Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Session

Congratulations on your newest little love! I’m so excited to capture these precious, fleeting moments for you. To help you feel confident and relaxed on the day of your newborn session, I’ve put together this quick guide with tips on how to prepare and what to expect.

When to Schedule

Newborn sessions are ideally held when your baby is 5 to 14 days old, when they are still very sleepy and naturally curl into those sweet womb-like poses. If your baby is already past that window—don’t worry! We can still create beautiful images, adjusting our approach to suit their comfort.

How to Prepare

1. Keep Baby Awake Before the Session

A tired baby is a sleepy baby—and sleepy babies make for a smoother session. Try giving your baby a bath, some tummy time, or gentle stimulation for an hour or two before your session if possible.

2. Feed Baby Just Before We Start

A full tummy helps your baby stay content and sleepy during the session. If possible, feed your baby right before we begin. Don’t stress if you need to stop for a feeding during the shoot—it’s totally normal, and we plan plenty of time for breaks.

3. Pacifiers Help (Even if You Don’t Normally Use One)

If your baby takes a pacifier, please bring it along. It can be very helpful to soothe them between poses. Even if you’re not planning to introduce one long-term, it can make a big difference during the session.

4. Keep the House/Studio Warm

Babies are most comfortable when it’s cozy and warm—especially if we’ll be doing any bare-skin or swaddled shots. A warmer room helps them stay sleepy and happy. We suggest heating the room to around 75-80°F before the session starts or using a heater during the session. 

5. Try to Dress Baby in a Loose Diaper or Onesie

Avoid anything that goes over the head if possible. Loose clothing avoids red marks on baby’s skin and makes it easier to transition into wraps and poses.

What to Expect During the Session

• Sessions are baby-led. We go at your baby’s pace, allowing plenty of time for feeding, changing, or soothing as needed.
• I bring everything we need. I’ll bring a curated selection of props, wraps, blankets, and accessories. You don’t need to provide anything unless there’s a specific item you’d like to include (like a family heirloom or special toy).
• Safety always comes first. Every pose and prop is used with your baby’s safety and comfort as the top priority. I never force a pose and always follow baby’s cues.
• The session may last 1–2 hours. This allows time for comforting, feeding, and posing baby gently without rushing.

A Few Final Tips

• Expect the unexpected. Babies cry, poop, pee, and sometimes need extra cuddles and food—that’s all part of the magic! Please don’t stress.
• Relax and enjoy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m here to make it stress-free and enjoyable for you.

If you have any questions before your session or want to discuss specific ideas or family shots, feel free to reach out! I can’t wait to capture this beautiful new chapter in your family’s life.