When you come into my studio for a Newborn Session, I will take care of absolutely everything for you!  I want your time spent here to be like a mini vacation.  There are however a few things that you can do in the days leading up to the session to set us up for success and help me to get the most perfect images of your new little bundle.

Skin

It’s common for brand new baby’s skin to become dry and flaky, especially on the tops of the hands and feet as well as the chest.  Regularly applying some mild baby moisturizer (especially after baths) can significantly decrease the flaking skin.  I recommend something from the ‘Aveeno Baby’ line.

Feeding Schedule

We will want to start the session with a full and happy baby.  If you’re able to make the timing work, ideally baby would have a full feed right before you leave your house to come to the session.  Alternatively, a full feed as soon as you arrive.  But I don’t want you to stress about this one.  Baby’s eat whenever they need/want to, so there’s only so much we can do to control the schedule.  It’s not uncommon to need to give small and frequent top-up feeds during the session, so just be sure to bring lots of formula (unless you’re breast feeding of course).

Breast Feeding

If you are nursing, or bottle-feeding breast milk, try to eliminate caffeine and spicy foods from your diet for 48 hours prior to the session. Most of the poses I do have baby laying on their tummy or all curled up so gas can really affect the baby’s comfort when in these positions.  I’ve seen it happen many times where as soon as I go to pose the baby they have gas pains and sure enough Mom had chili for dinner the night before, or a coffee that morning.  These things usually aren’t issues because at home baby is stretched out in whatever position they prefer, but when they are on their tummy and pressure is applied it’s a different story.

Dressing Baby

Dress baby in an outfit that either buttons or zips so that I don’t have to pull anything over their head to get them undressed. My goal is to take them right from the car seat, undress them and get right into the first pose. The more fussing I have to do with layers the more chance there is that baby will wake up.  Also try to avoid anything that might leave an indent such as socks or an elastic headband. These marks can take quite a while to disappear on fresh newborn skin.

Morning Bath

The more awake time that baby has the morning of the session the more exhausted they will be when they get here.  If you’re able, give them a bath just before that last feed prior to leaving the house. The bath will keep them alert and awake as well as getting them squeaky clean for their session. And don’t forget to moisturize after the bath as well.

Circumcision

If your baby boy will be circumcised, please ensure that I am aware of the date of the procedure.  I will not do a newborn session any sooner than 3 days post procedure as it’s just too uncomfortable for baby to be posed before then.  So we will either schedule the session to be before the procedure, or at least 3 days after.

The Magic of the Pacifier

It’s not uncommon to take 15 minutes perfecting a single pose, and if baby starts to stir during the process a pacifier will more often than not sooth them enough to get the shot without having to start all over again.  Even if you don’t intend to use a pacifier going forward, I would urge you to let me use one just for the time that you are here. If you do not want to buy one just for the session I have new unopened ones in the studio.

Turn Up the Heat

The studio is kept at a balmy 28 degrees in order to keep baby comfortable and sleepy when they are in their birthday suit. Even though I have done my best to curtain off the parent lounge to keep the heat out, it is still pretty warm so I would suggest dressing in layers.