This beautiful girl was in for her newborn photography session in my Pittsburgh photo studio back in November.  I can’t believe that it has taken me so long to post her images!  This is the second time I had the opportunity to work with this family as I photographed their now middle baby a few years ago.  It’s always such an honor when clients come back to me as their family grows.  While it is an honor, it’s also then my responsibility to make sure each photo session is as amazing as the last one . . . . as well a little unique with some new poses.

In order to do this I have to make sure I can keep baby asleep and content for the duration of our session.  Over the past 10 years I have learned a few very helpful tricks that can almost guarantee a sleepy and content baby!

How to Keep Baby Asleep During Newborn Photo Session

1.  Use Parents to Help Calm Baby

It’s no surprise that newborns LOVE their mama (and dad and siblings).  But there is something so profound about how quickly a newborn can recognize the sight, smell and sound of his/her mother.  It’s not just “quickly” but “instantly”.  I often use that to my advantage.  When a mom holds her baby, baby is calmed and feels secure.  You can really get a lot of images by photographing parents and siblings with baby.

2.  White Noise

If you have ever had a session with me you know that I LOVE white noise!  White noise is a great way to mute some of the more “startling” sounds during a photo session.  Camera clicks, moms voice, older siblings etc.  White noise provides just enough noise to muffle everything else and keep baby settled.  It’s also soothing to baby because just 2 weeks ago they were in an environment where all they could hear is whooshing and a heartbeat.  I love the Womb Sounds App.  I have it on my phone and can move it to where I’m working with baby – I can even hide it under blankets.

3.  Heat

If you have ever been in my Pittsburgh photography studio you would know that it is very warm in there!  There is a good reason for this!  Newborns have spent their whole lives (up until this point) living in a 98 degree room!  Since I photograph babies mostly in their birthday suit, I like to keep the studio at a cozy 80 degrees.  Yes, this can seem warm for parents, but I can promise you that my babies love it!!

4.  Limit Wardrobe Changes

Even the sleepiest, most content baby will become agitated if you try to take clothes on and off.  For this reason I limit the number or wardrobe changes I put baby through.  For the most part, I get variety by using headbands, wraps or just little pants/skirts.  Then, at the very end, if baby is still asleep I will do one outfit that requires a bit more fussing to get on/off.

4.  Swaddle

My most favorite calming technique is swaddling!  A swaddle is God’s gift to newborn photographers!  Swaddles make babies feel super secure and content.  Swaddles also work really well with an awake baby!

If you found these tips helpful and would like to receive weekly newborn photography tips, join my growing community where I will be not only sending out helpful newborn photography tips but also taking questions and creating a helpful community where you can grow your newborn photography skills.