Keeping Babies Calm During a Newborn Portrait Session: 5 Tried-and-True Tips
Newborn Portraits tips Elk Grove, CA.
**updated September 16, 2024
Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of the most special moments in life and capturing that memory through newborn photography is something I love doing. However, we all know babies don’t always cooperate with a photographer's vision! The success of a newborn session often depends on how calm and relaxed your little one is. Newborns have their own schedules, moods, and needs—but don’t worry. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true techniques to help keep babies happy and peaceful during their session.
In this post, I’ll walk you through these tried-and-true techniques of what I do behind the scenes to ensure your baby stays calm, cozy, and content so we can capture those perfect, timeless photos you’ll treasure forever.
Tip 1. The Secret to a Happy, Sleepy Baby? Comfort First!
A comfortable baby is a calm baby! Before diving into the session, it’s essential to make sure all your newborn’s physical needs are met. Whether they’re hungry, gassy, or simply need a diaper change, attending to these needs is the first step to achieving those peaceful, sleepy poses. That’s why I always encourage feeding upon arrival, ensuring baby is “milk drunk” and ready to drift into that deep sleep. Sometimes, a little extra cuddling with mom can also be just what a baby needs to feel completely at ease. The more comfortable your baby, the smoother the session will go. By making sure these physical needs are met right from the start, we set the stage for a calm, sleepy baby and a smooth session.
Tip 2. Turn Up the Heat — Cozy Babies are Calm Babies
Newborns are used to the warmth of the womb, where the temperature is a toasty 98.6 degrees. During a session, I keep the studio warmer than usual to mimic that environment and help your baby feel cozy and safe. Since babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, keeping the room warm prevents them from getting chilly, which can lead to fussiness. I use a small space heater to maintain a comfortably warm atmosphere that encourages your baby to relax and settle into a peaceful sleep. The warmth helps your baby settle into that deep, peaceful sleep that makes newborn photography so magical.
Tip 3. Bring the Comforting Sounds of the Womb with White Noise
Inside the womb, your baby was constantly surrounded by sound—your heartbeat, your breathing, and even the subtle gurgling of digestion. Recreating that background noise during a session can be incredibly soothing. I use gentle white noise, quiet music, and the hum of my essential oil diffuser to mimic the sounds of the womb. I also love using a baby Shusher close by, which can help lull your baby into a state of calm. These background sounds create a familiar environment and prevent any sudden noises from startling your little one. These soothing background sounds are a game-changer when it comes to helping babies stay settled and content throughout the session.
Tip 4. Swaddle for Instant Comfort and Calm
Newborns love to feel secure and swaddled, just like when they were nestled in the womb. Swaddling not only helps them feel calm but also limits their movement, keeping them from startling awake. I start most sessions by wrapping the baby snugly right after feeding. This is when they’re most likely to settle into a deep sleep. Even if your baby prefers to stay awake during the session, swaddling can keep them calm, giving us the chance to capture those sweet, wide-eyed expressions without flailing arms in the shot.
Tip #5: Gentle Bouncing The Ultimate Soothing Trick
When a baby still isn’t settling, gentle bouncing on a yoga ball can work wonders. This technique mimics the motion they felt while being carried, instantly calming them down. I’ll hold your baby securely, swaddled, and use light, rhythmic bouncing to create that soothing sensation. It’s a perfect last resort if your little one is restless, and it’s often enough to help them drift into sleep. Sometimes, I’ll also softly stroke the bridge of their nose while bouncing, which can encourage them to close their eyes and relax. This gentle, rhythmic movement is usually the final trick to get your baby fully relaxed and ready for those dreamy photos.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to a successful newborn session is creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Babies are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on emotions, so keeping the environment relaxed is crucial. With these five techniques, I do everything possible to ensure your newborn feels safe, secure, and calm during their session. Using these techniques, we can keep your baby happy and comfortable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable session for both parents and baby. The result? Beautiful portraits you’ll cherish forever.
If you would like to receive some additional information about a newborn session or are ready to book a newborn session, please fill out my contact form and I will send you my newborn welcome brochure. This details out my packages, newborn experience, booking process, answers FAQs and has a questionnaire to fill out for a better overall custom newborn portrait experience. Reach out today.
To See Other Newborn Session Tips See Below:
