Tips to get your baby to sleep for your session.

Feed your newborn 3hours before your session with a full feeding and then have as much awake time with your little one as possible in that time. Have a sponge bath, play with your baby, just keep them as awake as possible for that time.

When you arrive to the studio give your baby another full feeding, then burp and a diaper change.

Once you have done all this you should have a good 30 - 45 min of deep sleep where the photographer can put the baby into poses. If you are the photographers assistant, be prepared to help by holding arms and hands in position as well as supporting your baby’s neck when needed.

Baby Safety: be aware of breathing in all poses, make sure you don’t push the baby’s tongue to the roof of their mouth by putting them in a pose that pushes up on the bottom of their jaw. If the jaw is to be used as a support use the sides (bony structures)

Watch skin colours to know about circulation, if feet or hands turn bluish it means circulation is being cut off.

Be aware of temperature as well. The photographer is going to keep the studio very warm so the babe falls asleep and is comfortable. Too cold and that won’t happen though if it’s too hot that’s not good either.

Spotting, make sure that if you are taking photos like the Potato pose that you are there constantly supporting your little one. The photographer will take several images and ask you to move your hand placement. They will then photoshop you out of it ensuring your baby is safe the entire time.

Hope this was helpful!

Pro tip: make sure you change your baby away from any props or couches. Usually there will be a station set up or designated diaper changing area.