Capturing the Dream: How to Pose and Soothe Older Newborns for Photoshoots
SCOTTSDALE BEST NEWBORN AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY: SUMMER ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY
It's every newborn photographer and many parents 's aspiration to capture those serene, sleeping baby moments in their photography sessions. You know, the kind that makes parents swoon with delight? But let's be real, not all babies are instant snoozers. As a professional newborn photographer, I've got some tried-and-true tips to help you pose and soothe even the most wide-awake little bundles of joy.
The First Step: Secure Your Newborn Session in Advance
The Perfect Timing: Planning for Picture-Perfect Moments
the magic begins long before your little bundle arrives. For an ideal newborn photography session, consider reaching out to your favorite photographer during the second or early third trimester. This ensures you secure a spot on their calendar. And when it comes to capturing the true essence of those teensy-tiny babies, Weeks 1 through 6 of their life are pure gold!
Ideally most photographer prefers photograph baby best around 1 – 2 weeks of age after birth. 🌟newborns are more flexible, tend to enjoy tighter swaddling (which is used for many of the idyllic poses), have more predictable sleeping schedules (i.e., most of the time between eating and pooping – outside of when you want to sleep…), etc. Newborns between weeks 1 and 2 are still in a womb-like state, and this makes it easy to replicate in those favorite, closely bundled poses. 🥰👶
So, from a theoretical perspective, it’s never too late to schedule a professional photography session for older infants and young toddlers. Realistically, though, every stage of a baby’s life brings different considerations into the mix.
However, if you did not plan ahead, OR IF YOUR BABY ALREADY HERE! do not be panic. It never too late to document your baby and I do offer newborn sessions up to four weeks after birth.
In general, older baby, baby from 4-6 weeks, the baby sleeps less and more wild awake during session but it is still possible to manage older baby to calm down and sleep for the newborn sessions.
note for Preemies baby--mama or baby may need to stay longer in hospital. Preemies have a lot of flexibility in general with this timeline. But if a preemie is home by weeks 3 - 4, it would be no different photographing them at this stage versus weeks 1 - 2.
The Magic of Sleeping Baby Photography
Now, let's delve into why having a sleeping baby is paramount for a successful session. Yes, wide-awake shots are adorable, but they can also be challenging to pose. Trust me; a sleeping baby makes your job much smoother!
The Art of Lulling Baby to Sleep
The moment you've been waiting for – how to coax that adorable cherub into a peaceful slumber. It's easier than you think, and I've got three secret weapons to share!
🏡 Studio Magic:
Babies often behave differently in the studio than at home. They're often more awake and receptive to being undressed and posed. Parents are often amazed by their baby's engagement during the photoshoot.
Here are some tips to help manage older newborns and awake babies!
1. Send a Prep Guide:
🌟 Preparation is Key: Before the session, I send out a comprehensive preparation guide to parents. Give parents tips to prepare for the session. Encourage them to keep the baby awake a few hours before the shoot so the little one is more likely to crash when the time comes. Bath time and play can help keep baby alert. Also, suggest feeding the baby just before the session – a full tummy often leads to a content nap.
2. Crank Up the Heat:
Newborns are used to a warm womb, and ac comfortable warm room can work wonders in keeping them calm and sleepy.
3. Swaddle Them Up:
Babies are used to being snug in their mother's womb. Mimic that feeling by swaddling them gently. The snugness and security will help them settle into slumber.
4. 🍼 Feeding for Comfort:
A happy tummy means a happy baby! If feeding needs are met, we proceed with the shoot around the two-week mark. If not, we reschedule. I understand the significance of a well-fed baby in achieving those serene sleepy shots.
5. Awake and Asleep Portraits:
When parents arrive, I assess the baby's state—awake or asleep. Even if they're awake, I start with simple portraits: headshots and full-body snaps, wrapped cozily or in tiny rompers.
6. 🥰 Comfort Comes First:
If baby needs a feed upon arrival, we prioritize that. A content baby makes for a smooth session. During the settling period, I manage awake portraits, transitioning to sleep poses if they doze off.
