Photographing siblings with a newborn used to make me incredibly nervous. After years of learning all the tips and tricks I prefer to include a sibling or 2, now. There’s an extra element of challenge and fun that makes what can seem like impossible results, at times, feel like you’ve won the lottery.
Preparing Siblings for Newborn Photo Sessions
Getting siblings ready for a photo session with their new baby brother or sister takes some work. Kids need to know what’s coming so they can feel good about the big day.
First, talk to your children about what will happen during the photo shoot and let them know what is expected of them. Keep it simple with younger kids:
- “We’re going to take special pictures of us since we have a new family member (notice I didn’t say “of the new baby.” Siblings want to feel as important and included.
- “The photographer may ask you to do things like hug, kiss, or lie beside baby. We would like for you to try to do what is asked of you so we have beautiful photos to hang on our walls.” (I will always incorporate fun things, too, so it’s ok to tell them they’ll have fun.)
For best results, try these practical tips:
- Show your kids photos of other siblings with babies so they know what to expect
- Practice holding a doll before the session
- Schedule sessions around their normal nap times. I offer newborn sessions in the mornings. This is typically the best time for siblings and newborns.
- Give them a filling but not sugary snack just before the session so they don’t get hungry
During your session
- Let me take control of letting them know what to do and getting them to smile.
- Let them be themselves Natural moments are often the ones you end up loving the most.
- If they’re acting out or not listening let me try to re-direct, before taking action. If you need to step in for disciplinary reasons it’s best to take them out of the room.
Working With Different Age Gaps for Sibling Newborn Photos
The age of siblings can have a big impact on how photo sessions go. Each age brings its own mix of fun and challenges when taking pictures with a newborn.
Working with Toddlers (Ages 1-2)
Toddlers can be the trickiest age group to work with during newborn sessions. They’re:
- Still adjusting to not being the only child or youngest
- They’re often unable to follow complex directions
- They’re likely to have shorter attention spans
- They’re sometimes unpredictable with their moods
For the best results with toddler-newborn photos:
- Schedule sessions during their best time of day
- Keep their part of the session very short (5-10 minutes max.) I like to utilize them for 5 minutes and let them go play. Then I bring them back in peridically.
- Have small rewards or treats ready, if needed
- Plan for simple poses that don’t require stillness
Working with older siblings (3 and up)
By 3-4 years old most kids can follow basic instructions and may even feel proud and helpful with their new role as big brother or sister.
Parents should know that perfect poses aren’t always possible with any age sibling, but the real, honest moments can be just as special in your final gallery!
Sibling Photo Poses That Work Every Time
Getting great photos of siblings with newborns takes a mix of good timing and simple poses that keep everyone safe. Here are some go-to poses that create beautiful results every time:
Safely Posing Toddlers with Newborns
Safety comes first when photographing toddlers with babies. Try these reliable poses:
- Laying down: Position baby on a safe, comfortable surface and have their sibling sit or lie down next to them. Add a parent, if needed, for extra support
- The Peek-a-Boo: Position the newborn safely in a basket or on a safe surface while the toddler leans in to peek at, kiss or gently touch their new sibling. Add a parent if needed.
- Try hiding things in the basket or near the baby for the sibling to find
- Use prompts like
- how many fingers (toes) does baby have
- what does baby smell like
Safety Tip: Always keep a hand near the newborn.
Family Poses
Have some fun with these and make it about them as much as the new baby.
- Hug them or have a big family hug
- Twirl them
- Have a sweet conversation
- Place them on your shoulders
- Let them climb on your back
- Give them kisses
- Airplane them to baby whether in another adults arms or on a safe surface
Capturing Authentic Sibling Connections
The magic happens when you let siblings be themselves with their new baby brother or sister. Some of the best photos come from those unplanned moments when a toddler gently touches the baby’s tiny hand or when an older child whispers secrets to their new sibling.
Candid vs. Posed Moments
Both types of photos have their place in telling your family story:
- Candid moments show real feelings – the curious glances, gentle touches, and sometimes even the skeptical looks!
- Posed photos create those frame-worthy shots with everyone looking at the camera
I like to mix both approaches during sessions.
Why Choose Laura Cardan Photography for Your Sibling-Newborn Session
When you pick someone to take photos of your kids, you want a person who gets kids. That’s me! I bring calm and patience to every session with brothers and sisters. Even the shyest of siblings usually leave considering us friends.
What others have to say:
“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
“We can’t recommend Laura enough! We have used her for both of our kids maternity and newborn sessions. During our latest outdoor maternity session our 2 year old threw a tantrum on and off for the entire 45 minutes. Laura remained calm, focused, and patient, and helped to continuously calm our son and gain his cooperation. She captured the most beautiful pictures despite the chaos happening around her.” – Taylor and Amy B
Want to talk about catching these moments before they slip by? Contact me today!
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