9 Practical Ways to Deal with Your Baby’s Crying During Their Newborn Photoshoot
I get it. The thought of your newborn crying during their photoshoot might make you nervous. But guess what? It’s completely normal! Babies cry because it’s their only way of communicating, and it’s nothing to worry about. Whether they’re feeling a bit fussy from hunger, tiredness, or simply being a little out of their comfort zone, it’s all part of the process. As a mom of six, I totally understand how overwhelming it can feel to see your little one upset, but I’m here to guide you through it.
In this post, I’m going to share some practical tips on how to calm your baby during the session, and how I’ve learned to work with those little moments of fussiness to still capture beautiful, timeless shots of your newborn.
Stay Calm and Patient
I know it’s easier said than done, but your baby can sense your energy. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, they might pick up on that, which could make them more upset. My number one tip is to breathe deeply, stay calm, and trust the process. I’ve been doing this for years, and I’ve learned how to soothe babies and still get stunning shots. You can relax knowing that I’m well-equipped to handle these moments with ease.
Give Them Time
Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra time to get your baby settled. I allow plenty of time during my newborn sessions to accommodate breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or just some quiet bonding time between you and your baby. It’s totally okay if we need to pause and give your baby some time to calm down or even fall asleep. Newborn sessions aren’t rushed, and that’s why it lasts a few hours. I always ensure we take the time necessary to capture your baby’s most peaceful moments.
The Power of Swaddling
Swaddling works wonders for calming newborns. It makes them feel safe, warm, and secure just like when they were in your womb. If your baby is fussy, I’ll gently swaddle them in one of my soft, cozy blankets. It often helps them feel settled and comfortable, and we can continue the shoot with them feeling much more relaxed.
Gentle Movement and Swaying
A little rocking or gentle swaying can do wonders for soothing a fussy newborn. I’m happy to gently rock your baby or hold them in a calm and comforting position. Babies love movement, and the rhythmic rocking might help them fall asleep or at least calm down enough for some peaceful photos.
Feeding and Comfort Breaks
If your baby is still unsettled, it could be because they’re hungry or need a quick break. Whether it's nursing or bottle-feeding, I encourage you to take a moment to feed them. This is often the quickest way to calm them down. I’ve seen countless times how a feeding break can help both baby and parents feel refreshed and ready to continue with the session.
Use White Noise or Calming Sounds
Sometimes babies just need some background noise to feel comforted. I’ll often play soft, soothing white noise or lullabies to create a peaceful atmosphere in the studio. The sound mimics the environment they were used to in the womb, which can help calm them down during the session.
I’ve Got It Covered
Even if your baby does get upset, there’s no need to worry about the photos. Over the years, I’ve learned how to work around a fussy baby. With the right timing, lighting, and angles, I can still capture those perfect moments when your baby is relaxed, even after a brief crying spell. I’m always ready to catch that sweet shot once your baby is calm again.
Focus on the Small Details
Sometimes, when babies are upset, they might not want to fully cooperate with posed shots. But don’t worry, there’s beauty in the little details! I’ll focus on capturing their tiny hands, feet, and facial expressions, which can result in truly stunning, intimate portraits. These photos can be just as meaningful as the posed ones, and they showcase your baby’s unique features in a beautiful way.
Let’s Work as a Team
Remember, this is a team effort. You, me, and your baby are all working together to make sure we capture those timeless memories. I’ll keep you updated throughout the session, and together we’ll make sure that your baby feels comfortable, loved, and safe. After all, that’s when the magic happens!
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Crying during a newborn photoshoot is totally normal and it’s something that can be handled with a little patience, a lot of love, and some calming techniques. I’ve seen it all, and I’m prepared to manage any little bumps along the way, ensuring you still leave with beautiful images of your baby.
If your newborn is crying, just know it’s part of the process, and it’s nothing to stress about. We’ll work together to create a calm environment, and soon enough, your little one will be back to looking as adorable as ever for their photos.
Whether your baby is awake, sleeping, or a little bit fussy, I’ve got the experience and knowledge to handle it. You can relax and trust that I’ll capture beautiful moments that you’ll treasure forever. Connect with me so we can talk about your baby’s newborn session!
