Tips to prepare your toddler for your newborn photography session

Having one baby is sometimes tricky but having to look after a toddler while caring for a newborn can sometimes add a new dimension to everyday tasks. Welcoming a second child into your family can be also an adjustment period for everyone: you, your partner and your toddler. Roller coaster of emotions are completely normal and I have found over the years that the best tactic is to incorporate your toddler into everyday chores and caring for the baby. Most toddlers react very positively when giving them the option to be a helper, by doing simple task like caring things or reading a book while you feed your baby, they can be also part of the journey and learn to look after each other.

Here are some tips to prepare your toddler for the newborn photography session:

Let’s start by getting to know each other:

Once your bub arrives, most visitors will jump straight to the baby, and your toddler will most likely note this behaviour and will want to get your attention by sometimes being a little naughty. I always start my sessions by paying attention to what the older sibbling has to say, I ask them to show me their rooms so I get a chance to photograph them in their own environment. Once they are comfortable with me, I ask them about their baby, and depending on their reaction, this is when I start incorporating the newborn baby and the rest of the family in the images.

Make sure everyone is rested:

Younger kids are at their best in the morning. I strongly suggest to try and book your session in the morning to make sure that you get the best of both your toddler and your newborn. Don’t stress about the schedule of your newborn, the one that counts here wis the schedule of your older child. You will find that the second baby tend to adapt very quickly to whatever the family is doing.

Have snacks ready :

Nobody is happy on an empty stomach. Some sessions can last a little longer than anticipated. Consider preparing a few snacks ahead of time so if your toddler has a meltdown or gets very unhappy we can shift their attention by changing the setting and having a snack. In most cases, a snack will settle them.

Think about quiet time activities you enjoy together:

While you are preganant, it would be good to take a minute and pay attention on your routine to the quiet time activities you do together while relaxing. These activities like reading a book, singing quiet songs, looking out the window, can also be done during your session if your newborn baby falls asleep in your arms. Things get a little chaotic with a sibling, but there are also some quiet moments that also deserve to be remembered. Think about incorporating them in your session.

Make special one on one time with your toddler:

Through the session I will also aim to get a variety of images of individuals, but also consider having some one on one time with your toddler, this could be in a separate room from where your newborn baby is, and it could be a quiet moment or a playful moment.

I hope that you will find these tips practical and that they will help you while planning your session. Please remember to reach out with any further questions you might have!