The Best Time to Take Newborn Photos

The perfect age for newborn photos, plus tips for getting the most of out your photo shoot

Co-authored by Vlad Horol

Last Updated: March 20, 2023 References

When to Take Newborn Photos

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When is it too late to take newborn photos?

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How do I keep my baby safe during photo sessions?

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Professional Photographer vs. DIY Photos

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Props and Clothes for Newborn Photos

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How can I include my family in the session?

As a new parent, there’s a lot to think about, and taking photos of the new member of the family is likely one of them.^{[1]
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Research source} Newborn photo sessions have become a popular social media trend, with anything from elaborate studio props to simple, in-home photos. For such a meaningful milestone, it’s understandable to be concerned with getting it just right. But when do you even take newborn photos? Is there a point where it’s too late? What preparations need to be made? In this article, we’ll go over a few things to consider when scheduling newborn photos so the process can be as stress-free as possible.

Section 1 of 6:

When to Take Newborn Photos

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Newborn photos are often taken 5-14 days after birth. During this time, the baby is still sleeping frequently and remains curled up like they’re in the womb.^{[2]
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Research source} They won’t be too fussy while the photographs are being taken, and can be easily swaddled up in a blanket. This point in time gives you the most, well, "newborn" look!
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It’s okay to have the photos taken after two weeks, however. While the 5-14 day timeline is most popular and has its benefits, a later session definitely still works.^{[3]
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Research source} After 15 days, your little one will be more active and alert. They may resist sleepier poses, but you'll be able to take pictures with their beautiful eyes open!

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Mid to late morning (around 10 AM) shoots are best for soft, natural lighting. However, if you hire a professional photographer and plan on doing the shoot in a studio, they will have more control over the lighting and the time of day is more flexible.^{[4]
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Section 2 of 6:

When is it too late to take newborn photos?

Newborn photos usually need to happen no later than 2 months after the birth. Once your baby is over 2 months old, it's much more difficult to get the typical poses and aesthetics of newborn photos. If you miss that threshold, you can still track the next few milestones leading to your baby's first birthday! The next milestone after newborn is typically around 3 months old, so you can always start there!^{[5]
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Section 3 of 6:

How do I keep my baby safe during photo sessions?

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Make sure the room is warm and comfortable. Safety is the most important in the newborn photography. Whether you’re swaddling your baby in blankets or setting them down on a soft pillow or both, ensure the room is warm and the baby isn’t sitting anywhere unsteady or too high up. If you're taking photos in a warm space, forgo the swaddling blanket. If it’s too cool, keep a swaddle and turn off the AC if possible.^{[6]
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Use poses that don't strain your baby's muscles. Especially in the first couple weeks, your baby will tend to curl up and want to lay comfortably. As they get older, they’ll stretch out more and fuss around. No matter their activity level, avoid craning the baby’s neck or shifting them around in unnatural ways they are actively resisting. Gently hold your baby's head in your hand with a loving gaze, or set a soft pillow under them to keep them elevated.^{[7]
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Have a spotter ready. Have someone within arm’s reach to stop any potential falls, fits, or neck craning, especially when the baby is sitting alone and not being held.^{[8]
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Take breaks. It is likely your newborn will start to get fussy at a certain point, regardless of how many precautions you take. Expecting them to remain still for longer periods of time can be emotionally challenging for both you and the baby. Take breaks for stretching, feeding, or changing a diaper, and try not to push your baby past their limits.^{[9]
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Always wear a camera strap. Even if you have generally steady hands, keeping a camera strap on will prevent the camera from hitting the baby if you drop it. If you’re using a smartphone, consider a wrist strap for the same prevention.^{[10]
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Section 4 of 6:

Professional Photographer vs. DIY Photos

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Hire a photographer if you want to ensure sleek, edited photos. Professional photographers know how to use lighting, posing, and color to create beautiful photos. If you’re not experienced with photography yourself, this is a great option. All you have to do is show up with your baby and your family. Photographers specifically experienced with newborn photography will and should also have any safety concerns addressed from the beginning.^{[11]
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- Conversely, hiring a professional can be expensive, and would require you to book an appointment with them well in advance. If something prevents you from getting to the session, such as illness or an extended hospital stay, you can miss the strict window a lot of photographers set as well.
- Some professional photograpers come to the client's home for a lifestyle photo session. While a studio is better equipped, in-home photos are often less posed and more organic. Choose whichever option suits you best.
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DIY your photos if you want more individual control. You may be a photographer yourself, or you just want to have that personal touch and flexibility it brings. Taking your own photos allows you to tailor the session to your life needs, and is quite cost effective, especially when beautiful photos can be taken with a smartphone. Plus, if your baby gets stressed or needs to be fed, you can quickly step to the side and help them, and siblings and family members won’t have to sit around a studio impatiently waiting for their turn with the new addition!
- If you have zero experience in photography, you may not be able to get those gorgeous shots you see on Instagram. Researching safety precautions is essential as well.^{[12]
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  Research source} While the flexibility is nice, having a professional take care of all the hullabaloo while you simply hold your baby can be a far more important convenience.

Section 5 of 6:

Props and Clothes for Newborn Photos

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Baskets, fun-shaped boxes, and pillows are great for posing. Chances are you’ve seen plenty of newborn photos where the peaceful baby is swaddled up in a basket or a moon-shaped cradle. These are super simple props that aren’t unsafe for the baby, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the style you’re going for! Still, consider the size of anything you purchase, so it’s correctly sized to your baby’s height and weight.
- A baby’s head is going to be the majority of its weight, so it’s not uncommon for their head to try and tilt off the side of baskets or weigh them down on one side. To remedy this, place small,10 lb disc weights in any baskets or boxes and cover them with the pillows and blankets you're using. These will keep the baskets from tilting if the baby moves.^{[13]
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Hats and headbands are comfortable and adorable. Stocking caps will keep your baby’s head warm and come in a ton of colors you can match with your background. Headbands can be covered in flowers or bear a little, themed ornament to stay true to the theme.
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Just a diaper is perfectly fine! With newborns being so small, it can be hard to find onesies or booties that actually fit. A simple swaddle or diaper isn't to be underestimated for its simplicity!^{[14]
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Avoid anything with sharp edges or rust. As tempting as it may be to pose your baby with some vintage props you’re trying to repurpose, make sure any object you pick doesn’t have exposed rust or sharp parts that could cut your baby.^{[15]
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Section 6 of 6:

How can I include my family in the session?

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Coordinate your outfits. If you, your partner, and/or your other kids will be in the photos, take the time to pick out some simple outfits to wear! They don't have to be identical (unless you want to) but having similar colors and themes will keep the photos looking consistent.^{[16]
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Take sibling shots first. Your other kids, if you include them, may not be jazzed to sit around waiting their turn! Get photos of them with their new sibling first, so you can take advantage of that restless energy and turn it into some fun shots.^{[17]
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Take some photos of just you and your baby. Don't be camera shy! Take the time to take some posed shots holding your child, be them posed or candid. You (and your child when they grow up) will appreciate having some photographs of both of you.^{[18]
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If you have pets, hold onto them. Including your dog, cat, rabbit, or any other pet in your photos can be a super nice moment, but they can change emotions fast! Keep them in your arms or, if they're too big, sitting or laying down beside you.^{[19]
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