Tips from a Windsor, Colorado Newborn Photographer
Preparing for your newborn photography session can make a big difference in how smoothly your photos go. As a Windsor, Colorado newborn photographer serving families throughout Northern Colorado, I’ve learned that the sleepier the baby, the easier and more relaxed the session feels. Those cozy, curled-up newborn portraits you love are most successful when both parents and photographer work together to help baby stay comfortable and sleepy.
There are two key aspects to getting those dreamy, sleepy newborn photos:
- What parents do before the session
- What I do during the session
Both matter. If only half of the equation is there, it just doesn’t work as well. So let’s talk about how we work together to get the sleepiest baby possible for your newborn photos.
Before Your Newborn Session: 5 Tips for Parents
Preparing your baby properly can make a huge difference in how your newborn photography session goes. Here are my top tips:
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1. Keep Your Baby Awake for 1–2 Hours Before the Session
I know… this can feel impossible.
Here are some ideas; talking to them, a bath, changing clothes, tummy time, or simply keeping lights on and interacting with them.
A slightly overtired baby (not overly exhausted, just ready for sleep) will settle much more deeply once we begin.
2. Give Baby a Full Feeding Right Before the Session
A full tummy = a sleepy baby.
I always recommend planning to feed your baby right before the session begins (If you live close, feed before you leave). We want baby completely full before we start posing.
If baby needs to eat during the session, that’s completely normal too.
3. Bring a Pacifier (Even If You Don’t Normally Use One)
ession.
A pacifier can be incredibly helpful for:
- Settling baby between poses
- Soothing during transitions
- Helping baby drift back into a deeper sleep
We often only use it for a few seconds at a time, but those few seconds can make all the difference.
4. Dress Baby in Loose Clothing
Please dress your newborn in:
- Loose-fitting clothing
- Something that does NOT need to go over their head
- Zip-up pajamas are perfect
This helps avoid red marks on their skin and allows me to undress them gently without fully waking them.
The less we disturb baby, the better.
5. If You Breastfeed, Avoid Spicy Foods the Night Before
Some babies are more sensitive than others, but spicy foods (or foods that upset your baby’s tummy) can sometimes cause extra gassiness or discomfort.
A comfortable baby sleeps better. And a sleepy baby makes for those beautifully peaceful newborn photos.
During the Newborn Photography Session: What I Do
Parents often wonder, “How do you get babies so calm and curled up?” Here’s what’s happening on my end during your newborn photography session:
Gentle, Baby-Led Posing
I never force a pose.
If baby resists something, we move on. I follow your baby’s cues and adjust as needed. Every newborn is different, and my job is to work with your baby, not against them.
Warm Studio Environment
I keep my studio warm and cozy.
Babies are used to being snuggled up tight and warm. That comfort helps them stay asleep while posed.
White Noise & Calm Transitions
White noise is magic for newborns.
It helps keep baby in that deep, relaxed sleep state. I also move slowly and transition carefully between setups so we don’t startle them.
Patience (Lots of It)
Newborn sessions typically last 2–3 hours for a reason.
We allow time for:
- Feeding breaks
- Soothing
- Extra snuggles
- Diaper changes
There is no rushing a newborn session. The calm pace is part of what makes it successful.
Why Sleep Matters for Newborn Photos
Sleepy babies:
- Curl more naturally
- Stay relaxed in poses
- Allow for smoother transitions
- Look peaceful and content
If baby is wide awake, we can absolutely still capture beautiful images. However, those classic sleepy newborn portraits are much easier when we work together to prepare ahead of time.
Booking Your Newborn Photography Session in Windsor, Colorado
If you’re expecting and wondering how to prepare for newborn photos, I walk all of my families through this step-by-step before their session.
The best time for newborn photography is typically within the first 2–3 weeks after birth, when babies are naturally sleepier and curl up more easily.
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland, or Northern Colorado, I would love to help you plan a session that feels calm, beautiful, and completely stress-free.
Do you have a newborn you need photographed?
I would love to work with you!
Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer
Photographing Windsor, Fort Collins and the rest of Northern Colorado's Newborn Babies
1226 West Ash Street – Unit E | Windsor, CO 80550 | megangrovephotography@gmail.com
Windsor, CO | Newborn Photographer 