I am asked questions all the time on "How can I be better prepared for my newborn session?" This is a fast moving time in your life. I would like to help in any way that I can. Over the years this is the advice I have given to new parents. Trust me you are not alone in your thoughts worries or concerns. Here are a few ways that you can be better prepared for your newborn session. Making your session as safe and flawless as I can is my main focus. Always remember that you, oops! I mean the BABY is the BOSS!
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The Baby Is The BOSS!
I say this all the time!!! "The baby is the boss," and it is true. They will tell you everything that they need you just have to pay close attention to them. All babies are unique but they all have some simple cues that they use to communicate with the world. For example....
Cues to help Communicate
Baby cues that say "I'm tired"
Tired signs in babies include:
* staring into the distance
* jerky movements
* yawning
* fussing
* sucking fingers
* losing interest in people or toys.
* Rubbing eyes
Baby cues that say "I'm hungry"
Newborns need to feed every 2-3 hours.
When your baby is hungry, they may:
* make sucking noises
* turn towards the breast.
* You can start to look for these cues every 1-2 hours in newborns or every 3-4 hours for an older baby.
Baby cues that say "I want to play"
Older babies usually follow a ‘feed-play-sleep’ routine. Cues that your baby is ready to play with you include:
* eyes wide and bright
* eye contact with you
* smiles
* smooth movements hands
* reaching out to you.
Baby cues that say "I need a diaper Change"
Would you want to sit in that? I know I wouldn't want to. Here are a few cues to help you know when to change them:
* You hear the rumble lol!
* They are crying
* They gained weight
* The smell will let you know everytime.
Baby cues that say "I need a break"
Babies who are four months and older might not always be ready for a nap after their play time. Sometimes they might want a change of pace or activity instead. So what do these baby cues look like? If your baby wants a break from what she’s doing right now, she might:
* turn her head away from you
* squirm or kick
* Cry
Do you plan to be in the portraits?
To some this is a very easy question. To others this might not be so easy. Every woman wants to look their best and capture their happy growing family. Unfortunately all labor is different. Your story is unique and should be respected. If you had a hard labor and do not feel your best you might want to take some extra time to heal and schedule your family portraits at a later time. If that is the case when you do have your newborn session you can focus on enjoying your precious newborn while I capture all their adorable moments. Baby Steps!
Newborn Baby Skin is Delicate.
I have new moms say all the time. "Sorry her skin is so dry." You do not need to apologize! Imagine being submerged in liquid for months,t hen taken out into the dry air. Your skin would look dry and peel too.. One great trick I use is Aquaphor for newborns. It is mostly made up of water. It is safe for their delicate skin and is not Sticky or greasy. Newborn nails are very sharp. They have a tendency to scratch their face or hands. Pro tip: keep them cut short. If you are not comfortable with that yet you can cover them up with mittens. They have some that come on sleepers that you can fold over or you can buy the newborn mittens.
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What to wear?
This is a 2 part question.
First: What will the family wear? & How do you want to dress my newborn? First if you do not plan to get portraits with you in them, you can wear comfy clothes. There is no dress code in my book when you are a new mom. If there is, I would think sweats and a T-shirt would be it, if not pjs lol! That is what I lived in after both of my deliveries.
If you do plan to have you and the family together in a portrait here are some styling tips.
* Think simple
* If you must have a pattern pick one person and everyone match the color pattern. Example Green with white pattern, Plan green top, white top and blue to match everyone.
For your newborn you have to ask yourself "What story do I want my portraits to tell?"
* No Clothes can symbolize minimalist lifestyle
* Print could match your nursery theme
* Will you be outside for your session? Is it hot or cold out?
* Make sure that you pick fabrics that are soft to the skin. You want them to be happy and comfortable.
Transition glasses are great for going in and out of buildings and not having to change them. However did you ever get your picture taken with them on? When you are indoors it is fine. When you are outside you have one of two choices. One, take them off.
Easy right? Well not for some people. Some people do not feel as confident with out them on or they may not be able to see at all with out them. Making it difficult for them to look at the camera. Second option the person could choose to being a pair of glasses that do not change. Sometimes the client doesn't realize the glare that can happen when a light hits it just right. Thankfully I have learned that if you drop your chin slightly it will most of the time eliminate the glare. I have had clients choose to wear the pair of glasses. If you ask me they just look way cooler than the rest of the family. Just Kidding!
What time should I have my Session?
This will all depend on your family. What time is the newborn a sleep the most? They are on a schedule of eating every 2-3 hours, but if you are like my daughter, she would eat every hour. Still does to this day, lol! I try to plan what time is best for your families schedule. Sometimes the siblings are at school or the spouse has to work late. Life is busy. Take a step back look at your daily routine and I will help schedule the most convenient time for your session. If you want the sleeping portraits you want them happy at that time. So scheduling a time before they are going to eat is a perfect time. I always recommend feeding them when you arrive at the studio or when I arrive at your chosen location.
Most Important:
Have fun! Make memories that will last a lifetime. Portraits that you want to hang up in your house or share with your friends and family. I do not rush your session. Each session is 1 to 3 hours. You can take your time, you are my main focus. The safety of the newborn and family are what is most important at any session. We strive to protect everyone by wearing masks, sanitizing daily or after every session and getting vaccinated. I have all child care, criminal record and FBI clearances. I have been working with children for so long and I understand what is truly important to myself as a parent and to my customer as a parent.
