Newborn Session Prep Guide

SLEEPY BABY ~ The session flows best when we have a sleepy baby. So here are a few things that could help ensure that baby will sleep.

1. Please give baby a bath in the morning before coming in for your session. This will stimulate baby and help baby tire out. Lotioning your baby after the bath will also help with pressure points and relaxation. Allowing your baby to kick and be free for around 10-15 minutes will also help tire them out.

2. Dress baby in a zip up sleeper, or a button up. NO undershirts please! We do not want any clothing to disturb a sleepy baby if we have to pull clothing over the baby's head.

3. Do not use white diaper cream, it is too hard to remove & usually upsets the baby due to the amount of wiping.

4. Do not use vasaline, it causes dark marks on wraps, rompers etc., which can be seen when photographed.

5. Before you leave the house for your session, Please FEED your newborn. This will allow baby to fall into a deep sleep while you are driving to the studio. Depending on how long your ride is baby may need to feed when you arrive. I generally like to start as soon as possible so that your preperations are not waisted.

BOTTLE ~ Some new babies struggle to get the hang of breastfeeding in the first few weeks OR they are cluster feeders. You are more than welcome to breastfeed or you may want to bring a bottle (2-3) of pumped milk in the event we need it. In anycase bring extra bottles (2-3) to feed.

BREASTFEEDING ~ If you're breastfeeding, try to avoid anything spicy (i.e. Pizza, hot sauce, etc.) or anything that will cause gas and upset Baby's tummy for 48 hours proceeding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset, causing them to cry and be inconsolable. Oval or grape water can be used to ease baby's discomfort prior to your session.

PLEASE BRING A PACIFIER ~ We will only use the pacifier if baby is having trouble transitioning into different poses. Sometimes a baby just needs to suck for a few seconds to relax. This does not necessarily mean they are hungry, however, if they are hungry they will be rooting for longer period of time. If that happens I will happily give baby back to Mom for a feed and a little snuggle 🤍.

I have unopened pacifiers should we need one, and a pacifier sanitizer plus sanitizing wipes for pacifiers in case your baby’s favorite pacifier should drop on the floor! 

**If you are worried about nipple confusion, as a nurse and a mother myself who breastfed, I can assure you that the few times or minutes of a pacifier will not have any effect on them in the future what-so-ever. They will always prefer the warm breast with warm milk over a dry pacifier. However, opting not to use a pacifier, could make it more challenging throughout the session to calm your baby into the deeply relaxed stat we aim to achieve for taking his/hers best pictures.  

SAFETY ~ I value safety and make it my #1 priority!

I put my newborns’ safety at the forefront of my profession. When I am not photographing newborns, I'm working as a Registered Nurse in an Emergency Room here at one of the local hospitals in Tioga County. I continually maintain my ATCN (Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses) certification through the Society of Trauma Nurses. As well as my BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), and my ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications through the American Heart Association 🤍.  

TIME FRAME ~ Typically us photographers will shoot a newborn between 5 and 15 days of life. That's not to say we haven't photographed babies that are a week older, but if you want the best opportunity to capture all those cute little poses, it's best to photograph your newborn between the 5th and 15th day mark. Newborns tend to be more more sleepy and flexible at this time! *Please schedule in advance to give us enough time to schedule your session! Every newborn session is completely different. In general, prepare to be here 3-4 hours. Please keep in mind, that not every baby sleeps easily so this time can vary. I do not rush the baby, and you should be prepared to hang out for a while since your..........Baby is the Boss!

'Pinterest Requests' ~ I supply all the backdrops, props, hats, headbands, outfits and wraps for the session. I am always up for new ideas, but be aware that I will not use anything that will harm, irritate or look awkward, or controversial (guns, cigars, sharp objects, etc.) on or with your newborn baby. If you see something you like in any of my galleries be sure to mention it before your session begins. I am open to suggestions on poses that you may have seen from Pinterest, but please understand that every pose we do depends on how well baby cooperates and how safe the pose is for your little one. I cannot guarantee any pose for this reason.

• COLORS ~  Please select what colors you would prefer me to use:
• Please select the top 4 colors*
• Are there any colors or poses you absolutely oppose me of using or doing?*



Is there anything personal you would like to share with me or feel that I should be made aware of prior to meeting with you & your little one? *Please note ~ I respect and take one's anonymity very seriously! Any information given here will be kept completely confidential, I give you my word!

