How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Like a... Baby for Their Photoshoot | College Station Newborn Photographer
As a newborn and family photographer in College Station, I spend a lot of time getting sweet little babies to sleep for their newborn photoshoot. We all love those calm, peaceful, and snuggly baby photos where baby is wrapped up tight or resting in a sweet pose. Here are a few things that I’ve learned throughout my time photographing newborns.
1. For a successful sleepy shoot, baby needs to be tired when we start. I advise mama’s to keep their baby awake for about an hour before their shoot. Of course, mama, you know how long your baby can stay awake!
2. As well as being sleepy, baby needs a full and happy tummy. I suggest that mom go ahead and undress baby and loosely wrap them in a blanket while they eat. That helps transition them straight into posing if they do happen to fall asleep while eating.
3. Temperature, temperature, temperature. Sweet little babies need to be comfortably warm. For on location shoots I bring a little space heater and place it nearby, but not directly blowing on the baby. I monitor baby for sweating and color changes to ensure that they’re not becoming overheated. Your baby’s safety is always #1!
4. White noise! This one is a favorite of mine. My two favorite apps are “Guva” and “White Noise Lite”. They both allow you to customize your sound mixes. My favorite mix for newborn shoots is brown noise, heartbeat, white noise, and rain. I love white noise so much that I even play it when I go to bed! ;)
5. Lastly, swaddling! Another favorite of mine. After employing the tricks above we’ll give your baby some time to fall into a deep sleep. Some rocking, swaying, or booty patting usually helps if they’re struggling. If sleep still isn’t coming, we can go for a swaddle shot! Most babies will settle into it and fall asleep within a few minutes. My wraps are suuuper stretchy and babies typically love them! They feel safe and secure. After snapping our swaddled shots we can slowly unwrap baby and continue on with posing them.
I hope this gives you a little insight into how the parents, photographer, and baby all work together to achieve a successful shoot. My desire is that you would be equipped for your newborn shoot and be able to relax and enjoy the process. If you’re interested in working with me, please contact me at havengiglotti@gmail.com, 713-298-4955, via my contact page, or the button below. I’d love to chat with you!
Haven is an experienced photographer servicing Bryan, College Station, and Navasota, TX. She has been working in photography for 5+ years and enjoys serving the Brazos Valley. Haven specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, birth and family photography. To book a shoot, visit her contact page.