Welcoming your new baby into the world is magical and scary and exhausting all at once. Capturing those early days is a beautiful way to preserve those fleeting moments. Tiny toes, flakey skin, sleepy questioning eyes, super stretching arms. You are holding the most precious thing ever in your arms and you need to remember this!
I’m here to help make it seamless and as memorable as possible. Here are my top tips to help prepare for your newborn session:
1. Book Early
Newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first 5-14 days after birth while your baby is still very sleepy and stretchy and squishy. This may mean reserving your due date so I have an idea of scheduling in the diary. Booking in advance ensures you secure a time within this period.
2. Create a Comfortable Environment
A warm, cozy space helps your baby remain calm and relaxed. If the session is at your home, consider setting the room temperature slightly higher to keep bub really warm and comfy. Playing soft music or white noise can help keep distracting sounds to a minimum creating a peaceful environment.
If I am coming to your place, a quick tidy of the main bedroom is appreciated. I know its probably the last thing you want to do but i does make a difference. I love to photograph you snuggling and just loving your sweet little one, usually on and around the bed works best. If the space is prepared and clutter free we can focus on these moments without worry of tidying during the session.
3. Feed Before the Session
If timing allows, it is good to feed baby before the session it will assist in keeping them content and sleepy. This prep can help them settle into a deep sleep, and makes moving them around easier. However babies do have their own schedules and don’t always play our game so we can always stop photos for a feed whenever needed!
4. Keep Clothing Simple
Dress your baby in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. Soft, neutral tones or simple swaddles are perfect. Overly bright colours and busy patterns can distract from your baby’s natural state. I love a newborn in a white singlet or onesie, just so simple and sweet.
I can provide a selection of wraps and blankets, but its lovely to incorporate any of your own personal things as well.
5. Be Ready for Breaks
Sessions are run around baby’s needs and newborns have their own schedules! A relaxed approach ensures an enjoyable session for everyone. It’s completely normal to pause for feeding, hugs, or nappy changes. And even photographing these moments too if you want.
6. Add Personal Keepsakes
Please feel free to bring along any sentimental items to add into your portraits. Things like Nanna’s crochet blanket, a treasured soft toy, or a special family heirloom can add a meaningful touch to your photos. I have had people include wedding rings, a piece of grandma’s veil, Dad’s akubra, ballet slippers etc
7. Coordinate Family Outfits
If the rest of the family are joining in for photos, choose simple, coordinating clothing. I encourage all parents and siblings, even grandparents to join in on the photos (even if just for a few). Choose simple and somewhat co ordinating clothing, soft colours and layered looks photograph well and create timeless portraits. Be comfortable and be yourselves, you want the phots to reflect you and your family.
More ideas on clothing in the link – leighsacoxphotographer.com.au
8. Keep Siblings Engaged
If there are older siblings around be prepared with snacks (as always), and quiet activities, or even a little reward for participating can be handy. If we can keep them happy and engaged during the session it helps. But toddlers are toddlers so if things get crazy we will just go with it. And often it makes for some fun photos! If the younger ones get bored and need a break for a while, that’s ok too. 
9. Cherish the Experience
With years of experience in newborn photography, I will prioritise your baby’s safety and comfort. You can relax and enjoy the session, no need to worry about mess or tears (bub’s or yours) I am not bothered at all and will take it all as it comes. Capturing these fleeting moments is a collaborative and heartfelt process and I want you and your family to be at ease.
This session is more than just taking photos; it’s about celebrating your new little love. Please embrace the moment, and just cherish in your precious baby. Let’s capture the love and joy of your growing family.
10 – Think about prints
How do you want to hold on to these memories? Its probably the last thing on your mind but if you don’t organise your printing within the first 6 months of baby arriving you may never do it (speaking from experience). Albums are very popular for newborn sessions, because there are so many little details you want to treasure and remember. Soft fine hair, curled toes, squishy ears. Or do you want a beautiful framed portrait for the nursery or a collage print full of family moments?
I’ll help create a calm and enjoyable session, resulting in simple beautiful photographs that you’ll treasure forever. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. I look forward to capturing these special moments with you.
x Leighsa