Thank you for reading my prep guide. I am excited to meet you and your beautiful newborn baby. Please note that I try to give you the most beautiful gallery possible. Following this prep guide as best as you can will assist me in capturing these priceless moments to have and remember forever!

Please remember, every baby is different, and some babies can get more fussy than others. Not to worry! I use plenty of soothing techinques, and I am confident that we will have a fantastic session.

🤍

• ➣ Here is a checklist & some reminders to help you when packing for your newborn's session:
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• What is NOT allowed?*
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• Take-out food
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• A friend or family member
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• Shoes and bare-feet
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• Ear-buds
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• I can't wait to get started creating the most beautiful setups, ones that will be perfect & unique just for your new little bundle of joy!
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• I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and a safe delivery!
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• With Love, Tiffany
• Oh Baby Smile Photography   
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• Name*
• First Name
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• Email *
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• Due date *
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• Baby's name (if known)
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• Who will be accompanying you, if anyone?
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• How did you hear about Oh Baby Smile Photography?*
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• When would be a good time to contact you?

Scheduling your session

Once your baby has arrived, contact me within a couple of days so we can then set a date for the session. Newborn sessions take place in my Endicott studio, M-F, starting at 9:30 am within the first month of the baby’s birth.

The ideal time to photograph a newborn is within the first month. I understand that some moms do not feel their best or can have a complicated birth, so they would prefer to wait a few weeks. You can contact me through text at 607-444-1979 or email at kelly@klphoto.us

Preparing for the session

Because we want your baby to be as sleepy and comfortable as possible, if you are nursing, please avoid foods that can cause gas a few days before your session. Please avoid caffeine if at all possible the morning of your session.

Prior to leaving for your session, take your time and give the baby a full feeding. I like to use the term “milk drunk”, meaning your baby eats until they fall into a deep sleep. Please don’t feel rushed during feedings at the studio. There is plenty of time set aside during your session for your baby’s needs. It is important to make sure they have a full belly to get those sleepy baby poses. A hungry baby typically equals an awake baby and will be difficult to pose and can remain unsettled during the session.

Please dress the baby in zip-up jammies. This allows us to change their outfits without disturbing them if they are sleeping when you arrive. To ensure that baby stays warm and sleepy, the studio will be very warm (75-80 degrees). However, the adults can become very warm as well, so feel free to bring a change of cooler, more comfortable clothing to change into.

What to bring

My studio is fully stocked with wraps, headbands, outfits, and props. Unless there is something sentimental you want to be included in the photos, I have everything needed!

If you are nursing and have pumped milk, bring some in a bottle. It helps if your baby needs to be soothed but doesn’t quite need a full feeding. If you are formula feeding, please bring more than you think you will need. Babies tend to feed more than usual at the session. Even if you have not introduced one yet, bringing a pacifier can help immensely to help soothe. It will only be used if needed and for a very short time. Of course, don’t forget diapers and wipes. But on the off chance that you do, I keep a supply at the studio just in case!

Don’t forget about you and any older siblings! Bring anything you might need to keep yourselves comfortable: snacks, drinks, entertainment for the little ones, or a change of clothes. If you are nursing, feel free to bring your pump with you as well. If your baby sleeps for a few hours straight, it can become uncomfortable for nursing moms.



Siblings

If there are older siblings, we will do their photos at the beginning of the session once the family photos are complete. Siblings are more than welcome to stay for the rest of the session, but I have many families that drive separately. This way Mom can stay with the baby and the other parent can take the older siblings home, to daycare, or to school. You can also ask a friend or family member to come after the first hour to pick them up. This is not a requirement, but it is a long morning and older siblings tend to get bored. If they do stay, please bring more than enough snacks, drinks, and entertainment to keep them busy.

Clothing

When choosing clothing for your session, try to keep it as neutral as possible. Your outfits do not need to match but they should coordinate, especially in tone and style. For example, if someone is wearing earth tones, keep everyone in earth tones. If choosing something with a pattern, try to keep it subtle.

Most family photos will be taken horizontally. This will help to hide the mom’s postpartum belly which many are self-conscious about. Wearing something flowy can help to hide it. Take the time to try on the outfits prior to the session to make sure they fit comfortably, especially if there are older siblings. Please text or email me if you need any help deciding your outfits.