Planning Your Newborn and Toddler Photo Session
Getting photos of your newborn with their toddler sibling takes some planning. But don’t worry – with a few simple steps, you can set up a session that captures this special time.
When to Schedule
The best time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks after birth. Babies are sleepier then, which makes posing easier. A happy baby will help if your toddler isn’t having it but flexibility is still important.
Preparing Your Toddler
Getting your toddler ready ahead of time can make a big difference:
- Talk about the photo session in simple, fun terms
- Show them pictures of babies
- Practice gentle touching with a doll
- Let them know they’ll be a star of the show too
What to Bring
Have these items hand to help the session go smoothly:
- Snacks for your toddler (nothing messy, gets in the grooves of their teeth or that stains. Small marshmallows and apple sauce pouches are great options)
- A small toy for waiting times. You may want to make sure you’re ok with the toy being in photos. They often won’t relinquish them.
- A special item that shows the sibling bond
- Change of clothes (accidents happen!)
Setting Expectations
A Newborn Session with a toddler and/or other siblings might take longer than a solo newborn shoot. Plan for around 2 hours with a 30 minute buffer so we have plenty of time for breaks for feeding, changing, and toddler energy release.
Pro Tip: Schedule your session when your toddler is usually at their best – not during nap time or when they’re typically hungry or tired. I find 9:30 or 10 am to be a great start time.
Remember that toddlers can be unpredictable. The most natural shots often happen in those unplanned moments when your older child is just being themselves with their new baby brother or sister. Staying flexible and setting reasonable expectations for them will help.
What Do I Do to Help Your Session Go Smoothly?
Preparing your toddler ahead of time isn’t the only step to getting great photos of them with their new sibling. Here’s how I help your session go smoothly:
Make It Fun For Everyone
Your toddler will be more engaged if the session feels like playtime rather than a chore. I will:
- guide them through simple “games” that create natural poses with their new sibling
- give them special time for photos of themselves and with parents without the new baby
- give them plenty of play breaks (I usually bring them in for 5-10 mintues then give them a break to play.)
Handling Toddler Behavior
When your older child isn’t in the mood:
- Never force poses – this leads to tears and stress
- Let your toddler “help” by giving them a job
- Have a special treat they get after photos
- Sometimes having parents leave the room works wonders
Posing Ideas for Newborn and Toddler Siblings
Getting great photos of your newborn with their toddler sibling is all about safety and natural moments. Here are some tried-and-true poses that work well for capturing that new sibling bond:
Safe Poses That Work
Lying Down Together:
- Have the toddler lie on their back on a soft blanket
- Place the swaddled newborn next to them (never on top)
- Let the toddler hold baby’s hand or look at them
Play:
- Position both kids on a cozy blanket on a safe surface
- Let the toddler sit near the sleeping newborn
- Capture sweet moments of gentle touches or kisses
If the toddler is uneasy or active adding a parent is a great option.
SAFETY FIRST: A photographer or parent should always keep hands ready to support the newborn during sibling poses. Never leave toddlers unsupervised with the baby.
Family Poses
- Placing your toddler on a parents shoulders is a great option for those that want to run away or just simply enjoy being up there
- I love to have 1 parent spin the toddler and squeeze into the other parent who is holding the baby (on the otherside…away from the todder)
- Hold baby while dancing with your toddler
- Fly your toddler in to give baby a kiss on the head or toes
- Simply hold baby while sitting and give all the atention to your toddler
Why Choose Laura Cardan Photography
When it comes to capturing those first precious moments between your newborn and toddler, experience matters. I bring years of specialized knowledge working with both tiny babies and active toddlers – a unique skill set that makes all the difference.
My patient approach sets parents at ease. I understand that toddlers move at their own pace, and newborns have their own tiny schedules. Instead of rushing or forcing poses, I:
- Create a calm, child-friendly space
- Follow your children’s natural rhythms
- Take breaks when needed
- Use gentle guidance rather than strict direction
Even with unpredictable toddler behavior, we’ll capture beautiful results. I’ve seen it all – from the toddler who wants nothing to do with baby brother to the overly enthusiastic sister who can’t stop kissing (or squeezing. The real magic happens in those unplanned moments – a curious toddler peeking at baby’s tiny toes, or the split-second when your older child gently holds their sibling’s hand. These are the images families treasure most.
What are Parents Saying?
“Laura is super with kids. She got some great shots of my five and three-year-old boys, which is saying something. She was an overall pleasure to work with and great at the editing side of things too. Don’t hesitate to book her!” -Lauren M
“Laura is amazing. Her photos are beautiful and she can turn a fussy toddler who doesn’t want to take pictures into a happy, smiling kid! Magic!!” – Nicole S
Are you ready to book?
Contact me at lauracardanphoto.com/inquire to book your session.
Laura Cardan offers Maternity, Newborn, Fresh 48, Baby, Milestone and Family Sessions in and around the Birmingham area.
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