When to Have Your Newborn Session with Your Maryland Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 

 One of the most common questions I get from expecting parents is when they should book their newborn session with a lifestyle newborn photographer. My response is always the same: whenever you’re ready. For years, photographers said newborn sessions needed to be done between 5-12 days after birth. But the reality is that you, baby, and your family are all still adjusting to your new life! Everything changes when you bring that new bundle of joy home. While I’ll never undercut the importance of newborn photos, I think it’s most important that everyone feels ready and recovered enough to have a session in their home. The beauty of lifestyle photography is that there is no “perfect” or “right” time for your newborn photos. Here’s a few things to discuss when you want to have your newborn session! 

If you want to capture the “new” newborn stage… 

Then you’re going to want your newborn session to occur sooner after birth. Some clients like capturing the newness of their baby, including the little “baby fur” that you can see (vernix), their tiny hands, and sleepiness. Newborn sessions focusing on new babies is really emotional – it’s all about the little love that’s changed their life. Babies are still adjusting to the world and go through developmental leaps resulting in growth spurts and sleepiness. These photos are often of your baby sleeping or curled up against you.

Older Newborn Sessions….

‌Some clients want to capture the first smile, the coo, the flicker in a parent’s eye when their baby is moving from a eat/sleep pattern to a little one gaining personality. If that’s the case, you’re going to want to book a newborn session later in your little one’s first month. Your baby will become more alert, and you’ll find their sleepy moments are shorter. This is always a good option if you’re concerned at all about baby’s health or limiting your visitors, too! To me, older newborn sessions become more about the interactions that are beginning between you and your baby/family. 

No matter what you want your newborn session to capture, remember to book in advance. Reach out during your third trimester, if not earlier, to get on the calendar. When you book a newborn package with me, I have a soft hold to ensure I will have time in my schedule to photograph your family – so don’t worry about that!

Read more about booking your newborn lifestyle session here!