Guest post by Amy from Blessed Moments and Blissful Hearts Photography in Pittsburgh, PA
Ever wondered how to have a successful (No Fuss) newborn photo session? You probably thought, and worried, about how to prepare for your newborn photos. I’m guessing you are curious about whether or not you need a magic touch. Or need a really well behaved baby to get those beautiful, sleepy poses. But, I’m here to tell you not to worry! Do not stress, because I have some tricks up my sleeve that can all but guarantee your baby will sleep and not be fussy through their photo session.
And it is as easy as the following 3 tips.
How to Have a Successful (No Fuss) Newborn Photo Session:
1. Watch what you eat leading up to the session.
It may sound odd, or unfamiliar to you, but what you eat can affect your newborn, if you are breastfeeding! Everything you eat goes into your breastmilk. Which is why, in the day and hours leading up to your session, you must avoid caffeine! And any foods that may cause baby indigestion. These could include broccoli, tomatoes, basically anything that could cause heartburn, gas, or discomfort for you or baby!
2. Keep baby awake before your newborn session.
This step isn’t easy to do, I know! And it isn’t 100% necessary, but it should be taken into careful consideration, especially with tip #3. Newborns are sleepy by nature. But if all of these tips aren’t followed together, you could end up with a less than sleepy, possibly cranky and fussy newborn for the start of your photo session.
3. Don’t feed your newborn before your photo session.
I don’t mean the entire day! But, if baby eats every 2 hours, and that time comes right before you leave for your session, hold that feeding time until you arrive! There are two reasons for this. One is if you feed your newborn baby right before you leave, they will fall asleep on the car ride. Then, they will be wide awake when you take them out of their car seat to prepare them for their session. Two is waiting to feed baby at your session, especially if they are hungry and were awake for the car ride, That full belly will put them to sleep almost instantly. Not to mention, your photographer will probably wrap them right after you feed them. I don’t know about you, but I find a nap hard to resist on a full belly and warm blanket!
Don’t forget you can always ask your Photographer for tips.
These three tips are by far not the only ones I have. For instance, if you have a boy and decide to circumcise him, you should either do your newborn photos before or wait 6 days after the procedure for your session. This will prevent discomfort, physical limitations on the posing, and possible health issues from the wound rubbing and pressing against fabric, skin, and diaper.
More than likely your Photographer will also set up the session to help baby fall asleep. When I start a newborn photo session, if the baby needs help falling asleep after they eat, I will start by wrapping baby, and settling him/her down and do a few images of just baby to settle them into a deep sleep.
Just remember, no tips will guarantee your newborn will not be fussy and will sleep the entire session.
However, following these tips will give a higher likelihood of this happening. And always ask for help and what your photographer recommends so that you know how to prepare. I also have another post about How to Prepare For Your Newborn Photos if you are in the process of considering booking a photographer.
And as always, you can contact me with any questions you have. I love talking about newborns, especially with new moms. I remember how difficult it was. And I remember feeling scared over so many things, and incredibly overwhelmed, yet filled with so much love I could burst. So if you have questions about your newborn session, or just want to call and chat about not having time to shower, I’m happy to talk either way!