Newborn Prep Guide

Before

1. If your baby has slept solidly for 3 hours prior to your session, we may spend a long time trying to get your baby to sleep and not get many posed shots or be able to use the props you've requested. If you can, in the morning of your session, try to keep your baby awake for 2-3 hours by giving them a bath, interacting with them, and feeding just before you leave your home or on arrival at my studio. Obviously, this may all go out of the window, as these things are always easier said than done! But this little bit of prep really can make a difference to your session, especially if the baby arrives nice and sleepy.

2. Dress baby in a simple loose sleeper that doesn't have to be lifted off over the head, just in case baby is sleeping soundly on arrival. No tight socks or onesies to avoid lines on their skin.

3. If you are using or considering using a pacifier, please bring it along. It can be a huge lifesaver when the baby continuously wants to feed/suckle for comfort. Sometimes it really is the difference between getting that shot or not! A pacifier can help to avoid contact with mommy while we are in the “rhythm” of a session. Baby can smell mom and hear her voice and this triggers their instinct to feed. It can be quite a distraction for a little newborn. Using a bottle or a pacifier for a couple of minutes can help to maintain the fluidity of the session and helps the baby settle easier.

4. Any eye gunk or boogers are to be removed if possible please.

5. If you are breastfeeding, it may help not to eat spicy or acidic foods or drink caffeine in the 48 hours prior to your session as this could possibly make the baby unsettled.

2. Bathe Baby

The purpose of the bath is not just to clean baby and ensure the fabulous soft fuzzy baby hair, it also makes them feel cozy. The bath may keep baby awake and tire them out. If your baby's umbilical cord is off, please give a full bath, otherwise, a sponge bath. The key is to linger during the bath, draw it out longer than you normally would. You want your baby awake so take your time and let them get nice and relaxed.

3. Feeding

We would be grateful if you could feed your baby a FULL feeding when you arrive. Schedule your baby’s day accordingly for this. A full tummy equals a sleepy baby!

Tip-Get dressed and pack your diaper bag before feeding baby so it’s the last thing you do before heading to the studio!

On Arrival

4.A full baby means a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy & calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, flexible poses you see in my portfolio. If the baby is awake when you arrive, it is best to undress them first, I will wrap them in a blanket, then you can feed them. I may ask you to ignore a strict feeding schedule and feed them as needed for the 2-3 hours at the session! The only way we will achieve calm, curly poses is if your baby is happy, full and sleeping deeply.

5. It’ll be hot.

The studio will be heated to keep your little one warm, so dress in layers so that you can remove some if you get too warm.

6. Soothing, feeding the baby.

Please know that I do not mind waiting for you to nurse or for diaper changes, or just taking a break to soothe your baby at any point. You and your baby's well-being is more important to me than getting a shot. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, please bring along more than you think you'll need! Mark my words.

7. Poop (Unless requested, most images can be achieved with diaper on.)

When doing the poses where the baby is undressed, it is normal (and okay) for baby to poop or wee on my backdrop...or anywhere else. I can assure you this happens all the time, and I am not upset or offended. Please bring with you baby wipes, extra diapers, and extra outfit for baby. After each newborn session, I launder all of my backdrops and other items the baby comes in to contact with. An extra set of clothes for the parents is a good idea (not necessary), just in case. Someone always gets wee'd or pooped on, its usually me, but sometimes you!

IMPOrtant

8. Session and Siblings

Newborn sessions generally take 2-3 hours, so please plan for that. If you there are older siblings that will be included in photos, those images will be photographed at the start of the session. We suggest either bringing two cars so that Dad can take the older sibling(s) back home after we finish with family images, or have your spouse/partner take the older sibling(s) out on errands or grab a snack while we complete the session. Or a friend or family member may pick them up.

We recommend bringing no more than yourself, your spouse/partner and children. Lots of people in the studio make for somewhat challenging creative conditions and can be overwhelming for baby.

9. Family Photos

If you wish to have a portrait with baby, keep the clothing simple. Personally, I think plain tops with neutral colors work best. Avoid skin tight, bright busy patterns & large logos where possible. If you are keen on black and white photos, please avoid white tops if possible.

CHECKLIST

Diapers and wipes

Baby Formula (extra), Breastmilk

Parent and siblings outfits

Pacifier (optional but very helpful)

Baby go home outfit

A baby blanket

Anything to make you comfortable (ipad, books, nursing pillow, phone, snacks, beverage).

Thank you again for choosing To the Moon and Back Photography to document this special time in your lives. I am honored you chose me, and I consider photographing your newborn a great responsibility and privilege.