Tips for Preparing Toddler Siblings for a Newborn Photography Session
As a Newborn Photographer, one of the most requested images to get is a sibling picture. But it is also the hardest one to get. Especially with siblings who are around the age of 18 month - 3 years.
Capturing the special bond between siblings and their new arrival is truly heartwarming, and it is magically when all the stars align. I work so hard to achieve these images, but there is lots you can do as well to prepare your siblings prior to your session!
Here are some tips to help make the experience getting Newborn and Sibling Photography enjoyable and as stress-free as possible :) for everyone involved:
Start the process Early:
Begin preparing siblings for the newborn session well in advance. Explain to them what to expect and involve them in the process from the beginning. I ask clients to have younger siblings lay down on their bed at home, and tuck baby in next to them! Before baby arrives they can use a doll to practice. This helps them get used to the feeling of holding and being near to baby!
Emotional Prep: For many toddlers, the idea of a new baby can bring big feelings. Feelings of jealousy, curiosity, anxiety, confusion. This is why starting conversations early (weeks before your session) gives them time to adjust. Talk about what a baby does (sleeps, eats, cries), how siblings sometimes have to share attention, and that everyone will need patience.
Role-playing helps: Use a doll (or stuffed animal) to simulate what it might feel like: letting the baby rest on them, gently touching, being quiet. It's not just about physical comfort, it’s also teaching empathy and gentleness. Highlight how great they are at helping, being gentle, being kind big siblings. You can have them lay down on your bed at home, and tuck “baby” in next to them, or in their arms.
Familiarize with setting / tools: If possible, show them photos of my studio and me, the props, the lighting, cameras. Let them see what happens in newborn sessions. You can use some of my behind the scenes images. This reduces “surprise anxiety” for them.
Set a timeline: Have a rough plan or countdown so siblings know when the session is coming: “In three sleeps, we’ll go to see the photographer.” If your kids are like mine, they have the memory of a goldfish, but you would be surprised how repeating things like this does have an impact.
Praise & reinforcement early: As soon as you see behavior or responses that show understanding or gentleness (holding a doll gently, being kind to baby bump, etc.), praise them. It primes the mindset that we need to be gentle and calm around a newborn.
Newborn Pictures with Siblings Example #2: Baby Sofia was 10 days old and is pictured here with her darling big sister Maria who was just 2 years old!
2. Explain to them what they will be doing.
Explain that you are going to go for an adventure, and while you are there, they will get to hold baby! Make coming to my studio, an exciting thing they can look forward to. Booking your newborn photographer in advance is incredibly important to being able to prepare your toddler. You can even show them these photos to explain what they will be doing, and you can also show them my photo so they know who I am! There are many other reasons you should hire your newborn photographer early, but this is one of them.
A lot of times, taking a picture to a toddler means “no fun at all”. It means they have to hold still and not do what they want to do. So I try to avoid them even hearing the word “picture”. All they need to know is that they GET to snuggle their new brother or sister! And that is so special! They don’t even need to know they are getting pictures taken.
Frame it as fun and special: Use language like “We’re going on a special photo adventure,” “You get to meet your baby sibling in pictures,” “You get to show how much you love them.” Make them feel they have an important role, because they really do! They are now a big brother or big sister which changes their entire life.
Visual tools: Use books, videos, or picture storyboards that show other siblings in newborn photos. . If they can see what’s going to happen it helps. “Here’s a picture of a big sister helping the baby, see how gentle she is? We’ll try that.” Feel free to use images you see on this page. My portfolio showcases many more family and newborn photographs you might enjoy.
Talk through logistics: Let them know roughly how long the session will be, breaks, time for snacks, bathroom. Kids hate surprises. If they know there will be a snack break, or that sometimes they might need to stay quiet, they can better handle when that moment comes.
Choices to give them agency: Let them pick something small for the shoot—an outfit, a plush toy, hair accessory. This sense of control makes them feel less like things are being done to them and more with them.
