Most photographers advise you to get your newborn photos taken 5 to 14 days after your baby is born. It can be easier to pose your baby when they are in that sleepy newborn state in the first two weeks. It's also early enough so your baby doesn't have any baby acne just yet!
So ideally, those first two weeks are the prime time for a posed newborn photography session. However, newborn sessions can absolutely be held at or after two weeks.
If you want your baby to look more newborn, then around 2 weeks may be better for you. If your baby is 3-6 weeks, it may be less newborn-looking and more alert. However, some babies can still retain their newborn look for some weeks, especially if they are early! I've been photographing newborns for 10 years now.
Absolutely not. You will never regret capturing your newborn whether it's 1 month old, or 6 months old. There is a caveat though and let me explain. There has been a trend, or a misconception rather, that newborn photos have to be done by 2 weeks old.
3 months. This is a great opportunity for a baby portrait. At this age, babies are smiling and laughing, and can usually hold their heads up steadily and do mini push-ups. Three month old babies are starting to roll, and recognise the sound of their parents' voices – which can be helpful during a photo session.
Ideally, parents schedule a newborn photo session during the second- or early third-trimester to get on the photographer's calendar, and Weeks 1 through 8 of newborn life are optimal for capturing the essence of teensy-tiny babies.
For most photographers this is within the first 14 days after your baby is born. For others the window may be as small as 10 days. And if, like many families, you've only started looking for a photographer after your baby's birth you may find that you can't book a shoot until your baby is a little older than 14 days.
Sharing your children´s information or images online may result in identity theft. Posting ultrasound pictures, with sensitive information, exposes the child to risks even before they are born. Sometimes, a post may include a child´s name, date of birth or location.
Its never too late to photograph your baby. You will never regret having photos of your baby from when she 1 month old, 2 months old, or 3 months old! Yes, babies who are 1-2 months old are more alert and have longer awake times, but a few perks to this age? There is a high chance we can catch a smile!
I think it's so very important to include the whole family in your newborn photo session! Some photographers only photograph your baby or they only include the parents and siblings in just a few of the photos.
Birth to Four Months
Babies have an easier time focusing on high contrast objects during this stage of development. Black and white photos with contrasting patterns or images, also called infant stimulation cards, are easy for your infant to focus on and can encourage their vision development.
About 30 minutes before the session, change your baby's diaper into a loose (but not too loose), clean diaper and swaddle them. Since most photographers prefer babies to be naked during their session, undressing them beforehand is a timesaver.
While there are photographer that won't photograph babies over two weeks old, there are photographers that will. While there will be some differences, for the most part your baby's newborn session will look similar to session of two week old babies. I have photographed babies up to 7 weeks old in newborn style poses.
6-14 Days Old
First of all, it's important to note that you don't want to schedule your newborn photos any earlier than five to six days after your baby is born. For most moms, their milk comes in by day four, and this gives your baby a few days to cluster feed.
Most babies can start tummy time sessions a day or two after they are born. Babies benefit from having two or three short (3- to 5-minute) tummy time sessions each day. As your baby gets older, you can have longer, more regular sessions throughout the day.
In general, we have found that the best window during the first 14 days to shoot newborn photos is between 5-10 days after birth. Sometimes our window may be more towards the 2-week mark, but generally, our 5 days of magic are going to be within 1-2 weeks of birth.
Newborn clothes: sizes
Size 000 is intended to fit babies from 0-3 months, and size 00 is for babies from 3-6 months. Some bigger newborns might be ready to go straight into a size 00. You might have to roll up the sleeves, but it won't be for long.
Both older newborn and three month baby photographs will capture incredibly precious times – newborn photographs will likely focus on how tiny your baby still is, and your connection with them. At three months the photographs will be able to capture your baby's expressions and smiles too.
But they also want to maintain the privacy of the child. They are concerned about the child's safety and worry that the photo might end up being misused.
A recent article in Frontiers in Psychology found that these types of sensory-seeking behaviors might be a comfort mechanism, a way to self-soothe when babies are feeling out of sorts, hungry, tired, or just overwhelmed.
A professional newborn photographer has likely gone through years of training, purchased expensive professional equipment and become certified in how to safely pose newborns. They have invested time and money in their business in order to provide you with a high-quality service and products.
I have never once not walked past those portraits on my wall without smiling at them. There is truly value in booking a newborn session for your baby. You will never regret having professional newborn photos done, especially if you can be in them as well.
Babies usually start looking you in the eye when they are about six to eight weeks old. Your face is going to be what they look at most, so if your baby doesn't make eye contact by their two month well visit, be sure to mention it to your pediatrician so they can take another look.
Newborn development at 1-2 months: what's happening
It usually peaks around 6-8 weeks and starts to settle at around 12-16 weeks. Your baby has made a strong bond with you already – they recognise you and respond to your voice and smile. And your baby has even started smiling themselves from about 6 weeks old.