Newborn photography is a popular art form, and for good reason! Capturing the innocence and beauty of a newborn baby is a challenging but rewarding task. If you’re wondering when to take newborn photos, you’re not alone. This guide will answer some common questions and provide tips to help you capture beautiful photos of your new little one!
How Long Should You Wait to Take a Newborn Photos After Birth
Newborn photos are pictures that you take of your baby within the first few weeks after they are born. Many parents choose to have a professional photographer take these pictures, but you can also take them yourself. These photos capture all of the tiny details of your newborn baby that you will want to remember forever.
When it comes to the exact period of time, there is no “right” answer. In general, the best time to take newborn photos is within the first five weeks after they are born. But you can take newborn photos anytime within the first few weeks after your baby is born. Some parents choose to wait a few days so that their baby has time to adjust to life outside of the womb. Others want to capture those very first moments and have their photos taken within hours or days of giving birth.
It really comes down to what you as the parent are comfortable with. There is no wrong answer, so do whatever feels right for you and your family.
If you do decide to wait a few days before taking newborn photos, keep in mind that your baby will change a lot during those first few weeks. They will grow and develop at an incredibly fast pace, so you might not want to wait too long.
Let’s take a look at different stages of a newborn’s development and see how that might affect when you take their photos. [1], [2], [3]
Taking pictures at 6-14 days old
Taking pictures within the first few days after your baby is born can be a great way to capture all of the tiny details. This is because your baby will still be very small and their features will not have changed much yet.
This is a preferred period by many as your baby will be sleeping a lot during those first few weeks, and the sleeping patterns are very easy to predict. This will make it easier to get them into fetal poses and capture all of the details of their tiny features.
So if you want to capture those sleepy newborn poses, it’s best to do it early on. By two weeks old, most babies are already quite active and don’t like to stay still for long periods of time.
However, if you have twins or higher order multiples, you might want to wait a bit longer. Newborns of two or more are often born early and might not be as developed as singleton babies. They might also be smaller in size, and so will have to stay in hospital for a longer period of time. [1], [2], [3]
Taking pictures at 15-21 days old
At this stage, your baby will be growing and changing rapidly. They will be losing that newborn look as they start to fill out and become more alert. This is a great time to take photos because they are still small enough to pose easily, but they are starting to show their personality more. You won’t get your baby to stare directly into the camera as they still can’t focus their eyes, but you will get some great shots of them exploring their surroundings.
If you want to take photos of your baby with older siblings, this is a good age to do it. By three to four weeks old, babies are usually much more alert and interested in the world around them. However parents might still be exhausted from the newborn stage, so it’s best to wait until you are feeling more rested before taking on this type of project.
You also might find it more difficult to get them into deep sleep for those sleepy newborn poses. So if you want to capture those poses, it’s best to do it earlier on. By three weeks old, most babies are already quite active and don’t like to stay still for long periods of time. Still, babies are still small enough to curl up into all sorts of positions at this age. [1], [2], [3]
Taking pictures at 22-30 days old
If you want to get creative, try propping your baby up on a stack of pillows or using a chair as a prop. You can even try swaddling them in different ways. Just make sure you’re supporting their head and neck at all times since your baby will have a lot of trouble doing it by themselves at this stage. And always take safety precautions when using props. Some photographers even advise people to avoid taking pictures of babies at this stage because they are so active and difficult to pose.
Good news, that by this time mother has fully recovered from the birth and is able to take on longer photo sessions.
If you’re not into props, that’s okay too! There are plenty of simple and sweet poses you can do with your baby at this stage. Try holding them close to your chest or cradling them in your arms. You can also lay them down on their back and capture some cute shots from above. [1], [2], [3]
Taking pictures at 30+ days old
At this stage, your baby is well on their way to becoming a toddler. They might be starting to crawl, stand, or even walk (if they’re early)!
This is a great time to capture your baby’s personality in photos. Try doing some activity-based shots. If your baby loves to crawl, take some pictures of them crawling around. If they love playing with a certain toy, take some pictures of them playing with it. You can even try taking some pictures of them eating or sitting in their high chair.