Reward anticipation: Build excitement by reminding them in days before: e.g., “Remember, tomorrow we get to do a photo shoot with baby! You’ll help us make such beautiful pictures.”
Normalize that it might be messy: Let them know sometimes babies cry, sessions have pauses, things might not go perfectly. Setting realistic expectations helps reduce frustration.
Newborn Pictures with Siblings Example #1: 9 Day old Baby Girl Nora with her big sister Anabel age 4, and her big brother Joseph, age 3!
3. Practice the Poses at home
Encourage siblings to practice holding (or laying next to) the baby safely under your supervision. This helps them feel more comfortable and confident during the actual session.
Safety first: Demonstrate proper technique—supporting baby’s head, being close, being seated for safety. At home, parents practice with a doll under supervision. Emphasize gentle touch.
Mirror work: Let the toddler look in mirror (their own reflection) while holding a doll, or sitting next to a doll. Helps them see what they’ll be doing in the photos; builds confidence and creates a memory for them you can refer to. “Remember when you held your doll on my bed at home?”
Short bursts: Practice for small moments, maybe 1-2 minutes at a time, so they don’t get bored or frustrated. Gradually increase so they get used to the idea of being still for a short time, then resuming movement. I am used to getting 5-10 seconds to get the shot, and most of the time can, but it’s usually helpful to try to extend this time frame if possible.
Celebrate small successes: If they manage to hold the doll nicely celebrate with them! say something like “You are such a big boy for holding baby so nicely!”
While you’re at it, you might also want to practice with Dad and show him some of the dad and newborn photos we might be doing too! Sometimes they need a little extra encouragement too!
Newborn Pictures with Sibling Example #3: Micro Preemie Baby boy Oliver at 8 weeks old, with his 2 year old sister Evelyn
4. Choose Comfortable Outfits for toddlers
Select outfits for siblings that are comfortable and easy to move in. Avoid clothing with loud patterns or logos that could distract from the focus of the photos. A basic white t-shirt is sometimes one of the best outfits for siblings. Photographs well and is comfortable for your toddler.
I know it is tempting to order the fanciest outfit for your toddler, but if a toddler is uncomfortable, and there are itchy seams, tight waistbands, or scratchy fabric they’ll likely spend more time fussing than snuggling. Soft, stretchy fabrics help so much, or an outfit they are used to. Lots of times, toddlers do not have the words to say “my tag is itchy” and so they just act out.
Simplicity over trendiness: The simpler the outfit, the more timeless the photo. Solid colors, neutrals, soft pastels, creamy whites often help focus on emotion and connection rather than fashion. Logos or busy prints can distract and date the photos later. Try to avoid collared shirts as well! These tend to look really bulky by the neck and shoulders when your toddler is laying down.
Coordinate, don’t match: If you have other family members, coordinate tones rather than identical outfits. Allows each personality to shine without clashing. Maybe siblings in neutrals with one accent color.
Layering & back-ups: Bring a second option in case of accidents (spit-up, diaper leaks, etc.). Layers are great: cardigans, hats, shirts that can be added/removed to adjust for warmth or style. It is warm in my studio, so a short sleeve might be your best bet.
No Shoes: Often for family & sibling photos, I recommend bare feet. Shoes can sometimes distract unless they are part of the style. Sometimes toddlers tend to wiggle and kick, and bare feet are safer.
Comfort during transport: Consider what the toddler wears for travel to the shoot; if they’re in something cozy for getting there but maybe change into the outfit for pictures, that can help with calmness. If they hate getting changed, maybe get them changed in the car before coming inside.
5. Be Flexible Yourself
Understand that young children may have unpredictable moods or reactions during your session. Letting it seem like it’s their idea to hold baby is the best option. I know that getting these sibling pictures are sometimes the most important for parents, and please know that I will do everything I can to ensure those images happen. But sometimes we will try all the tricks listed here, and it still doesnt happen. The best thing you can do, is expect NOT to get any, then if you do, it’s just like icing on the cake! All you can do is prepare your toddler as much as you can in advance, but as we all know, toddlers run the show. Getting a “good” sibling shot is not a guarantee, but we will always give it our best shot!!
