What Happens If My Newborn Doesn’t Sleep During Their Photo Session?
December 22, 2021
It could be your first baby or your 10th baby, either way, many parents ask, ‘What happens if my newborn doesn’t sleep during their photo session?’ This is a question that’s often asked, but one that can be easily answered.
The first thing to know is newborns are not always sleepy during their photo sessions. While most newborns sleep a majority of the day in their first few weeks of life, it’s not uncommon for them to come into my studio and be a little restless at first. After all, this is likely one of the first times you’ve taken the baby out of the house. It’s a completely normal reaction.
So what happens if your baby doesn’t sleep during their yuba city newborn photo session? There are some steps you can take to help ensure you get some great shots of your little one whether they are smiling, snoozing, or yawning.
What Happens If My Newborn Doesn’t Sleep During Their Photo Session? Tip #1 Make Sure Baby Has A Full Belly
First, we will want to make sure the baby has a full stomach when we begin our session together. In my newborn session guide, I advise parents to try to keep their babies awake as much as possible a few hours before the session. I recommend parents to give their baby a full feeding just before arriving at the studio. If your baby seems like they need a snack it’s ok to feed them a little to keep them happy, and then give the full feeding right before heading to the studio along with a clean diaper. Don’t be afraid to keep your baby undressed for the car ride. If the baby falls asleep on the car ride over, we won’t have to wake them up while we undress them. If the baby arrives at the studio and hasn’t eaten within the past hour or so, I will ask the mom to feed the baby and top them off. During this time your baby may even start falling asleep on their own! If not, however, don’t worry because I still have some tricks other tricks up my sleeve
What Happens If My Newborn Doesn’t Sleep During Their Photo Session? Tip #2 Keep The Studio Warm
One way to get newborns to sleep during their photo session is by keeping the studio warm. The studio is heated to about 90 degrees. While this may feel like a sauna for us adults, this helps keep the babies warm and calm. Babies have a hard time regulating their own body heat, so by keeping the studio warm, we are able to help keep them comfortable while they are undressed. Don’t worry, if the baby shows any signs of being too warm we will definitely adjust the heat. Your baby’s comfort and safety are my top priority.
What Happens If My Newborn Doesn’t Sleep During Their Photo Session? Tip #3 Use A Pacifier
It’s not uncommon for babies to fuss in between poses. After all, they are trying to sleep and we are moving them around. One way to help distract them during posing changes is by using a pacifier. Babies often just want to suck on something to help soothe them, it’s a natural instinct. When we are able to use a pacifier for these moments, I find it much easier to get babies to fall asleep. While I understand that some parents wish to not introduce a pacifier to their baby, I can assure you, in my experience, that just this short use of a pacifier hasn’t caused any long-term issues. This will usually work to help keep the baby fall back asleep without them fully waking and becoming alert. If that doesn’t work, we also have a noise machine that can be turned on to help soothe them. It’s also important for my clients to know that I will not force my clients to use a pacifier if they are uncomfortable. I just ask that they consider the benefit of its use for their photo session.
What Happens If My Newborn Doesn’t Sleep During Their Photo Session? Tip #4 Let Them Be Snuggled
My newborn sessions are baby-led. By that, I mean if your baby decides they need a break to eat, we stop and feed them. If they just need to be snuggled and held for a bit, then that’s just what we’ll do. My goal is to keep both baby and parents comfortable throughout the entire photo session. Nothing is rushed during our newborn session. I always tell my parents, “baby pretty much runs the show, welcome to your new life!” I want your baby to be comfortable and happy. Because of this, a newborn session can last anywhere from 1-3 hours.
As you glance through my portfolio you’ll probably notice that a majority of my images display calm, relaxed, and sleepy babies. While this is what we strive for, to allow us to get those adorable curled-up tiny baby poses, awake and alert photos are often some of the parents’ favorites. The majority of the time I can get my littlest clients to sleep, but there’s always that one stubborn one who just doesn’t want to miss out on anything. Again, I want to express to my parents, do not worry! For those little ones who just aren’t able to settle down and fall asleep I often wrap them. From here we are able to do a variety of different poses. We are still going to capture some beautiful images of your newest addition. Great eye contact photos are often some of my favorite images from a session! Plus, the babies often fall asleep during this portion, and then we are able to move on to the unwrapped posing.
My point is, don’t stress about it. Come in, sit down, relax, and let me work my magic with your little cutie.
Megan is a photographer based in the Greater Sacramento Area, serving Northern California for all your photography needs. She specializes in family, graduates, engagements, weddings, maternity, and newborn photography. Contact Megan today!
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I photograph every portrait session personally.
I provide you with the individual attention that you and your family need to create a timeless masterpiece to cherish forever. You will not feel rushed, or pushed through a “system.” I treat every client like they are my family. Each portrait experience is customized and planned just for you! I’m just an email, phone call, or text message away, answering questions and giving suggestions along the way.
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