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What to do when your Newborn doesn't want to sleep during their first photo session?

Updated: Oct 13, 2023


unsettled newborn during their first photo session

Dealing with a newborn who doesn't want to sleep can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to help.

Newborns are highly sensitive to their environment and are still adjusting to life outside the womb. Being in a strange or unfamiliar environment can evoke various reactions and feelings in newborns! It's important to approach a new environment with sensitivity and patience. Providing a calm and soothing presence, maintaining a consistent routine, and creating a safe and comfortable space can help ease a newborn's transition into a strange environment. As parents or caregivers, being attentive to their cues and needs can help them feel more secure and gradually adjust to their new surroundings.


breastfeeding newborn during photo session

Here are some tips to help your newborn sleep:


  1. Swaddling: Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket can mimic the feeling of being in the womb and help them feel more secure, promoting better sleep.

  2. Feed and Burp: Make sure your baby is well-fed and burped before putting them down to sleep. Hunger or discomfort from gas can keep them awake.

  3. White Noise: Gentle, consistent white noise, like the sound of a fan or a white noise machine, can create a soothing background that helps drown out other noises and provides comfort.

  4. Baby Massage: A gentle massage before bedtime can help relax your baby's muscles and create a sense of comfort.

  5. Limit Stimulation: Avoid overstimulating your baby right before sleep. Engage in quiet, calm activities that help them relax.

  6. Hold and Rock: Sometimes, holding your baby and gently rocking them can help soothe them into sleep. You can use a rocking chair or a baby swing.

  7. Be Patient: Remember that newborns have unpredictable sleep patterns, and it may take time for them to establish a more regular sleep routine. Be patient and adjust your strategies as needed.


holding infant during newborn photo session to calm him down

Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It's essential to be flexible and open to trying different approaches until you find what helps your newborn.


newborn photo wrapped simple black and white

For more information on Newborn Photography Session in the Chicago Suburbs please contact me!





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