Newborn Photo Shoots

Lessons Learned

Wait, newborn babies don't just sleep all of the time?

For some reason, and maybe I'm the only one, I thought newborn babies slept all of the time! Aubrey, my 'youngest,' was a major expection (she's on the right.) From the second she was born, she's been wide-eyed and alert. Sleeping was not a top priority for her. (Neither was eating, but that's a story for another day.)

Lily (left) and Aubrey (right)

The picture above was made possible by a combination of sheer talent by our photographer and some last minute scrambling to ensure we had two sleepy babies. Here's what I wish I had known:

Tip #1: Food. Feed your newborn a full bottle, as much as they'll eat, just before the photoshoot to ensure they have a full tummy. This will be one less thing to stand in the way of your baby sleeping like a little angel during their shoot.

Tip #2: White noise. Our girls' eye lids seem to grow heavy the second they hear white noise. Make sure you have a speaker so you can crank it, too!

Tip #3: Pre-plan outfits. Why did I think newborn photographers would have props and clothing? This seemed logical to me but my photographer didn't even have newborn hats, so we had to purchase some ahead of time. Maybe some photographers are better equipped. Check ahead of time! (to give her some credit, she did have wraps and blankets)

Tip #4: Crank the heat. If you have a space heater, that's perfect. If not, crank the heat in your house temporarily so your babies will stay comfy and cozy while they're unswaddled.

Tip #5: Burp rags. Keep some burp rags on hand. You did just feed your baby a full bottle, after all!