We may need to change poses/plans on the fly: If one pose or idea isn’t working, shift to something more doable. This might mean toddler is sitting on a parents lap and looking at their new baby. Or maybe a composite is needed.
Let their mood guide session: If a toddler is restless, maybe start with the baby alone, then bring in sibling later when interesting. If child is playful, incorporate that energy rather than trying to force stillness.
Use distractions: Bubbles, favorite songs, tickles, puppets. These are tools, not fallback.
Expectation for “perfect” vs “real”: Sometimes the messy, imperfect shots are the ones that feel most loved. Let that comfort in. If hair is messy, outfit not perfect, but sibling’s face is full of wonder, those are gold.
Stay calm and patient: The parent’s energy influences the child’s. If parents are stressed or anxious, toddler picks up on it. Having a mindset that “it’s about capturing them, not enforcing perfection” can release tension.
Newborn Picture with Sibling Example #4: 9 Day old Newborn with her older Brother Everett age 5 and her big Charlie age 7
6. Offer Rewards
I am ALL about rewards during your session. Whatever is needed. So consider offering small incentives or rewards for good behavior during the session. I also can hide “goldfish” or “yogurt bites” in baby’s wrap and let toddler come to get them! Turns it into a game, and they love it. I have also been known to play Ms. Rachel or Bluey on a phone or iPad above my head while shooting. Make sure your toddler is fed fully before heading to see me.
Reward types: These could be treats (small snack), stickers, or a favorite toy. You know your child best and what will work for them.
Game-like structure: Turning parts of the session into a game gives toddler purpose. “Let’s see if you can hold the baby just like the toddler in this photos is holding their new sister.” I have a photo in studio to show them as well.
Newborn Picture with Siblings Example #5: Newborn Baby Girl Kylie at 6 days old, photographed with siblings Zuleykah age 8, Jazzlyn age 5, and Axel 17 months.
7. Set Expectations for Yourself
I know how important getting a sibling photos is. And I can promise you we will do everything we can to achieve this! But you might have Pinterest images in mind, perfect poses, perfect smiles, but the real life with toddlers is messy, spontaneous, and a little feral. Right parents? Some of the best images are the ones we weren’t expecting or planning for.
Even if a shot isn’t perfectly composed, or your toddler doesnt look directly at my camera, there is still love, tenderness, and connection. And truely that is often more meaningful than something technically perfect like you are used to seeing.
Plan backups: If big sibling cooperation is low, have fallback ideas (individual shots, baby only, parent-sibling combos) so you still get something beautiful even if full sibling snuggles don’t happen. We can also talk about taking a composite image. Where we take two separate photos and combine them in photoshop.
Communicate with your photographer: Be upfront with what shots are “must-haves” for you, and which are “nice to have.” That way expectations are aligned. If photographer knows your priorities, you’ll be more satisfied. A great way to do this is to take a look at my examples of newborn photos and send me the ones you like!
Celebrate whatever you do get: Even one good photo, one snuggle, one family photo, one connection, these are all wins. Remember, you’re getting these memories in a time that’s already full of transition and fatigue. Honor what is captured, not what missed.
Be gentle with yourself: As a parent, you already have a lot going on. I remember exactly what that feels like. If sibling shots are stressful, or don't go as planned, remember that that’s okay. The love behind the images is what matters. You’re doing the work, and often I am able to capture photos that you didn’t even see happen. All I need is a second or two of cooperation.
Don't forget to turn your stunning Sibling photographs into tangible keepsakes. Whether it's gorgeous framed hand brushed artwork, fine art prints, or even photo albums or keepsake boxes. These images will truly become some of your most treasured memories for both you and your children as they grow older.
Hope all these tips help you, your kids, and your photographer snag those memories your after!
