5 Tips for a successful (and sleepy) newborn session.

As a newborn photographer in Kansas City, my goal is to make your baby as relaxed and comfortable during their newborn session as possible. These little humans are just starting to learn the world around them. We put them in little outfits and move them all around while trying to keep them sleeping. These are a few tips that I have learned that have helped me over the last 9 years of taking photos of infants.

1. Fill their bellies! A full baby is a sleepy baby. Babies go into what we call a "milk coma". Their little bodies and fingers start to relax and they get into a sleepy and smiley REM sleep. I always ask parents to feed just before they step out the door so that the car ride gets them into a nice deep sleep.

Kansas City Newborn Photography, Cream blanket poses with baby boy

2. Warm them up! We ask babies to arrive in warm pajamas with no onesie so that we can easily take off their outfit to get started. We suggest even an extra receiving blanket over the top on cooler days. In the studio I will also have the heat turned on and a small heater just for baby. They are accustomed to being snuggled up and warm so we like to keep them that way as we get started. Little Bum Baby has some adorable sleeper and soft wrap sets!

Kansas City Newborn Photographer, Baby in prop bucket and papasan chair

3. The SHUSHER! I have had a shusher for years! I used it with my own babies and it's the greatest thing ever. You may ask, do I really need another gadget that just shushes? The answer is a solid YES! Just buy it and send me a sweet thank you note later.

Kansas City Newborn Photographer, Baby in blue bed with parent poses

4. This is optional but can be a HUGE help as we transition from pose to pose. The pacifier. I love them.  I recommend them to any parent who maybe needs their sanity back at 2am. My favorite will always be the simple Philips Avent Hospital Soothie. They are the most readily available. If baby drops it at the park; no big deal, no online ordering, pick one up at Walmart, CVS, Dollar Store. They are everywhere! I find that *almost* all babies will take them. Sometimes it takes a little coaxing. Pro-tip: Put the nub in the babies mouth and rub against the roof of their mouth while holding a finger on their chin. If you want to try out some other options or your baby is a no-go on the Avent, here you can get a sample pack!  

Kansas City Newborn Photographer Baby boy poses with parents 5. Lastly! If a baby won't settle, wrap them up! A nice soft wrap from Red Owl Props is my go-to! They have every color you could dream of and are soft and stretchy! There are so many cute ways to wrap up your little bundle of joy. At home I am sure mom and dad appreciate a good swaddle as well.