How to Plan for Newborn Photos with a Sibling
Congratulations! Your family has grown and you’ve welcomed another little life into your home. The newborn stage is a special, fleeting season that’s worthy of celebrating; not only for your brand new baby but also the promotion of your first child to a big sibling! However, the thought of tackling a photoshoot with a newborn and an energetic toddler can seem daunting. But don’t be put off and risk missing this milestone. It’s actually a magical time and the perfect opportunity to update your family photos. These lovely images from my recent session with the Carroll family are proof of that! Mia did a great job showering her sweet little brother Jackson with love and the family now have these cherished memories to enjoy for years to come. Still not so sure it’s possible? Scroll down for my 7 TOP TIPS on how to plan for (and actually ENJOY) your newborn photoshoot with a sibling.
My Top Tips on Planning for Newborn photos with an Older Sibling
Preparation is key. If you have newborn photos of your first child, pull them out and look over them together beforehand. Explain to them what will happen and also encourage them at how big and strong and clever they have grown since being a baby. It’s a great chance to cuddle up on the couch together and stroll down memory lane.
Let them know what will happen at photo time. This conversation may happen at the same time as above, or in the car ride over. Even young children could be daunted by putting on special clothes and going somewhere new. Make sure they know that the family will be doing something together, and a nice lady called Janelle will be there to take some photos of all the fun.
Put no expectations on them to behave a certain way, perform, or ‘smile’. Nothing will make a child pull strange or sad faces faster than demanding smiles. The goal for this time is to all be enjoying the session, which includes mum and dad. Lead by example and interact with your children in fun and loving ways that will help them feel safe and comfortable. The smile will follow.
Keep encouraging them about how special it is to be a big brother or sister. This new role is a big part of their life too, so make sure they also feel like the star of the show. Rather than saying ‘we’re going to take photos of the baby’, if your eldest is old enough, make sure they understand that this is family time and photos to celebrate just how great a job they are doing at being a big sibling.
Give them a ‘special’ job. Being a big brother or sister is an important role, after all, so big sibling will be a great person to appoint to hold babies hand, to gently tickle their foot, and to stay close by to make sure they feel safe (all things that coincidentally make great photographs).
Breaks. Throughout the session, we will have times when big sibling can take a rest. While I’m photographing mum with the baby, dad and big sister could read a story. While dad is having some photos, mum and big sister could play a quiet game. This way the sibling still feels included and important throughout the session. I do have some puzzles and toys at the studio that can be a new and interesting distraction. Keeping big sister or brother busy, interacting, and entertained will help the session run smoothly and make the process more enjoyable all around.
Snacks. When in doubt, food is a great way to lift the mood and reset for the next round. Just be mindful to bring snacks that won’t stain or are too juicy or messy!
Let’s start planning your newborn photo shoot and have fun making memories of this this special time.