It's exciting and sometimes a little overwhelming when we're welcoming a new baby into our lives... so I thought I would try and help out just a little with 5 of my Top Tips when preparing for a gorgeous newborn session with me at my Melville newborn studio!
1. Schedule the Session Early
I recommend contacting me at least 2-3 months before your due date to reserve a spot on my calendar, (as I only do a limited number of sessions each month). Once your precious little bundle of joy has arrived reach out to me & let me know so I can confirm your session date! It is best to have your newborn session within the first 5-14 days of your baby's birth. Your gorgeous bubba is more likely to be super sleepy and cooperative during this time, making it more relaxing for everyone and much easier to capture those precious, curled-up squishy little poses.
2. Warm Bath
A comfortable and content baby leads to a more successful and peaceful photo session. Our session will begin around 10am, so I recommend giving your baby a beautiful warm bath first thing in the morning. Follow this up with a soothing baby massage & your little one will be in a state of pure bliss! Baby will stay nice and relaxed and will allow time for their skin to settle and any redness to fade before you arrive. Dress them in loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed without disturbing their sleep. A simple white onesie is the perfect outfit to arrive in.
3. Full Belly
What's not to love about a 'milk-drunk' baby!! Your little one is more likely to stay sleepy after they've had a nice full feed, so I recommend giving them a little feed at home just before you leave and then having a lovely full feed once you arrive at the studio (you can arrive 30 minutes earlier to do this if you'd like!) Of course, I always allow lots of extra time for top-up feeds and comfort cuddles during our session. Most Full Gallery sessions will take between 2-4 hours (Petite Sessions allow 1-2 hours), depending on how sleepy and settled your little one is, so we have lots of time to have snuggles and feeds if we need to. If your baby is bottle-fed, don't forget to bring some extra formula or milk supplies so we can top-up baby when needed.
4. Pack Extra Supplies
As a professional newborn photographer, I understand that little messes happen during the session (and they usually happen on me!) To be as prepared as possible, I recommend packing your nappy bag with all the necessary supplies the night before our session together. Include some extra nappies, wipes and a change of clothes. If your baby uses a dummy (pacifier), make sure you've got a spare one in your bag too! Even if baby doesn't use a dummy (pacifier), it can be a great little tool to quickly help baby settle during the session and it's always a good idea to bring one along. I will have a small little stash of essentials just in case we run out! For bottle-fed babies, I recommend bringing some extra formula/milk to help keep baby topped-up a few times during our session.
5. Relax!
Take a deep breath - you've got this! I understand that preparing for anything with a newborn can be quite stressful, especially when you have to get everyone ready after a sleepless night.
Babies are incredibly perceptive, and can sense our energy. If you're feeling relaxed and ready for your session, your baby will also be nice and sleepy & chilled-out for our session. As soon as you step into my studio, I want you to relax and know that I have everything under control. I am a professionally trained newborn photographer and the safety of your baby is my top priority. My Melville newborn studio is always lovely and toastie-warm, which is essential to keep baby from getting cold and waking up during our session.
You know your precious baby better than anyone else, so please don't hesitate to share any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have. Just remember, patience is important during these sessions. It's totally normal for babies to cry, have difficulty sleeping, pee & poop (alot!), or require more frequent feeds during a newborn photography session, so please don't worry when this happens... it's all part of the process!
Throughout the session, you're welcome to observe as I capture precious moments of your baby or simply unwind on the couch with your phone, a book, or even take a well-deserved nap – it's a popular choice with most parents!
I'm very excited to document every tiny detail of your baby so that you can always cherish how small they once were. Remember, as a professional newborn photographer, my goal is to capture timeless memories for you and your family. By following these tips and collaborating closely with me, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience while preserving these earliest moments of your newborn's first days.
I'd love to chat with you if you're interested in having a newborn photography session!
Kirsty xx