However, babies at this age will also kick more, so it will get harder to keep them in one position for long periods of time. And they will also be more likely to put their hands or feet in front of their face while you’re taking pictures. So be prepared to swaddle them or use a blanket to keep them from moving around too much. [1], [2], [3]
Why You Might Need to Take a Newborn Photo Later
As you can see the best time to take newborn photos is within the first two weeks of life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take them later on. In some cases, you simply didn’t have a choice.
But why could you miss the two week window? Let’s discuss the possible reasons.
Health condition of mother
Childbirth is a beautiful, miraculous event. But it’s also a very physically and emotionally demanding process. So it’s no surprise that some mothers need time to recover before they’re able to take on the task of newborn photography.
In some cases, the mother might have had a C-section or other complications during childbirth. These mothers will likely need more time to recover before they feel up to taking pictures.
Mothers could also be on a bedrest which could last for weeks or even months. In this case, it might not be possible to take newborn photos until the baby is a few months old.
Another possibility is that the mother was simply too exhausted after giving birth to take pictures. This is especially common if the mother is also taking care of an older child or children.
Other times, the mother might be suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety. In these cases, it’s best to wait until the mother is feeling better before trying to take any photos.
If the mother hasn’t fully recovered, a photo shoot might put too much stress on her body. Additionally, some mothers simply don’t feel comfortable taking pictures of their newborns right away. They might want to wait until they have bonded with their baby more or until they feel more confident after birth and that’s okay!
So if you’re a mother who needs more time to recover or simply doesn’t feel ready to take newborn photos yet, don’t worry. There’s no rush. You can always take them later on when you’re feeling up to it.
Child’s health condition
Unfortunately, not all babies are born healthy. Some babies are born premature or with health conditions that require them to stay in the hospital for a while after birth. In these cases, it’s best to wait until the baby is healthy and home before trying to take any photos.
Additionally, some babies might have jaundice or other conditions that make them look yellow. If this is the case, it’s best to wait until the baby’s skin has cleared up before taking pictures.
No one knows your baby better than you do. But if you’re not sure when the best time to take newborn photos is, talk to your doctor or pediatrician. They will be able to give you the best advice for your specific situation.
Conflicting schedules
In some cases, the parents’ schedules might conflict with the photographer’s schedule. For example, if the photographer is only available on weekends and the parents work during the week, it might be difficult to find a time that works for both parties.
In these cases, it’s best to try to be flexible. If you can’t take newborn photos during the ideal two-week window, see if you can take them a few weeks later. The most important thing is that you get the pictures taken when your baby is still relatively new.
These situations are beyond your control, so don’t beat yourself up if you have to take newborn photos later on. The most important thing is that you capture these precious moments with your.
Should You Take a Newborn Photo in the Hospital?
One thing that many parents wonder is whether or not they should take a newborn photo in the hospital. And while there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, it’s important to remember that giving birth is a very stressful experience. So if you’re considering taking a picture in the hospital, make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t put any additional pressure on yourself during this already stressful time.
Additionally, it’s worth considering whether or not you want your child’s first photos to be taken in a hospital setting. If you’re not comfortable with the idea, then it’s probably best to wait until you’re home before taking any pictures.
We suggest taking newborn pictures either at home or at a professional studio. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible quality photos.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether or not you want to take a newborn photo in the hospital. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just do what feels right for you and your family. [3]
Tips Before and During the Photo Shoot
To get the best possible photos, there are a few things you can do before and during the photo shoot. Let’s discuss them.
Make sure your newborn is well-fed
First of all, it’s important to make sure that your newborn is well-fed before the photo shoot. A full stomach will help your baby feel more comfortable and relaxed. It will also prevent them from getting fussy or crying during the photo session.
However, if you’re breastfeeding, we recommend waiting until after the photo shoot to feed your baby. This way, they won’t be too full or sleepy during the session.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of formula or breast milk on hand in case your baby gets hungry during the shoot. This way, you won’t have to worry about taking a break to feed them.
Make sure the room is warm
Another important tip is to make sure that the room is warm. Newborns are used to being in a warm, humid environment. So when they’re suddenly exposed to a cooler temperature, it can be quite jarring for them.
To prevent your baby from getting cold, we recommend turning up the heat in the room before the photo shoot begins. You might also want to consider using a space heater to keep the room nice and warm.
