Preparing for your newborn session With Alyssa Grace Photography!!

Do you have a newborn that you are preparing to have their pictures taken but don’t know what to expect. I’m sharing all my tips and tricks that I share with my clients to help prepare them! Let me know in the comments if you found this helpful and which ones worked best for you! I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles so much. I truly love these sweet sessions!!

Lifestyle family/newborn photos are some of my favorites to take! Most people don’t know what to expect for their home or where we will be taking pictures. Have no fear, we like to keep it very relaxed and simple. We mostly take the photos in the nursery, moms/dads’ room (Mostly the bed), and or the living room (couch). We also do all the break downs of everyone with baby and them by their selves, usually in their crib. Also, if you have a boppie pillow (The little half-moon looking one) keep that handy, we will likely use that for the photos of baby alone too!

What to Expect For Baby

Before the shoot, please feed baby 2 hours prior, and plan on feeding him/her as soon as or right before I get there! Also, please try not let them sleep beforehand, instead try giving him a bath, let him kick with only a diaper, tickle his toes, and even let him fuss for a little bit (no pacifiers) for the few hours beforehand. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! I can’t stress that it’s so important to do your best to keep him/her awake. Many parents say, “baby has been sleeping all morning, but trust me, he sleeps SO good this time of day!” only to have baby wake up, since they will be unclothed and unswaddled!

Sessions last between 45-90 minutes, sometimes longer if baby is a light sleeper, or is hungry! The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle-feed off and on. If you can, have the soothie pacifier the hospital sent you home with. It’s the bendable, green/blue/orangish one and won’t leave marks. Even if you haven’t used one, just for the time that I’m posing him/her usually really help. However, if you really prefer that we don’t use one, that’s fine as well!

Please be prepared for the baby to eat 4-5 more times than he/she normally would on a daily basis. The baby will probably be under more heat than he/she generally is. The best way I can explain it is if you are out on a hot day – you become thirsty and for babies not only does it quench that thirst but it is also a comforting factor. Pumping the night before can really help if it is an option you would consider… but it is not mandatory.

For Mom & Dad

Mom & Dad you are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all-time favorite things. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin-to-skin contact creates the most beautiful images.

Dads: if you prefer not to be shirtless, I ask that you wear a tight fitting V-neck t-shirt to wear with a good, comfortable pair of jeans.

Moms: Keep the color neutral and design simple for nail polish, as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family.

For Siblings:

Including older brother/sister(s) in your newborn’s portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.

Sister(s): A neutral color. Just as with mom. Brother(s): A pair of jeans and t-shirt is fine.

Examples of Gassy Foods to Avoid (if breastfeeding)

If your baby is gassy, avoid the following foods 48 hours before your newborn photo session. This way, your baby will be much calmer and relaxed ready for beautiful photos.

Foods to Avoid

This list is a helpful guide of common foods to avoid while nursing and typically affect babies less than 6 weeks old.

Citrus or Acidic foods and drinks:

Cranberries

Pineapple

Grapefruit

Oranges

Lemons

Strawberries

All berries

Tomatoes and tomato products

Chocolate

Nuts

Chili

Garlic

Spicy food (Mexican, Indian etc.)

Gassy Vegetables:

Asparagus

Onions

Cucumbers/pickles

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Restrict foods such as: Soft drinks, Coffee, Tea, Wine and Beer.

Dairy may affect your baby if they are intolerant, so if you are unsure restrict the volume of dairy you consume 48 hours before your scheduled photo session.

A few additional thoughts

If siblings will be joining, you for the session have some something to pass the time. I would suggest their favorite handheld games, portable DVD players, or anything they truly enjoy.

I am around breast-feeding mothers quite often, (I even was one!! Made it 21 months!!) I have no objection or uncomfortable feelings when it comes to the natural act of breastfeeding.  I am a very laid-back person and I want you to truly feel comfortable. I believe it’s a beautiful thing to provide your baby with natural milk, but please note that if you are a bottle feeder. I feel the same way! It doesn’t matter which route you choose; your baby is always in great hands and you are free from judgment by your photographer.