As a Mom of two, I know the feeling of anxiously awaiting those precious first photos of your older children with the new baby! Toddlers can be a little tricky during photoshoots in general. Add a new baby to the mix and most parents don’t know what to expect, so they often ask me how to prepare the older siblings for a newborn session.

So much rides on their cooperation, but that’s why working with a professional is so important! As a full service newborn photographer in Austin, I’m here to help you every step of the way. By the time your session comes around, my hope is that you will feel prepared and confident as I document this special milestone for your family.

How to Prepare Older Siblings for a Newborn Session | Newborn Photographer in Austin, TX

Have a good breakfast.

Try to get a good meal before the session or offer kids a snack on the way to the studio. A full belly really helps reduce having a “hangry” toddler on our hands!

Keep it low key. 

What I mean by this is oftentimes as parents we try to hype up the session to make it sound more exciting for siblings. But doing that can also put a lot of pressure on them. More often than not, siblings do great and parents are pleasantly surprised!

Have Dad and siblings drive separately. 

I recommend Mom bringing baby for the session first, then have Dad bring siblings on a slight delay. This gives us a chance to have Mom’s hair and makeup done, complete the solo baby photos, and keep siblings from sitting around for too long.

Let them be a kid.

Don’t worry if they aren’t cooperating, I have some tricks up my sleeves (I was a teacher before I became a photographer!) It is totally okay and expected if they need to take a break. Give them lots of praise for what they do well!

Also, instead of asking them to say “cheese,” try getting them to laugh! Dads tend to get the best laughs, so I may ask him to stand next to me and turn on the silly if needed.

Bring a small snack.

Sometimes I use small snacks like fruit snacks to hide in baby’s swaddle so toddlers can “look” for it. In photos it just looks like they are looking at their baby brother or sister! No chocolate, please.

After your newborn session

After their beautiful session, this family ordered an heirloom album with images from both their maternity and newborn sessions. They also ordered two mini grandparent albums (such a great gift idea!) and custom-designed birth announcements.

I know it can feel overwhelming in the moment with siblings, but the moments I’m able to document for you will be so worth it! Big sis was a little timid at first during this session, but opened up and let her sweet personality from their maternity session show. Now they have beautiful albums with sweet moments like big sister kissing little brother forever!

If you’re expecting and interested in a newborn session in my Austin, TX studio, contact me here to schedule your complimentary consultation!