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 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!
Set Expectations With Your Toddler:
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!
Practice Poses:
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.
Choose Comfortable Outfits:
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.
Be Flexible:
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.
Offer Rewards:
I am ALL about rewards during your session. LOL. So consider offering small incentives or rewards for good behavior during the session. I also can hide “goldfish” or “Yogis” 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 on a phone or iPad above my head while shooting :)
Avoid Phrases Like “Take A Picture With Baby”
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.
Set Expectations for Yourself:
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!!
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!
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!
Newborn Pictures with Sibling Example #3: Micro Preemie Baby boy Oliver at 8 weeks old, with his 2 year old sister Evelyn
Newborn Picture with Sibling Example #4: 9 Day old Newborn with her older Brother Everett age 5 and her big Charlie age 7
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.
Don't forget to turn your stunning Sibling photographs into tangible keepsakes - whether it's gorgeous woodgrain framed artwork, fine art prints, or even photo albums. 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!
