As a Savannah lifestyle newborn photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of adorable siblings meeting for the first time in front of my camera. While these moments are undoubtedly precious, they can also be challenging when a curious toddler is involved. Fear not! With the right preparation and mindset, we can create beautiful memories you’ll cherish for years. Here’s how to make your newborn session with a toddler a success.

Timing is Everything

When scheduling your session, consider your children’s routines. We’ll work together to find a sweet spot between naps and meal times. A well-rested, well-fed toddler is more likely to cooperate and enjoy the experience. For the best results, I often recommend having dad and the toddler arrive about two hours after we start with the newborn. This allows us to capture those sleepy newborn shots before diving into family portraits.

Choose an Experienced Photographer

When selecting a photographer, look for someone with experience working with toddlers. They should be able to read your child’s cues, match their energy, and know when it’s time for a break before a meltdown occurs. A skilled photographer will make the session feel like playtime rather than a chore.

The Golden Window

Toddlers are naturally curious, and a new environment like a photo studio can be exciting. To capitalize on this, we’ll aim to photograph your toddler within the first 5-10 minutes of their arrival. This is when they’re most likely to sit still and engage with the camera before the urge to explore takes over.

Leave the Screens at Home

While it might be tempting to bring an iPad for entertainment, I strongly advise against it. These devices can be distracting and make it harder to capture genuine interactions. Instead, we’ll use playful prompts and activities to keep your toddler engaged.

Manage Your Expectations

Remember, toddlers are unpredictable. Don’t expect your little one to sit still and smile on command. Our session will involve a lot of back-and-forth, waiting for the right moment, and going with the flow. The key is to stay relaxed and patient – your calm energy will help your toddler feel at ease.

Prepare for Success

Here are a few more tips to ensure a smooth session:

1. Don’t bring favorite toys from home. We have plenty of photo-friendly toys in the studio that your toddler can play with during the session.
2. If you need to pack a snack, opt for mini marshmallows or neutral-colored puffs. These can be easily hidden or photoshopped out if necessary.
3. Have an open and honest conversation with your toddler about the photo session. Explain that while it might not be fun all the time, there will be opportunities for snuggles and special moments with the new baby.
4. Skip the bribes. They often don’t work as intended and can create unnecessary stress.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s capturing the beautiful, sometimes messy reality of your growing family. With a little preparation and a lot of love, we’ll create stunning images that truly reflect this special time in your lives.

As a Savannah newborn and family photographer, I’m passionate about creating beautiful memories of your growing family. With an eye for design and a classic aesthetic, I specialize in crafting newborn sessions that capture those precious early moments, including the special bond between siblings. Each newborn session includes a wardrobe and logistics appointment, hair and makeup, and classic portraits that you’ll cherish for years to come. If you’re expecting and looking for a Savannah newborn photographer who can beautifully capture your new baby and older sibling, I’d love to help. With years of experience working with newborns and toddlers, I can guide you through the process and ensure a smooth, enjoyable session for your entire family. To see more of my newborn portfolio or to book your session, please visit [insert portfolio link] or email me at [email protected]. Let’s create some magical memories together!