Preparing Your Baby for a Successful Newborn Photography Session


Newborn photography sessions work best when your baby is calm, comfortable—and ideally, asleep. This is the general consensus, but I also see things a little differently, being a newborn nurse and mum of 2. I love capturing those wide-eyed engaged moments, but I also aim to capture some sleepy, gentle images of your baby.

Here’s how I help create the perfect environment for those dreamy newborn baby photos and how we can work together 📸💤


Top Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep for Their Photoshoot


🍼 1. If Possible, Feed Right Before the Session

A full tummy goes a long way, usually resulting in sleepy, milk drunk babies. Feeding your baby just before you arrive (or as soon as you arrive) helps them feel settled and sleepy, making it easier to settled and pose your baby into the session.


🧸 2. Bring a Dummy – Even if They Don’t Use One (just in case)

Even if your baby doesn’t regularly take a dummy, it can be helpful during the session to soothe them if needed. Sometimes, it’s the little things that help settle a baby just long enough for those perfect shots. Also, I am well versed in standing jiggles and bum pats to help settle your baby.


👕 3. Dress Baby in a Simple Onesie

Choose a basic onesie that opens easily at the front or bottom. Avoid clothes that need to be pulled over the head, and skip the singlet—this makes undressing for wrapping and posing much easier, without waking them. I will also ask to keep the room as warm as possible to help keep the baby warm and happy, and I will have some client wardrobe blankets and onesies for use as well.


🚗 4. have a pram handy

Having a pram handy helps with having an easily accessible place to change your little one, and also to gently rock them if they are unsettled. A white noise machine (I also supply this) can also help with encouraging a soothing session and sleepy transitions to different positions.


🌡️ 5. Bring Extra Feeds & Dress in Layers

The studio is kept warm to ensure baby stays comfortable while undressed. Pack extra feeds just in case, and wear light layers yourself so you're not uncomfortable during the session.


Baby-Led Sessions = Less Fussing for Everyone


Every baby is different, and that’s totally fine! My newborn photography sessions are collaborative and 'baby-led', which means we take it at your little one’s pace—whether that includes breaks, snuggles, or extra feeds. There’s no rush, and no pressure.


My main aim is to create a calm, safe environment so I can capture the beautiful moments, and the in-between 📸💤.


Have Questions Before Your Session?

I am here to make your newborn photography experience as stress-free, safe and as fun as possible. I will be in touch and plan ahead of time together, so we can get to know each other a bit in advance, as I know it is a vulnerable time and you are opening your space to someone new.


To read more about Laura May Photography, about my story and style, and see my portfolio by heading to my Instagram page here. Feel free to reach out at any time (by contacting me here) with any questions ahead of your session—I'm always happy to help. ✉️


For more specific information on settling younger babies, as man I know it can be haaaard, look to credible, evidence-based resources, such as this one here from Raising Children Australia, which outlines the following key points (which I follow in my approach to the session)....

  • Responsive settling is responding to babies’ comfort needs while helping them settle and sleep.
  • Responsive settling helps babies feel safe and secure.
  • Settling in arms, hands-on settling and verbal reassurance are ways to settle babies responsively.