How do I get my newborn to sleep in a photoshoot?
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We cannot be sure that your baby will sleep during the session, but we can try to control it.
Please feed your baby 2-3 hours prior, and plan on feeding him/her as soon as you get to the studio. Also, please try as much as possible to keep your baby awake, try a bath and a massage, tickling toes, and try not to give your baby a dummy for a few hours beforehand (if you use one). This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! This is perhaps the most important part of preparing your baby for an easy session but of course, if your baby is very tired and needs to sleep or feed, please let him/her. Your baby will normally fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio but will usually wake up when undressed, once you have arrived. We then feed your baby and usually do not have to wait long after that for him/her to fall asleep. That is when we get those beautiful, dreamy newborn poses. The temperature in my home studio will be at least 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees F). I do this to keep your (naked) baby warm, snug, and sleepy. I come dressed for a warm few hours, and I suggest you do too! The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle-feed on and off during the session, so bring extra bottles if you are bottle feeding. If you are using one, bring a dummy. They call them soothers and pacifiers for a reason.
If you breastfeeding your baby – There are certain foods that are known to cause fussiness and make newborns unsettled when breastfed. If breastfeeding, please avoid those items 48h prior to the session:
- chocolate
- spices (cinnamon, garlic, curry, chilly pepper)
- citrus fruits and their juices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
- strawberries
- pineapple
- kiwi fruit
- gassy veggies (onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, peppers)
- fruits with laxative effects (cherries, prunes)
- excessive amount of caffeine
