How I Keep Your Baby Asleep During a Photo Shoot
Getting those sweet, sleepy newborn photos is one of my top priorities, and I have a few tried-and-true tricks to help keep your baby calm and cozy during the session. Every baby is different, so I always adjust to their needs, making the experience as easy and stress-free as possible for everyone. Here’s how I do it!
The Soothing Power of the Baby Shusher
In my studio, I use a Baby Shusher, and it’s truly a game-changer! I’ve experimented with white noise, but after testing both, I found that the gentle shushing rhythm works best for keeping babies calm and asleep.
Swaddling for Comfort
Swaddling is one of the best ways to keep newborns feeling safe and secure. I use soft, breathable wraps to gently snuggle your baby, just like they were in the womb. Some babies might fuss for a moment, but they quickly relax, and we get those dreamy, peaceful photos.
Feeding Breaks – A Full Baby is a Sleepy Baby
A hungry baby won’t settle, so I always allow plenty of time for feeding breaks. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, I encourage you to feed on demand during the session.
A full tummy = a happy, sleepy baby, making it much easier to capture those soft, relaxed portraits.
Pacifiers – A Little Extra Comfort
Even if your baby doesn’t normally use a pacifier, I always have clean, sterilized pacifiers on hand in case they need extra soothing. A pacifier can help keep your baby settled for longer, making the session smoother and more enjoyable.
And don’t worry—if your baby doesn’t usually take one, they won’t suddenly get attached to it! It’s just a small tool to help them relax during the session.
Following Your Baby’s Lead
Every newborn has their own rhythm, and I always work around your baby’s schedule:
If they arrive sleeping, I start with individual baby portraits right away.
If they’re awake and alert, we begin with family photos and wait for the right moment to capture those sleepy shots.
By going with the flow and following your baby’s cues, we create a relaxed, natural session with no pressure or stress.
A Calm Baby = Beautiful Photos
My goal is to make your newborn session easy and enjoyable. With the right environment, swaddling, soothing sounds, feeding breaks, and flexibility, your baby will feel calm, comfortable, and ready for adorable, timeless portraits.
