HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BABY FOR A NEWBORN SESSION
I often get asked, “how do you keep the baby asleep for a newborn session?” It all starts at home. First, it’s best to have the baby come for their first photo shoot sometime between when they are 6-14 days old. The baby is going to be sleepiest during that time frame. This is when they will be most likely to go into those adorable, squishy poses.
A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE SESSION
Preparation begins, in part, a few days before the session begins. If you are breastfeeding, it’s best to eliminate caffeine a few days prior to your session. I know this can be a big ask for new mommas that are barely getting by on no sleep, but a baby that has caffeine in their system tend to be more alert and jumpy for the session. If the baby seems colicky, sometimes eliminating certain trigger foods from your diet can also help with little tummy troubles.
DAY OF SESSION
Try to keep the baby awake 2-3 hours before the session begins. Keeping the baby awake can be easier said that done when you have a very sleepy baby. Giving the baby a bath or sponge bath can help keep them stimulated and awake. Right before you leave for your session, give the baby a good feed, a good burp and head on over to the studio. Don’t forget to pack what you need for the baby. You will need diapers, wipes and a way to feed the baby whether it is breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Bringing a pacifier to your session is also highly recommended as a baby has a natural need to pacify and a use of a pacifier can make or break your session.
I suggest dressing the baby in something simple to remove such as a zip-up or button-up pajama. When the baby needs to be undressed for photos, the baby won’t be as disturbed. I have found that dressing and undressing the baby actually bothers them more that posing!
Last but not least, bring a positive and calm attitude to your session. If you are stressed, the baby will respond to that negative energy. Parents who are calm and relaxed have calm and relaxed babies.
When you book with me, I will send you a prep guide with all of this information plus more! I would love to work with you!
View more of my work here: https://gretchenbarros.com/newborn
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