7.🍼 Strategic Feeding Breaks:
During awake sessions, I continue photographing for about 30 minutes before a feeding break. This gentle fatigue often leads to a deeper sleep post-feeding, ideal for those serene sleeping poses.
💤 Managing the Fussy Moments:
Sometimes, despite all efforts, babies can be fussy. In such cases:
- Identify the Issue: I have an open conversation with parents, understanding feeding patterns, baby's age, and any potential issues like mouth thrush or constipation.
- Scenario Planning: For breastfeeding moms, a pacifier can be a game-changer. I use it strategically to ease through poses, removing it right before the shot. If not, clean hands or a gentle pinkie can offer comfort.
- Swaddle and Breastfeed: When all else fails, swaddling in accordance with safety guidelines while breastfeeding can create a soothing environment for baby.
🌸 Awake and Content:
If baby is awake but fussy due to a tummy ache or gas, I prioritize winding and soothing techniques like gentle massages or bicycle exercises.
When a newborn baby is awake, fed, but feeling a bit fussy, it might be due to a sensitive tummy or trapped gas.
In this situation, my first step is to ensure proper burping. I use various techniques to help the baby release any trapped air. From gently patting their back while on my shoulder to placing them on their knees on my lap and providing soothing back massages.
If the discomfort lingers, I move on to a gentle tummy massage and a playful "riding the bike" exercise. This involves moving the baby's legs as if they're pedaling a bike – a cute and effective way to help any trapped air find its way out.
Remember, sometimes all it takes is a bit of movement to help those tiny tummies feel better. 🚴♀️👶💨 #BabyComfort #HappyTummies
✨ Tips for Photographing Awake Newborns:
- Maintain a warm studio environment.
- Have a collection of newborn-sized outfits, including knitted ones and tutus.
- Angle baby for the perfect shot, keeping their adorable face closest to the camera.
- Comfort Is Key: Swaddle when needed, as it often calms babies.
- Prioritize Safety: Regardless of their alertness, safety always comes first.
- Capture Variety: Experiment with close-ups and full-body shots from different angles.
- Enlist Parent Help: For side positions, having a parent as a spotter ensures safety.
- Showcase Those Tiny Feet: Incorporate shots that highlight both hands and feet.
Remember, every baby is unique, and adaptability is key to creating those timeless memories. Happy photographing! 📸💕
Here are some tools I love to use to sooth babies during my newborn sessions?
Soothie Pacifier
I find pacifiers to be a wonderful tool for soothing babies. The gentle act of sucking brings comfort and calmness to them.
In cases where pacifiers aren't available or preferred by parents, suggesting they clean their hands and offer their little pinkie finger for the baby to suck on can be a great alternative.
If parents are adamant about not using these techniques, my next suggestion is to swaddle the baby snugly, following safety guidelines that allow enough room for two fingers to fit comfortably underneath. Combining swaddling with breastfeeding can provide a sense of security and comfort for the baby.
Baby Shusher The Sleep Miracle Sound Machine
I'm a huge fan of utilizing a baby shusher for soothing little ones. The gentle and rhythmic sounds it produces create a comforting environment reminiscent of the womb, helping babies relax and drift into a peaceful slumber. It's like a soothing lullaby that brings a sense of calmness to both baby and parents. 🍼🎶
Munchkin® Lulla-Vibe™ Vibrating Mattress Pad Sleep Soother
That's a fantastic addition to your newborn photography toolkit! The Munchkin® Lulla-Vibe™ Vibrating Mattress Pad Sleep Soother is a clever way to create a soothing and comforting environment for babies during their sleep. The gentle vibrations mimic the sensations they might have experienced in the womb, helping them relax and ensuring those peaceful, sleepy shots. It's all about crafting a serene space where babies feel safe, content, and ready for their close-up moments. 🌙🛏️👶 #
Check out this link to see and buy products I use to sooth babies!
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