It's a good idea for parents to plan a newborn photo session around the second or early third trimester. This helps secure a spot with the photographer. The sweet spot for capturing the charm of delicate newborns usually falls within Weeks 1 through 8 after they're born. Speaking honestly, I've found that the most adorable sleeping poses often happen around week 2 or even a bit earlier with milky smiles :). Of course, there are times when 2-week-old babies might decide to cry their way through the whole session – it's all part of the surprise!
Thinking about it in theory, there's never really a time that's "too late" to arrange a professional photography session for older babies and young toddlers. But let's be practical – each stage of a baby's journey comes with its own special considerations. Instead of stressing over the question, "Are we running out of time?" when you're thinking about newborn or infant photography, it's much better to approach it by asking, "What wonderful qualities does each week or month bring to the whole experience?"
WEEK 1 – WEEK 2: THE IDEAL WINDOW FOR A NEWBORN SESSION
Important to keep in mind: To fit within this optimal timeframe, it's highly recommended to schedule your session well in advance of your baby's arrival. This ensures that you secure a spot on your preferred photographer's schedule.
What to anticipate: before the two-weeks milestone, newborns exhibit greater flexibility, often find comfort in snug swaddling (perfect for those charming poses) and follow more predictable sleep patterns (mostly revolving around feeding and diaper changes – except when you're hoping for some rest…). Newborns in the first and second weeks maintain a womb-like disposition, facilitating the recreation of those beloved, tightly wrapped poses.
Here's an extra perk – baby acne tends to show up after the third week. So, if your ultimate goal is to capture your tiny, velvety-skinned, and super-snuggly newborn, it's wise to plan your photography session before the second week.
Are you interested in having your baby photographed during this magical time? Get in touch with me today to secure your session!
SPECIAL CASES: PREEMIES, TWINS, AND MULTIPLETS
Premature babies often arrive with a smaller size and might need more time in the hospital for further development before heading home. Likewise, the majority of twins and multiples are born earlier than full-term singletons, making them even tinier. In such situations, you might find yourself with an extended timeframe, potentially up to the 5-week mark, to capture those precious newborn moments beautifully.
Important to Know: Some babies have a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, such as touch, lights, sounds, or excessive movement – especially if handled by individuals other than their immediate caregivers, like their mother. This sensitivity can make them not quite ready for professional photography until around week 8. Your baby's comfort and safety are of the utmost importance throughout the session. If you suspect your baby might fall into the extra-sensitive category, it's worth considering rescheduling for a later date when they can better handle and respond to the various elements of a photo session.
WEEKS 3 – 5: STILL GOOD, ESPECIALLY FOR TWINS AND PREEMIES
A SECOND CHANCE: FOR ADJUSTMENTS AND RESISTANT BABIES
If the early weeks with your full-term baby have been a bit of a rollercoaster or if your little one, simply isn't cooperating during the originally planned Week 1 or Week 2 session Do Not Freak out! At this point, your infant will still maintain flexibility and that adorable chunkiness (those rolls are just too cute!). However, it's important to note that most babies tend to be more awake by this stage and might have outgrown certain props or poses. Also, keep in mind that some of the classic newborn poses involve wrapping the baby – a concept that 3- to 5-week-old babies might quite vocally decline!
WEEKS 6 – 8: LESS IDEAL BUT CAN STILL YIELD BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS
Keep in Mind: Let go of any preset expectations about how poses will turn out during Weeks 6 to 8, as it's impossible to predict what your lively infant will approve of – or not!
What You Can Anticipate: To be completely honest, this time frame isn't the optimal one, particularly if you were hoping to capture that quintessential newborn appearance. Unless you have an incredibly adaptable and calm infant, your wide-awake and increasingly active two-month-old will require a more personalized approach.
At this stage, your baby won't easily fit into the majority of the newborn outfits I offer, and they might not be comfortable or secure on our props. Therefore, our focus will shift toward capturing those lively moments of eye contact and the plethora of endearing (and sometimes humorous) facial expressions.
WEEK 9 TO 4 MONTHS: SKIP IT ALTOGETHER
What to Anticipate: During this period, you'll likely hear many newborn photographers suggest, "Let's wait a bit and meet up between Month 4 to Month 6." The rationale behind this is that your baby has outgrown the newborn phase – they're now too big and alert for that look – yet they haven't reached the point of holding their head up or sitting unassisted. This creates a bit of a challenge for photographers, which is why waiting a little before scheduling a professional session is often recommended. This is a time when you'll capture numerous memorable photos on your own, and I strongly recommend proudly printing and displaying them.
4 MONTHS TO 6 MONTHS: THE MILESTONE SESSION
Important to Keep in Mind: If you find that your baby isn't the best candidate for a newborn session or if you missed the 8-week window, it's usually a great idea to consider rescheduling around Month 4 to 6. Feel free to get in touch with a newborn photographer to explore the options. What to Look Forward To: Your baby at 3 or 6 months might seem huge compared to their newborn self, yet they're still so tiny when you envision their journey through kindergarten or college graduation. Looking at their infancy in the broader context of their life, photos of older babies remain extraordinary because they capture a fleeting phase in their development. Between Months 4 and 6, we'll have the opportunity to document some exciting milestones – those big gummy (or single/double-toothed) smiles, sitting up, getting on all fours, displaying more intentional and engaging facial expressions, and more. Perhaps your little one has chosen a cherished lovey or stuffed animal by this point, making it worth preserving before it shows signs of wear. Or maybe long-distance grandparents or other special family members are finally able to visit, adding an extra layer of significance to the session.
To learn more about Newborn Photography Near Schaumburg Il get in touch!