them and lets us be able to move them around for their portraits.
2. Babies love white noise! We recommend the Baby Shusher (and carry one at all times!)
3. Babies love when the scene is calm! If yard people, maids, and other workers are about, sometimes a loud noise can startle them.
4. Babies love milk! Whether you are breast or bottle feeding, giving them a good feeding right before the session is usually the best plan. Then, of course, we take time for feeding and snuggling during the session.

Many ideas will come in your prep packet, but these are the most common for all newborn photographers.

In this case, mom was able to get her little bundle to sleep before I arrived, and he loved to be all snuggled up (bonus!). He also had a darling nursery and even gave us some sweet sleepy smiles!!

PS I’m obsessed with babies in “beds,” they look so cute all tucked in, perfect for getting images of their sweet little faces!