5 Ways to Prepare Toddlers for New Baby Photos
Toddlers are the hardest age. They have will and little reasoning or coaxing capacity. Most don’t even know what candy is. That makes finding ways to prepare toddlers really challenging.
But when it comes to newborn photos, in home newborn photos are the easiest way to do photos with a new big sister or new big brother and new baby. There’s a TON of new changes happening and there’s no way to plan for it. Baby is coming, talk it up as much as possible and give everyone (yourself included!) grace and patience.
When it comes to the newborn photoshoot itself, there are 5 ways to make it as easy and delightful for everyone – especially the toddler. Here are my top 5 tips for prepping your toddler for newborn photo session:
- Work around the toddler’s nap schedule
- Do the photos at home
- Bribery/rewards
- Photograph them first
- Keep it fast & fun
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Hey! I’m Alison, lifestyle photographer, recovering homeschool mama of 4 boys circus and USMC family.
I’ve been photographing families for 12 years. One thing I’ve learned: photos never lose their value.
But the thought of dealing with 3 hour studio photoshoot is just too much.
Not only do you have to worry about getting everyone dressed and to the studio on time, but spaces can be cramped and uncomfortable – and take forever!
In home newborn photos are half the time and capture the intimate details that studios simply can’t.
How Newborn Photos Work
- We book your due date. I only take 2 families per week to leave plenty of wiggle room. Baby’s gonna do what baby’s gonna do! We get wardrobe set before delivery.
2. After baby arrives and everyone is home, we set the actual photo session day. Newborn sessions are weekday mornings usually around 10am and last up 90 minutes and are easy and painless.
3. Two to three weeks after photo day we gather again virtually for your Gallery Reveal & Order appointment! Buy only what you love. Digital files come with the print products.
There’s nothing easy about family photos
There’s a lot of decision making that can be overwhelming:
- what to wear
- where to go
- what sizes to print
I want to make it as easy as possible for you and that starts well before the session with Wardrobe. . Every client gets access to Style & Select. If Pinterest and Stitch Fix had a baby this would be it. Everything is vetting for colors, patterns & textures that look good in camera by photographers for family photography.
I’ll be your second opinion & sounding board. Send me screenshots of what you’ve got, your ideas and I’ll give you all the direction you need!
At the gallery reveal, everyone is welcome! Its virtual so the only limited is opinions – ha! But I’m sure that will be overflowing too!
In the end, you’ll have more than digital files lost on a hard drive. You’ll have heirloom-quality photographs on your walls or in your hands. That’s my full service approach.
The best part: Everyone in the clan will have access to the matching digital files.
Now for something more serious…
I hate to go morbid on you, but my own experience says I have to share. You may never get the chance to do photos with these people again. There will come a time when you will wish you had more photos. Usually by then its too late.
5 Ways to Prepare Toddlers for Photos
1. Work around the Toddler’s nap schedule
This might be obvious, but with a new baby there’s a lot to juggle and to do so on little sleep is harder. Ways to prepare toddlers No. 1 is to work around her schedule.
Most newborn photo sessions happen start between 9-10 am, before a morning nap if there is one. Everyone is most fresh and easily coaxed with snacks – clean ones of course!
2. Do the photos at home
Leave the house and we’re asking for trouble. A photo studio is not the place for an unattended toddler with lights, cords, props and toys sometimes literally falling off shelves. You’ll be attending to the baby’s positioning, helping the photographer in a studio and at least need a second hand from Dad to supervise the toddler in studio.
If you do the photos at home, you’re already in a hazard free zone. Big bro or sis knows their boundaries and limits. S/he won’t be inclined to explore unfamiliar territory. And equally, your toddler will feel comfortable in his or her own house, with snacks and treats s/he knows.
3. Bribery + Rewards
Bribery by definition is to encourage illegal behavior. Of course we’re not actually bribing illegal behavior! But we will reward with puffs, smarties or any other clean snack to get a few extra baby kisses.
4. Photograph the toddler first
Also simple: let’s do the shots with big bro first! They’re cooperative, still sizing up this chick with the black thing in her hand. Let’s get the family photos, the sibling shots & and let them be done.
And because we’re:
- at home
- happy to use rewards
Toddler can go watch a show at any time! In mom’s bed? sure! In the living room? Whatever you’re comfortable with!
And finally…
5. Keep it Fast & Fun
This is my entire approach to family photography summed in one phrase. Blow kisses, sing a song, jump on the bed, count 10 kisses, hug Daddy’s booty, do a lil dance. Keep it short and sweet and it’ll be done in no time, before sleepiness sets in.
Ways to Prepare Toddlers Wrap Up
Toddlers are the most difficult age to coax. Its not magic, just hard. When you set your expectations a lil lower, you’ll set yourself and your tot, up for success! We’ll do our best and make it as easy as possible for everyone!
More Newborn Photoshoot Resources
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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