5 Simple Sibling Photo Ideas Guide with Newborn Baby
One of my most requested images at a newborn photo shoot, is a sibling with newborn image! Of course, if you’ve ever met a toddler you know these are the trickiest images to usually get! (See my blog post here for Tips on Preparing Your Toddler for a Newborn Photography Session )
As a Newborn Photographer, I understand the importance of having a backup plan when doing newborn photography with siblings. Children can be quite unpredictable, and many factors contribute to capturing the perfect image.
Here are some of my favorite sibling photo ideas to try at your next family and sibling newborn photoshoot. This guide includes both newborn and sister photo ideas, and newborn and brother photo ideas as well.
1. Sibling Laying Down Holding Baby
2.5 Year old toddler Vincent was absolutely thrilled to have his new 2 week old baby brother Leo in his arms! Absolutely precious, and I actually have this image printed up in my studio I loved it so much.
When attempting a newborn photoshoot with siblings, this pose is ideal for toddlers ages 2–5, especially those who generally give me about five seconds, and that’s truly all we need. Your toddler gets to lie right next to their new baby, close enough to feel connected without being overwhelmed by instructions or expectations. There’s no pressure to hold, no need to sit perfectly still, and nothing that feels “too hard” for this age. This flokati is a dream for this pose! It is soft and keeps baby, and toddler as safe as possible. I guide everything safely, quickly, and calmly, capturing that natural closeness before your toddler is ready to move on. I have been known to hold a phone over my head playing an episode of Bluey at the same time as well!
2. Sibling Laying On Tummy Holding Newborn In Arms
How darling is this big brother holding his beautiful brand new baby sister? Melts my heart!
This pose works best when the sibling is a bit older, around 3 years and up, and can follow simple guided directions. Having the sibling at this age allows them to understand and cooperate in order to keep the Newborn safe. It's also helpful to use a small pillow (as seen below) to help support the baby’s head. This additional support enables the older sibling to hold the baby more securely and comfortably. When a client requests a brother and sister photos make sure to ask their age! This will help you plan.
3. Sibling Sitting on Couch Holding Newborn
This pose is fantastic if you have multiple siblings involved! It fosters a sense of togetherness and allows for close-up shots like the one below. Wrapping the baby helps make them easier for the siblings to hold securely. Typically, I have the older sibling hold the newborn, which not only adds stability but also enhances the sweetness of the moment. This setup often results in some of the most cherished images, capturing the loving bond between all of the siblings!
Darling brand new baby girl being held by her two older siblings!
4. Siblings Hands On Newborn Pose
This pose is ideal for siblings of all ages and is always a favorite with parents due to it’s simplicity but emotional nature. It worked perfectly for this sweet girl, who had three older brothers of varying ages, and they all did wonderfully! For younger siblings, a helpful trick is to place a yogurt puff or Cheerio safely in the newborn’s wrap and have the toddler find it like a game. This creates some truly adorable images of their hands on the baby as they search for the treat.
Baby Girl Annie with Her 3 Big Brothers hands on her protecting her!
5. Siblings On Bed with Newborn Pose
If you have a boho or bed setup in your studio, this is the perfect setting for capturing beautiful images of brother and sisters with newborn. Especially when you have multiple children to photograph. This setup tends to be easier and allows for the creation of sweet, lifestyle-type images that showcase the siblings simply being together and interacting naturally just like they would at home. The relaxed and cozy environment of a bed or boho setup lends itself to candid moments that parents absolutely adore. These images exude warmth and connection, making them treasured keepsakes that any parent would love to have.
One week old baby boy Ellis being held by his big sister, and his two big brothers! They traveled 2 hours to come see me! Absolutely love this family.
BONUS SIBLING & NEWBORN POSE - USING PARENTS AS SUPPORTS!
2 Year old big brother giving his new baby brother, Rowan all the kisses!
This two-year-old was not about to lie down on a flokati, but he was more than happy to sit on the couch and give his new baby brother a sweet kiss. And that’s the magic. Toddlers, especially ages 2–3, don’t need to be forced into a pose that doesn’t feel right to them. Sometimes the best thing we can do is let them lead, meet them where they are, and build the image around what they’re willing to give. By using parents for support, we keep everyone safe, comfortable, and relaxed while still capturing a genuine sibling connection. And if a toddler moment happens faster than we can blink, that’s okay too. Between experience, timing, and a little Photoshop magic when needed, we always make sure you walk away with a beautiful image that feels natural, calm, and true to this season of life.
I hope these “5 Simple Sibling Poses with Newborn Baby” plus bonus pose, inspire your next photoshoot and help you capture the precious bond between your children. See also my blog post on Tips for Preparing Toddler Siblings for a Newborn Photography Session
Remember, these fleeting moments are priceless, so don't let them fade away in the depths of your digital storage. Consider ordering a beautifully crafted album that tells the story of your growing family, or transform your favorite images into stunning professional prints.
For a truly eye-catching display, turn a cherished photo into a large canvas piece that becomes the focal point of your living space. For those of you who have been to my home, you’ve seen the prints in my hallway, and they are some of my most treasured possessions.
And to top it off, your kids absolutely LOVE seeing their pictures on the wall, and it fosters a feeling of love and security for them, which is just a bonus. A family newborn sibling photoshoot is probably one of the best investments you will make.
~ Lindsay | Salem Oregon Newborn Photographer
