CMP Newborn Session Prep Guide

Capturing the precious moments of your newborn’s first days is a cherished experience, but preparing for a newborn photography session can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you get ready for your newborn photography session so the day goes smoothly, and you receive those heart-melting images you’ll treasure forever.

Why Preparing for Your Newborn Photography Session Matters

Newborns are delicate, and their needs can be unpredictable. Proper preparation helps ensure your baby is comfortable, calm, and ready to be photographed. It also allows for a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for you as parents.

How to Get Your Baby Ready for Their Newborn Photography Session:

Feed Baby Before the Session: A full baby is a happy and sleepy baby. Plan to feed baby right before you leave your home. If you live more than 30 minutes from the studio, then I would recommend arriving 15 minutes early to feed your baby. If you bottle/formula feed, please bring some extra formula with you. If breastfeeding, it’s important to be mindful of your diet as certain foods can affect your baby. Acidic and spicy foods have the potential to cause discomfort to your baby’s stomach during newborn sessions. Therefore, it’s best to avoid consuming such foods 24-48 hours prior to your session.
Dress Baby in Loose Clothing: Dress baby in loose, easy to remove clothing such as a cozy zip-up pajamas.
Keep Baby Awake Before the Session: If possible, try to keep your baby awake for 2 hours before the session to ensure they are ready for a deep sleep. Bathe the baby the morning of your session as this helps to stimulate baby and then they are sleepy at their newborn session.
Bring a Pacifier: Even if your baby doesn’t typically use a pacifier, it can be helpful for calming them during the session and help with their natural sucking instinct.

What to Expect During the Session

Newborn sessions typically last 2-3 hours depending on your newborn collection choice, to allow time for feeding, changing, and settling the baby. The studio will be warm to keep your newborn comfortable, so dress in layers.

I will guide you through the process, using gentle posing techniques to ensure the baby’s safety. Patience is key, as the session moves at the baby’s pace.

Tips for Parents

Relax and Enjoy: Babies can sense stress. Sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Be Flexible: Newborns are unpredictable. I may need to adapt the session based on your baby’s mood and needs.