Newborn Prep Guide

Important Information

Most newborns are typically scheduled for their first session anywhere from 8 to 14 days after birth. This timeframe generally varies depending on the baby's weight and overall progression. For example, a baby born around 5 to 6 pounds may be scheduled closer to the 14th day, while a baby born weighing 7, 8, or even 9 pounds might be scheduled somewhat earlier, around 8 to 12 days. We strongly recommend that newborn sessions be scheduled within the first two weeks to capture those precious early moments.

A baby is called a newborn for the first 6 weeks. During this time, their bones harden and they start to stretch out. Newborn photo sessions can be done at any week with proper care and preparation. This guide provides information for newborns of any age. Babies are accepted for photos regardless of age, but some poses may not be possible as they grow older.

02 The Day of your session

We suggest that babies feed right before their session to help ensure they are content and comfortable during the photoshoot. A typical newborn session usually takes about 2 hours to complete, allowing for plenty of time to capture those precious moments. Since babies generally feed every 2-3 hours, feeding them just before the session can sometimes help guarantee a smoother, uninterrupted experience. That being said, babies are unpredictable and often experience growth spurts, which may cause them to want to feed more frequently, even during the session. In the event that the baby appears fully fed but still seems unsettled or hungry, we will gladly take breaks to allow for private feeding time.

We recommend giving your baby their usual early morning feeding, which is generally about 3 hours before your appointment, and you’re welcome to let your baby go back to sleep afterward—you do not need to keep them awake in preparation. Upon arrival, we will carefully undress your baby down to their diaper and then invite you to feed them. This process usually rouses the baby, making them hungry and ready for their feeding session.

It’s very important to understand that we firmly believe in baby-led newborn sessions, meaning we respect your baby's natural rhythms and never force or deny a feeding at any point. When feeding before the session, we suggest you feed your baby exactly as you normally do—whether that’s breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you are bottle-feeding, we recommend bringing extra bottles just in case. Additionally, moms are always welcome to pump during the session if they need to, allowing for additional comfort and relief. Our goal is to provide a calm, supportive environment where your newborn’s needs come first.

Please check your baby for diaper rash. Babies often will cry during changing ifthey have a painful diaper rash. Pampers and other well known brand diapersare known for triggering horrible diaper rashes that produce welts. Wesuggest you change the diaper to a more natural diaper and keep an eye onthe skin. This is very important, as even the happiest the baby on the block canbe miserable with diaper rash.

I sincerely hope that these helpful tips have been effective in getting you well prepared for your baby’s upcoming milestone session! The baby’s mood, the choice of clothing, and your personal expectations will all play a crucial role in setting the overall tone for your photography session.

• Eric