When Should In-Home Newborn Photos Be Taken?

Getting newborn photos is one of the most precious experiences you can have as a new mom. It’s a chance for you to bond with your newborn and capture those loving moments together. Newborns, however, are a bit on the sensitive side (as they should be!) so many moms wonder when they should take newborn photos. Is there really an ideal age? There’s a lot that goes into this decision, so I’m going to break it down for you. I want you to feel confident during your in-home newborn photography session in Columbia, SC.

 What age is best for newborn photographs?

The truth is, there’s no “right” time to get your in-home newborn photos taken in Columbia, South Carolina. The best time to get these photos taken depends on you and your baby. Personally, since I offer a mix of posed and lifestyle newborn photography in the comfort of your home, I recommend getting your photos taken between 5 and 14 days old! There’s a few reasons for this and I’ll tell you why!

 What are the benefits of getting in home newborn photos taken early?

Getting your in-home newborn photos taken in Columbia, South Carolina within the first 2 weeks has several advantages. These advantages apply to not only me as your Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer, but also you and your little one!

The younger your newborn is, the more likely they are to hold their natural positions that they held in the womb. These are those, kind of curled up, photos you usually see in newborn photography. There’s less positioning needed when your little one is already in their most cozy state!

Additionally, the younger they are, the easier they are to pose as they spend a lot of time sleeping. Sleeping babies make excellent newborn photography models! They’re easy to move around and they’re less likely to feel blinded by the natural light. They can relax while mom holds them or while they rest on a big comfy bed!

Young newborns are also known for being less irritable, which can make you as the mom feel more comfortable. Just knowing your little one is resting, feeling calm and not being disturbed, is reassuring!

What needs to be taken into consideration when scheduling your in-home newborn photos in Columbia, South Carolina?

There are a few factors that I want you to take into consideration. I want you to have the best experience during your in home newborn photoshoot. So, you’ll have to consider a few things when determining the best time to get your photos taken. Should be at 5 days? Two weeks? How do you decide?

Well, this depends on a few things:

1.       If you as the mother are ready to have a photoshoot. Pending the kind of birthing experience you had, you may not be up for an in-home newborn photoshoot a few short days after delivery. That’s okay! I want you to feel healthy, confident, and ready to allow me into your home to capture you and your munchkin!

2.       If your newborn is ready. Similar to the above point, you have to be sure your newborn is able to withstand a photoshoot. For example, if there were complications or if your baby was premature, they may not be ready! That’s also perfectly okay. Save the photoshoot for when your newborn is stable, healthy, and happy!

3.       How is their start to life going? Are they sleeping? Are you sleeping? Are they extremely fussy or irritable? Maybe doing an in-home newborn photoshoot in Columbia, SC a week into their life isn’t the best option. Wait until the 10 day mark, when your little one starts to settle and feel comfortable in this new world. That can take time, and I can wait until they’re ready!

 Final Thoughts

An in-home newborn photoshoot in Columbia, South Carolina is about more than just capturing your little one. I want both mom and baby to be calm, healthy, confident, and happy. So, take into consideration how you’re feeling after giving birth. Consider how your baby is doing. Are both of you ready to invite me into your home? If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your concerns and I’ll gladly talk to you about it! I want to capture your most precious moments and you know, sometimes, that isnt 5 days in and that’s okay! You and your newborn always come first!

Thank you so much for following along and I hope this helps you find the right Columbia SC Newborn Photographer for you. Whether that’s in-studio or in-home, I’m here for YOU and exactly what you’re envisioning for your session. Are you, or someone you know expecting soon? Don’t wait to schedule your newborn session, sooner the better! Sometime in the second trimester is the best time to book, one less thing to worry about before baby comes. I offer a unique newborn photography experience in and around Augusta, Georgia and surrounding areas including Columbia and Charleston South Carolina, from preparing you for your in-home newborn session to picking the perfect prints to display your photos. Contact me today to get started!

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!