Including your toddler in newborn photos is so special and also sometimes a little tricky. Here's my advice!
Welcoming a newborn into the family is an incredibly special time, and capturing those early days is something parents cherish forever. However, adding a toddler sibling into the mix during a lifestyle newborn session can be unpredictable—and that’s where a bit of planning and patience can go a long way!
Here are my top tips and tricks to help you have beautiful, candid moments with siblings (especially toddlers) during your newborn photo session.
1. Timing is Everything
For toddlers, timing is crucial. Scheduling the session around your toddler’s happiest time of day—usually after a nap and snack—will make a big difference. If the session is too close to nap time, the toddler might get cranky and uncooperative. Plan to include your toddler early on in the session while they are still full of energy, and allow breaks as needed.
2. Make It Fun
Toddlers can lose interest quickly, so keeping the session fun and lighthearted is key. Incorporate their favorite toys or activities to engage them. You can encourage them to “show” their new baby brother or sister something, whether it's a book, toy, or even singing a little song. Making them feel like they’re part of the process will create genuine moments of connection.
3. Capture Candid Moments
While you might have a vision of the perfect posed shot, remember that candid moments often turn out to be the most heartwarming. A toddler’s curiosity and spontaneity can result in natural, beautiful images. Let them explore, touch, or kiss the newborn without too much direction. The love and wonder a toddler has for their new sibling can be captured in these moments, even if they’re not picture-perfect in the traditional sense.
4. Bring the Toddler in Slowly
Don’t expect the toddler to be engaged right from the start. Allow them to get used to the idea of being photographed with the baby. Start by focusing on individual shots of the newborn, and let the toddler observe what’s happening. When they feel ready, ease them into the session. Sometimes, letting them “help” can be an effective way to get them involved. For example, they could place a blanket over the baby or help hold a soft toy.
5. Be Patient and Go with the Flow
Flexibility is essential when toddlers are involved. They might need breaks, a snack, or even a short distraction like playing a quick game. Don’t rush them. Often, the best shots happen when you’re simply going with the flow and capturing them in their natural state, rather than forcing a particular pose or interaction.
6. Use Simple Poses
When it comes to sibling poses, simplicity is key. Ask the toddler to sit on the couch, bed, or a soft rug, and place the baby gently in their lap or next to them. Simple, comfortable poses help toddlers feel at ease, and they’re more likely to cooperate. You can also ask the toddler to lie down next to the baby or give them a gentle kiss on the head. These kinds of interactions feel natural and aren’t too overwhelming.
7. Keep the Session Short and Sweet
Toddlers have short attention spans, and newborn sessions can feel long for them. While newborns can be photographed over a few hours with breaks, toddlers will need shorter bursts of attention. Have a plan for capturing sibling shots first or early on and then let the toddler play or rest while you finish with solo newborn shots.
8. Create a Reward System
Incentives can work wonders for toddlers! Set up a small reward system to keep them motivated throughout the session. Whether it’s a favorite snack, a special treat, or a fun activity to look forward to afterward, rewarding them for their patience and participation can help keep things positive.
9. Parental Involvement is Key
Sometimes, having a parent nearby can comfort the toddler, especially if they’re feeling unsure about being around the baby. Consider starting with some shots that have the whole family or simply be close by to give the toddler a sense of security. Your presence can help create a relaxed atmosphere and lead to more genuine moments.
10: Embrace the Imperfections
At the end of the day, the goal is to capture the real, authentic connection between siblings. Sometimes this means things won’t go perfectly—and that’s okay! A laughing toddler, a sleepy newborn, or even a bit of chaos all contribute to telling the story of this moment in your family’s life. Embrace the imperfections and find the beauty in the reality of sibling life with a newborn.
