Newborn Session Info
For your Newborn Session
I photograph babies between 5-10 days old. Please contact me when you know your due date and we will set your session date ‘in pencil’. This date is not set in stone as babies come when they want to. Call, text or email me when your baby is born so we can set your true session date. If you are breastfeeding then please see the below for the list of foods to avoid 48 hours prior to your session.
Session length
My newborn sessions take between 2-3 hours.
It will be hot in my home, I turn the heat up before you arrive and I also have a little portable heater I use in the direction that baby will be. Babies hate to be cold, someof the shots are of them naked. A warm naked baby is a happy baby. So please be warned that you may get hot as well, bring some light clothes to change into.
Feeding & Dressing Baby
Baby needs to be fed as much as possible during the 12 hours before your session. This will allow them to sleep as deeply and long as possible.
Play and interact with your baby to keep them awake for 1-2 hours prior to your session. Great tips to keep them awake are giving baby a bath or undress them and keep them naked. This will ensure they are very sleepy while they are here.
Please don’t feed baby until you get to my studio. This works best because if you feed your baby before you come here they will start their sleep cycle while in the car seat. We don’t want that, we want baby to do that at the studio. If baby is formula fed then bring additional formula and bottles.
Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on the skin. Avoid onesies or anything that we have to pull over the baby’s head. Sleepers work best.
What to Bring
drinks and snacks for yourselves and older siblings
diapers, lots!
wipes
2-3 receiving blankets to wrap baby in between sets
pacifier *please do not forget this, even if you don’t want to use one for your baby, buy one just for the session. It’s needed during the shoot as sometimes baby just wants to suck for 2 minutes while in a pose and will fall back asleep.
I recommend the ‘Soothie” kind, see below, as they don’t seem to leave marks on babies skin like the other types.
Props
In my studio I have a variety of props.
Blankets
Wraps
Headbands
Tutu’s
Knit animal hats and diaper covers
Baskets
Buckets
Bench
Stuffed Animals
Clothing for Newborn Family shots
If you are including photo’s of parents/siblings into your session then please keep clothing simple. No plaid, patterns or logo’s. Feel free to wear whatever colour scheme you like. Both light and dark work well. I like the softer colours but the photo’s are going up in your home not mine :) Little girls in dresses and little boys, jeans and solid t’s. I like bare feet as well.
For Breastfeeding Mama’s
Please follow this guide for 48 hours prior to your session. It’s a list of what not to eat, to ensure baby is very comfortable and is not gassy during the session.
Breastfeeding Food Guide
Helpful guide of common foods to avoid while nursing. These foods typically affect babies under 6 weeks. As they get older, introduce foods one at a time to see how they are affected. Every baby is different, so be sure to consult with your Pediatrician.
Citris Acidic Foods and Drinks such as:
Cranberries
Pineapple
Grapefruit
Oranges
Lemons
Strawberries
All Berries
Tomatoes or Tomato Products
Chocolate
Peanuts - Nuts in General
Pizza
Spaghetti
Chili
Tacos/Spicy/Mexican Food/Salsa
Ketchup
Gassy Vegetables such as:
Asparagus
Onions
Cucumbers/Pickles
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Restrict Foods such as:
Soda
Coffee
Tea
Wine
Beer
I HIGHLY SUGGEST IF YOUR BABY IS GASSY, TO AVOID THE FOODS MENTIONED 48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SESSION.
Check with your Doctor to see if Diary is an issue.