What's the best age for a Lifestyle Newborn session? - The pros and cons!
/This is a question I get asked ALL THE TIME. How old do I want my baby to be when we have our photos?
I’d love to say it’s a straightforward answer, but it’s really up to you. It’s all down to what you want from your photos. Anything from a couple of days to eight weeks old can work to capture your little newborn but the results will really vary. Check out my thoughts below.
one week old
0-2 weeks old
two weeks old
two weeks old
All the squish! - Teeny, tiny squishy little newborns. There is NOTHING quite like them. This stage passes so quickly. For lifestyle photos, it’s not important for your baby to still be hyper-malleable (they won’t be going into any funny positions, all ‘posing’ is baby-led!') but it can still be nice to capture that unique, curled up look.
Swaddling - Bubbas are so curled up and cosy in the womb that they usually love to be swaddled. This is both super cute and really handy for keeping them happy during our session! If you’re not planning on swaddling they’ll quickly stop tolerating being all wrapped up so this two-week window is ideal. That said, it’s not a necessity, just a tool! If you’re not fussed about getting any swaddled photos then this doesn’t need to be part of your decision-making process.
Oh so sleepy - It probably won’t feel like it, but your little one will sleep A LOT during the first two weeks. This can make capturing some great, solo portraits much easier! That sleepiness starts to wear off pretty quickly (making way for some great personality!) so if you’re hoping for peaceful, newborn portraits aim for the first 1-2 weeks.
Daddy’s still at home - This may not be true for your family, but most dads or partners have two weeks of Paternity leave to play with. With lifestyle newborn sessions I aim to get everyone in the frame (however reluctant) so it’s great if partners are still around where possible. Most of my newborn sessions take place mid-week and in the late morning for the best light so it’s ideal if we catch you all still at home together!
Lots of feeding and poops! - At this age, they are often cluster feeding (if breastfed) and having up to 12 (yes, 12!) nappy changes a day. I make sure my sessions allow time for this but if you think you’re going to find this time stressful then it might be worth you leaving your photos until a little later.
Mess, exhaustion and the post-birth dip - If this is your first baby, I’m not going to lie to you. The first 2-4 weeks are tough. You’re fighting with hormones, exhaustion and birth recovery, let alone the fact you’ve been through a huge life change. Lifestyle sessions take place in your own home and, although I really don’t need you to tidy up or do anything special for my arrival, some people prefer to wait until they have these weeks under their belt to start thinking about having anyone in their home (let alone to photograph it!)
2-4 weeks old
three weeks old
three weeks old
A nice compromise? - Your baby is still little but you’ve had a couple of weeks to settle into your new family. They’re less squishy but not yet smiling. They’re feeding less but possibly a little fussier. There are many pros and cons but if those first two weeks are just too much for you, this is a great option!
4-8 weeks old
four weeks old
eight weeks old
First smiles, eye contact and facial expressions - This is a big vote for the older newborn session, smiles! I have to say, I love a late newborn session when I get to capture a baby looking their mama right in the face and beaming. There are never any guarantees, but you’ll always be sure to get more personality and lots of inquisitive looks.
All the chub! - Oh that beautiful chub! Babies lose a lot of their padding in the first couple of weeks, it’s completely normal. By four weeks they should have put most of those pounds back on and be starting to look all gorgeous and squidgy again. If that’s not worth a photo, what is?
Big changes! - This is a positive and a negative! Your baby will definitely be starting to look less like a newborn by this stage, blink once and you’ll miss it. By now they’re starting to show more of their personality in both their face and their behaviour. If you were hoping to capture early squish, this is a little too late for you. If your main focus is capturing those first weeks as a new little family this can be a really lovely time.
Lots of wriggles! - Oooh the wriggling has really begun. Your tiny bundle will be starting to be much more awake and like to make their presence known! Sessions at this stage can involve a lot more baby wrangling, settling and cuddles. It can be easier to get baby portraits in their parent’s arms at this age rather than alone on the bed (still adorable). I allow lots of time so we can work with your baby’s mood on the day but they can be less predictable by this age, which is definitely worth noting.
Preemies
newborn
newborn
If your bub makes a surprise appearance, is intentionally brought along early, or has to stay in hospital for a little bit longer this guide is a bit less relevant. Just know that when you’re ready to have photos taken, that’s the perfect time for you. We can create beautiful, emotive and very real photos however old your baby is. Every child is different so use your judgement and do what’s right for your babe’s health and comfort. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss any concerns or thought privately.
So, what’s your preference?
Newborn squish, swaddling and sleepy cuddles? Smiles, stares and chubby thighs? Do you think you’d prefer an early newborn session or a slightly later one? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re pregnant or adopting and looking for photos to capture your new little family, I’d love to hear from you! Just pop me a message via the link below.