Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in pink swaddle with hello world wooden sign in a cozy basket.

Helpful tips + Tricks for your session

 

Newborn Guide

 

welcome!


Newborn sessions are best scheduled when your baby is between 5–14 days old. During this time, babies are still extra sleepy and naturally curled, which allows me to safely and gently pose them.


All sessions take place in my studio, which is fully prepped for your little one. I keep the space nice and warm so baby stays cozy and comfortable throughout the session, even with minimal clothing.



Studio address is: 925 N. Lapeer Rd. Oxford, MI, 48371

Suite 193.

(This is located at the north end of the Legacy building, next to the Celtic Cove Bookstore. You will need to park at this end and go through the breezeway to enter into my suite)


You’ll have full access to my collection of wraps, headbands, props, and setups. Everything is thoughtfully styled based on the questionnaire you filled out, so your session feels personalized and cohesive.


Below you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and relaxed going into your session.

Two adult hands cradling tiny newborn baby feet, symbolizing love and new parenthood.
Black and white photo of a newborn baby's tiny hand grasping an adult's finger, symbolizing love and new life.

Preparing Baby

A sleepy, content baby makes all the difference for a smooth session. I promise I’ll guide you through everything once you arrive, but a little prep at home really helps.

Try to keep baby awake for about 1–1.5 hours before leaving for the studio. I know this isn’t always easy, but it truly makes a big difference.


Some simple ways to help:


  • A bath before you leave
  • Right before you head out, give baby a full feeding. A nice full belly + a warm car ride usually means baby will fall into a deep sleep on the way over.
  • When you arrive, feel free to leave baby in the car seat, I’ll gently take over from there in a way that keeps them nice and sleepy.
  • Dress baby in something easy to remove, like a zip-up or button-up sleeper. This helps avoid waking them when we undress them for photos.
  • Bring a pacifier! Even if your baby does not typically use one, please bring one to your session. Sucking is a natural soothing reflex for babies, and sometimes having a pacifier can make a huge difference during the session.
  • If bottle feeding, bring extra with you!


And don’t worry at all if baby needs to eat during the session. That’s completely expected. You’re welcome to feed, snuggle, and settle baby as needed; this is your time to relax too.

Newborn baby swaddled in white wrap sleeping peacefully in a wooden bowl with soft fur, wearing a knit bonnet.
Newborn baby wrapped in pink knit swaddle sleeping in wooden heart bowl with floral bonnet and bunny toy.

A Quick Note (because it really matters 🤍)


I know it can be tough trying to keep a newborn awake when you’re also getting yourself ready. Do your best, but don’t stress if it doesn’t go perfectly. I’ve worked with plenty of babies, and we will always make it work.

You’re even welcome to come comfy and get ready at the studio if that makes things easier.

Newborn baby swaddled in white wrap sleeping peacefully in a rustic basket with dried botanicals.
Peaceful sleeping newborn baby with soft brown hair resting on hands against a light background.

What to Expect


Newborn sessions are baby-led and typically last around 2–3 hours. This gives us time for feeding, soothing, and moving at a relaxed pace so baby stays comfortable.

I keep the studio warm and calm, and you’re welcome to sit back, relax, scroll your phone, or even take a little nap while I work.


If you have a pacifier, I recommend bringing one—even if baby doesn’t use it regularly. It can be really helpful for soothing during certain poses. If you’d prefer not to use one, that’s completely okay too—just know it may add a bit of time to the session.

Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in white swaddle inside a wooden bowl on a soft blue background.
Sleeping newborn baby girl in white romper and floral headband, posed on cream textured blanket.

What to wear (for parents)


You’ll be included in some of the most meaningful images, so keeping things simple and timeless is best.

Neutral tones photograph beautifully (creams, beige, browns, khaki tones, etc.)

Stick to solid colors or just avoid busy patterns or logos

Soft, comfortable clothing always looks best on camera


Moms, if possible, avoid chipped nail polish since your hands may be in some of the images.


And don’t worry, I’ll guide you into flattering, natural poses so you feel comfortable and confident.

A mother in a white dress tenderly holds her swaddled newborn baby close to her chest against a soft gray background.
Smiling couple in white tops holding their swaddled newborn baby in a blue wrap against a light gray background.

For LITTLE Siblings


Including siblings is always so special 🤍


Since newborn sessions can be long for little ones, I usually recommend having dad or another family member bring siblings at the beginning for their portion of photos. Once we finish family and sibling shots, they’re welcome to head out so they don't get bored in the studio. If you have a little one who wont mind being in the studio for a few hours, then please don't worry about this portion.


This keeps things relaxed and makes the experience easier on everyone.

A young boy and mother tenderly cuddle a swaddled newborn baby on a soft white fur rug.
Happy family of four posing for a studio portrait, parents smiling with toddler and newborn baby dressed in soft pink.

Final Thoughts

My goal is for you to feel completely comfortable and taken care of during your session. This is such a special, fleeting time, and it truly means so much to me that you trust me to capture it.

You can relax, settle in, and let me take care of the rest.  


I can't wait to meet you!!

Several handwritten signatures in black ink displayed on a white background.