How to prepare for your in-studio newborn session
When to Get in Touch to Schedule the Session:
Essentially, before babe is born. We should start planning and be prepared before your little one makes their grand entrance. After their arrival, please send me an email or text to let me know your sweet babe is here so we can get a spot reserved for them in the studio if we haven't already set a date and time! Babies are unpredictable so I will remain flexible to accommodate their arrival.
Sessions take place between 4 days and a few weeks old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure you have some date options to choose from. Brand new babies are the most cooperative since they are so sleepy so keep that in mind when we schedule.
Sessions are best during morning hours. Newborns are most sleepy and content earlier in the day. Depending on the day, sessions can start between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., although I can accommodate other times as well.
Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would love me to use. Feel free to look at my website, Facebook, or Instagram account and if you see something you want us to try, shoot me an email so I can have it ready.
On the Day of the Session:
Stimulate and keep baby awake for an hour or two before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session and when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing and going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking and interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.
Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Feel free to come a little early to the studio to feed baby right before, especially if you have a longer car ride. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.
If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism and can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I need to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.
The studio will be warm. Babies like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), and this helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.
There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.
When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute!