Soothing Techniques I Use to Calm a Fussy Baby

Having a calm and sleepy baby for an in-home newborn photography session in Augusta, Georgia is essential to having a peaceful and successful photoshoot. A newborn's schedule is unpredictable and it’s possible that your little one may be wide awake during his or her photoshoot. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that have been working well for me when trying to calm a fussy baby!

Keeping the room warm and playing white noise are both great options, but I have a few extra tricks up my sleeve! I want to ensure that you as the mama feel at ease during your photoshoot, so let’s discuss some soothing techniques I do to calm a fussy baby!

1.    The temperature of the home should be warm

Having a warm environment is ideal for your in home newborn photography session. Newborns like a cozy, warm atmosphere (as most of us do!). I’m sure you’ve noticed that any time you have some form of chilly wind blowing on a newborn, they’re often fussier or wake up startled.

As a way to keep an infant calm during your photoshoot, place a little heater in the room/area we’ll be shooting in or increase the temperature  in the house. The adults in the room may find it a touch too warm at times, but a happy baby really is the priority here!

2.    Playing white noise during your in home newborn photography session in Augusta, Georgia

During your newborn photoshoot, it's often beneficial to have some white noise playing in the background. White noise mimics the sound that your baby heard in the womb. This means it is soothing for them and can often calm a newborn down!

I particularly enjoy using the baby shusher white noise machine, but we can use whatever you know works for your little one (even just turning on a vaccume cleaner)! Just remember that it’s absolutely normal for your baby to be fussy during their session, but there’s always a way to provide comfort and calm them down together!

3.   Check the 5 senses!

I’m sure you have realized this as a new mama, but newborns are extremely sensitive and in tune with their senses. If they are even slightly uncomfortable, they make sure the whole world is aware! Don’t worry, I’m prepared for that and I’ll help you in those moments. Ensuring your newborn is physically content and satisfied is key.

When a newborn starts to get fussy during their in home newborn photography session in Augusta, Georgia, I like to go through the five-senses-questionaire.

1. Is the baby full? Do they need a lunch break?

2. Is there a noise that maybe me and mom/family aren’t paying attention to that’s upsetting them?

3. Is there something in their field of vision that could be distressing?

4. Are they physically cold/hot or in a position they simply don’t like being in?

5. Do they maybe have a bad taste in their mouth from gas or acid reflux?

There are of course many senses-related things that could be distressing your newborn, but we’ll tackle them together! My goal is always to provide the most comfortable environment for your newborn!

4.    Covering the baby can help with your in home newborn photography session

As though they were still in the womb, newborns enjoy the sensation of being cradled or swaddled. Wrapping your baby in a tight blanket can make a world of difference if they're being fussy during the shoot! Even if your infant is awake and shows no signs of falling asleep, wrapping him or her is an excellent option to calm them down! Plus, it makes for someone adorable photos in my not at all biased opinion!

Final Thoughts:

A newborn photography session in Augusta, Georgia often comes with some ups and downs, but it's nothing to stress about!  I guarantee that I can get your baby to settle and have an amazing photoshoot with you. Be sure your baby is well fed, warm, and comfortable as these are often the main reasons that a newborn is feeing irritable! And don’t worry, I’m used to fussy babies, but I always find a way to make them smile again!