Congratulations on your new baby! You’re not going to regret these once in a lifetime newborn photos. This stage of life is so precious and so fleeting too. Before you know it your sweet little babe will be a walking, talking toddler but you will have these photos forever. Here are some tips to prepare for your newborn session so that we can create amazing images together.

How to Prepare for your Newborn Session

When to book

The best time to book your newborn session is before you have your baby. This is because the best time to have your newborn photos done is between 10 and 14 days old.

But what if my due date changes? Not to worry! We plan for this and know it’s a possibility. Once your baby is born you can give me a call and we will set a concrete appointment time within the first 14 days.

However, if you have already had your baby don’t worry! Get in touch with me asap and we will see what we can do. I’ve photographed babies who were older.

4 Things To Do the Day Of Your Session

Keep baby awake the best you can for 1-2 hours before session. I want a sleepy baby!
Dress baby in loose fitting clothing and a keep their diaper a little looser than usual. This will prevent lines and indentations in babies skin for those nudie shots!
If you live less than 30 minutes from the studio: feed baby right before you leave.
If you live MORE than 30 minutes from the studio: wait to feed your baby until you get here.
Once you arrive, leave baby in a carrier. We don’t want to disturb them until we have to. 🙂

What to Bring

Bring a pacifier if you’re not opposed to using one.
They help if the baby needs a quick sooth while we’re adjusting poses or props.
Bring lots of formula (or boobies obvi) even if baby just ate.
It’s totally normal for babies to be extra hungry during their session. Having their portraits taken is a lot of work.
*If you have items/props you want to be included in your session, PLEASE let me know a few days before the session so I can plan accordingly 🙂

Order of Shots

Baby Alone on the bean bag.
Baby in two different setups on props
Siblings — With siblings, PLEASE bring just the newborn first. Then, when we are about 45 min- 1 hr from being done with alone shots, we can call to have the siblings brought over. Sometimes it takes a few hours to get the baby alone shots
Family
Mom, Dad alone with the baby and together

Relax, Relax, Relax

Speaking of relaxing, make sure you mommas don’t stress too hard before the session. The
baby feels every bit of it, and will have a harder time relaxing.

Read the FAQs

Before your session be sure to check out my Newborn Session FAQs got answers to questions like what to wear, how to get here and when to expect your images! Haven’t booked yet? Check out the info on Sarah Hedden Photography Maternity and Newborn Sessions: HERE 🙂

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session