Figuring out baby’s sleep schedule is one of the many learning curves you go through as a new parent. If your littles are anything like mine were, then they probably like to wake up right when you most want them to stay asleep! Like when you’re about to grab a bite to eat, take a much-needed nap yourself, or…right as you pull up to the studio for your newborn session.
If you’re worried that your newborn will be one of those that fuss all through their session and make it impossible to get those dream baby pictures, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot.
Before You Get to the Studio
Babies usually don’t have much of an awake window before they’re ready for another nap, so try to keep them awake for a while before you leave the house to drive to the studio. If playtime just isn’t doing it, a bath usually works!
Babies also sleep best on a full tummy. Shortly before you get in the car, nurse them or give them a bottle so they have a nice full belly and are feeling content.
Good news: Most newborns are lulled straight to sleep with a car ride, so if they’ve been awake for a while and are full, they’re likely to drift off on the way to my photography studio. But what about when you stop?
To make it more likely that baby will stay asleep, I recommend dressing them in button-up or zip-up pajamas before you come. Makes it so much easier to change them at the studio without disturbing them! Also, don’t worry about getting baby out of the car seat when you arrive. I will take care of all that unbuckling. I’ve got a soft touch and a lot of practice!
Helping Baby Sleep Through Their Studio Photoshoot
Since a comfortable temperature is also key to helping baby to the land of nod, I keep my studio quite cozy so that little ones don’t get chilled. (Because of this, I recommend that parents dress in layers so you don’t get overheated!)
If baby is a little fussy, I’ll often try swaddle poses first. Newborns absolutely love to be bundled up snug, and often once they’re swaddled in a wrap they will float off to dreamland again almost instantly.
I also make sure to give us plenty of time during a newborn photoshoot, so that if baby needs to be soothed or fed, we can take the time to do that without anyone feeling rushed. When you’re at my studio, it’s your time to relax!
Finally, remember that part of my skill as a newborn photographer lies not only in helping your baby be safe and comfortable, but also in capturing moments that only last a second. On those rare occasions when baby seems to fuss through most of their session or be awake most of the time, parents are always amazed by the number of beautiful, peaceful images I manage to capture anyway. While these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot are handy and can make for a smoother process, trust me, your newborn session will be a success whether your baby sleeps or not!
Contact Your New Jersey Newborn Photographer
Can’t wait to see you and your (hopefully sleepy) sweet bundle in my New Jersey studio soon! Contact me to book your session, request more information, or ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help!
