Newborn Session With a Toddler. 3 Tips for Success. By Geneva Newborn Photographer

Having a newborn session when you already have other kids is a whole new level of challenge!

My main goal during family and newborn photo sessions is to reduce stress as much as possible and to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

To get there we need a good plan! And I always have one!

My newborn session when the older sibling is a toddler run in a different way as my “first baby” sessions or my “pirate crew” session (A LOT of kids!)

If you are expecting a baby and have a sweet toddler already - this post will be very useful for you, even if you are not planning a newborn session.

Because these are the important tips you should follow while introducing a new baby to a “big” brother or sister!

1. Let Your Toddler Be The Star

Your tiny baby is born and discovering the world. She does not have any expectations, she is open to any new experiences.

But for your toddler this is the END. Her world is falling apart and will never be the same.

This is SO scary!!!

So your toddler will need MUCH MORE attention and reassurance during the first months than ever.

And it absolutely worth it because you are working for a beautiful future relationship with your first born (second-born, x-born) toddler and also for a beautiful relationships between your kids.

So your toddler is THE STAR of the show!

The newborn photo session is about your toddler meeting her brand new sibling.

For me this is the best and the only right scenario!

We all should give maximum attention to your toddler and make her feel loved and very very important  - because she IS!

2. Do Not Overprotect

When I was expecting my second baby the labour started at night.

I was not rushing to the hospital and was just laying in bed with my first born son, watching him sleep and thinking how small and beautiful he is. He was really small – just finished potty training and was weaned only a few month ago!

Than I called a friend and asked if we can bring my son over to her, so we can go to the hospital. It was a cold November night and about 3 am in the morning. I had really strong contractions, but was carefully dressing my my son and then carried him to the car, so he will not wake up.

That night he was my baby – my sweet little boy.

My second son was born in the morning and in the afternoon my husband went to bring my first son to meet his little brother.

When my first son entered the room – I was shocked because at night he was my baby and now he looked like a school boy to me. He suddenly was SO BIG!

And no I am not crazy! That is what really happens after you get a baby – your other kids suddenly become much older, stronger and bigger. This is relativity in action.

Of course your toddler does not get bigger over night, but your attitude changes a lot.

Suddenly you see that your toddler is big and strong and DANGEROUS!

She can push. pull, hit, bite, scratch your tiny baby. And yes she can!

But you are not helping her to learn how to be gentle with the baby by not letting her touch or hold her tiny sibling.

So please do not overprotect your baby and scare your toddler away every time she is trying to make a contact with her sibling. Let her stoke, touch and hold the baby – just be next to her and show her how it should be done.

This is a beautiful time when your children getting to know each other and it will show beautifully in the photographs!

Here are my boys :))

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3. Mother Holds … The Toddler!

Most of the time during the photo session mother should be accessible for the toddler, so she should not hold the baby all the time. Especially when we are taking group photos.

Do not worry I will find the time and the way to take pictures of you and your baby. I will see when your toddler is tired and wants to do something else.

Just keep your hands free to embrace your toddler any time she needs a hug!

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Additionally I will observe your toddler mood carefully and guide you through the session. The structure of the session will strongly depend on your toddler's character and her mood on the day.

If your toddler is shy we will take a slow start and maybe start with a coffee and chat in stead of taking pictures straight away. If you toddler is outgoing we will jump in immediately so she is not overtired.

I will spend quite a long time with you – usually two hours, but can be longer – so at the end we have a beautiful variety of portraits.

Please contact me if you have questions! I would be happy to help!