You should also make sure that any blankets or clothes you use during the shoot are also warmed up beforehand. This will help your baby feel more comfortable and relaxed during the session.
Bring a pacifier with you
If you have a pacifier, we recommend bringing it with you to the photo shoot. This can help soothe your baby if they start to get fussy or cry during the session.
It’s also a good idea to bring along a few extra diapers and wipes, just in case your baby has an accident during the shoot. Nobody wants to deal with a messy diaper change in the middle of a photo session!
Avoid using flashes
Whether you’re taking pictures by yourself or in the professional studio, it’s important to avoid using flashes. Not only are they disruptive, but they can also be quite jarring for a newborn.
Additionally, you should avoid pointing the flash directly at your baby’s face. Instead, try to angle it off to the side so that it illuminates their face indirectly.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your newborn is comfortable during the photo shoot and that you get the best possible photos.
Let the photographer to connect with your child
Once you’ve decided when to take newborn pictures, it’s important to let the photographer connect with your child. This is especially important if you’re using a professional studio.
The photographer will need to be able to get close to your baby in order to take good photos. So if you’re uncomfortable with them being too close, it’s best to find someone else to take the pictures.
Try not to interfere too much and just let them do their job. You’ll be glad you did once you see the final results!
Make sure you and your newborn are feeling well
Finally, it’s important to make sure that both you and your newborn are feeling well before the photo shoot. If either of you is sick or not feeling well, it’s best to wait until you’re both healthy before proceeding.
Additionally, if your baby is fussy or crying during the shoot, it’s okay to take a break. This will help them relax and feel more comfortable. You can always try again later when they’re feeling better.
Not only will this help ensure that you get better photos, but it will also help prevent your baby from getting sick. So if either of you is feeling under the weather, it’s best to wait a few days before taking any pictures. [3], [4]
FAQ
Is 14 days too old for newborn photos?
No, 14 days is actually a perfect time to take newborn photos. The baby’s sleeping patterns are more predictable and they’re usually more content. It’s also way easier to achieve the “curled up newborn” look at this age.
Is it worth getting newborn photos?
A lot of parents wonder if it’s worth getting newborn photos done and the answer is YES! Newborn babies change so quickly, and it’s such a special time that you will want to remember forever. Not to mention, it’s a great way to show off your new bundle of joy to family and friends!
What’s the latest you can do newborn photos?
You can technically take newborn photos any time after the baby is born. However, if you want those classic curled up poses, it’s best to do it within the first two weeks. This is because babies tend to spend a lot of time sleeping and they tend to be more sleepy and compliant during this time. If you’re set on getting newborn photos done later on, there are still plenty of other cute poses you can try. Just know that your options will be more limited the older your baby gets.
Can I take a newborn photo after a month?
Yes, you can take newborn photos after a month, but they won’t look like the classic curled up poses. If you’re set on getting newborn photos done later on, there are still plenty of other cute poses you can try. You can even engage the siblings to help prop up the baby.
Useful Video: Best time for newborn photos.
Conclusion
Newborn photos are a great way to capture your child’s early days. But many parents can’t decide when the best time to take them is. Ideally, you should take pictures when your baby is within one-two weeks old. This will give them time to adjust to life outside the womb and they’ll be less fussy during the photo shoot. However this isn’t always a case. Some babies are born early or have health complications. In these instances, it’s best to speak with your doctor and photographer to decide when the best time for photos is. Mother not feeling well might also want to consider postponing the photo session. If you’re set on taking newborn photos, make sure to plan ahead. Choose a photographer with experience in newborn photography, and book your session well in advance. This will give you the best chance of getting the photos you want. But the most important thing is to make sure that both you and your baby are comfortable and safe!
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you get beautiful, high-quality photos of your newborn. Just remember to relax and have fun – this is a special time for you and your family! Thanks for reading.
References:
- https://www.onebighappyphoto.com/the-best-time-to-take-newborn-photos/
- https://lemonshoots.com/blog/2019/3/18/how-old-is-too-old-for-a-baby-to-get-newborn-photos
- https://ivorytreeportraits.com/parents-guide-to-newborn-photos/
- https://thepostpartumparty.com/newborn-photos/