The why and best tips for newborn sessions at home
Long and transforming are the weeks we spend expecting our baby. We daydream and anticipate all the things we’ll do with our little chubbies: we imagine ourselves holding them in our chest, touching their little hand, kissing their tummy, caressing their tiny nose with just one finger.
Yet short are the weeks when they still fit in the palm of our hand. Soon our little explorer starts getting tired of being in the same spot for a long time. They want to see and to feel it all, to reach new places and to move around, just a blink after we looked at them for the first time.
But the world is still all new. And you’re still the safe place to be.
I like to think about newborn sessions as the tone in which we speak to them when trying to calm them down: soft, slow, and sweet. With no rush and no plans, simply letting us be led by your tiny piece of stardust.
Respecting their routines if there is one. But mostly, respecting their emotions, needs, and timing. Ensuring that your baby is feeling safe and loved and that you’re comfortable, feeling no pressure if your little one starts crying or wants to stay attached to your breast for a long time.
A whole life of running behind the clock is expecting you both.
In the meanwhile, why not simply hold your baby, glance at them, sing a lullaby softly while your little chubby slowly opens their eyes to contemplate your absolute mellowness?
SMOOTH AND SLOW NEWBORN SESSIONS AT HOME
One thing is true: in-home photoshoots aren’t for everyone. It’s a matter of taste, but it’s also related to the details you want to preserve, the kind of images you want to hold and gaze at when memory fades and your little ones aren’t that little anymore. If you’re in doubt, perhaps this article helps to figure out if it’s for you.
But if you know that newborn sessions at home are the right fit for your family, here are some tips to get the best of it:
Have a separate pack of clothes ready.
You’ll probably want your baby to wear at least two outfits for the session. It’s common that while I’m there, the baby needs a diaper change. Parents love to take that chance to put different clothes on their little ones (not only because I’m there, but also because babies grow so fast that they know it might be the only chance to see them wearing a certain onesie or blouse).
But it’s also pretty standard that babies get a bit messy when burping after being fed. Those “accidents” happen every day. Baby vomit is part of your parenting journey and we’ll naturally take them for what they are.
Choose clothes that are easy to put on and to take off.
For the same reason, and because babies get a bit fussy when parents change them their clothes, the easier the process is, the better.
Some pants or a bodysuit that let their feet bare will allow me to capture those tiny muffins more easily.
Get a spot ready to feed
If you know you’ll need to feed your baby during the session, having a spot ready helps a lot. You can choose to do it on your bed, or on your couch. Wherever is comfortable for you will be fine. But if you especially want those pictures, consider the light and also, the things that you’ll have around.
And I don’t mean you need to move all your furniture. But if the light comes from the side it would be lovely (next to a window is much better than with a window behind you, for example), so perhaps you can move a chair to be next to a nice source of light if you realize that your couch or bed won’t work.
If you’re not sure, don’t worry. I’ll help you while I’m there and let you know if a place works better than the other.
Let yourself to be led by your little one
We won’t try to keep your little one asleep and we won’t make them wait if their hungry or in the need of a diaper change. Pictures can wait a bit. We’ll have time and we’ll do things smoothly.
Enjoy your baby slowly
Slow kisses, slow breathing in, slow glances. Just connect with the new love of your life and enjoy the warm hours of holding them. Allow yourself to feel and to be present. Forget that I’m there and just be aware of that moment you’re living.
After a long time, you can finally have that treasure lying on your chest, learning how to be loved right there, next to your heart. Contemplate how your little one clings to your finger to feel safe. Look at that little hand that you’ll hold just for a few years to cross the street. Smell the little head while you kiss it. Let the oxytocin flows.
Enjoy the moment, love the moment. I’ll be there next to you making sure you’ll keep this beautiful story in photos.
If you’re having goosebumps while picturing your newborn nestling in your chest, let’s connect! I’m happy to answer all the questions you might have about my work.
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