Newborn Prep Guide

This preparation guide will help your session go more smoothly. If you’re unable to follow any of the guidelines, please don’t worry! I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that I’m able to capture those timeless images you’re envisioning. If that means patiently rocking your little one for 30 minutes or taking several feeding or cuddling breaks, that’s ok! 

BEFORE THE SESSION

  • Please give your baby a bath the day prior to the session. 

  • If you are breast-feeding, try to avoid eating anything spicy or gas inducing (i.e. pizza, spicy sauces, garlic, broccoli, thai/indian food, high fat, caffeine etc.) that might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. It’s best to stick to a relatively bland diet the 24 hours before your session. 

DAY OF THE SESSION

  • Please do your best to keep your baby AWAKE for around 2 hours before your session. I know this is hard, so all I ask is that you try your best. {I recommend you have dad in charge of this, so Mom can focus on her hair/makeup}. Some tricks to keep your baby awake are getting baby naked, tickling baby’s feet, and lightly wetting baby’s feet. A sleepy baby makes for a better session! Also, if baby kept you up the night before (that’s even better, I can edit out your dark eye circles, don’t worry!)

  • If possible, please have a bottle of formula or breast milk ready for the session, along with a pacifier should we need it. This is especially important with twins and maintaining the flow of the session. I understand that many mothers are trying to avoid a pacifier during this critical time of learning to breastfeed. But I hope you’ll consider that pacifiers are so useful in soothing fussy babies back to sleep during the 3 hours we’re together. If you are not comfortable with the use of a pacifier, please let me know. I am absolutely on board with whatever you choose! 

  • Feed your baby FULLY before coming for your session. 

  • Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on skin. A onesie that opens in the front is best, as this avoids having to lift anything tight over baby’s head.

DURING THE SESSION

  • The studio will be warm during the session so that your baby remains comfortable. There will also be a small space heater to keep your little one warm. Please dress in layers so that you can also remain comfortable during the session.

  • Newborn sessions generally take 3 hours. If a toddler is involved, a session may take up to 4 hours. 

  • Please take advantage of this time to rest! I generally won’t need any help, but I’ll be sure to ask you if I do! 

  • Once your family portion is completed, I recommend that dad, or another caretaker takes the sibling(s) home or on an errand while we finish.

**NO CAMERAS ARE ALLOWED DURING YOUR SESSION

I understand this is a momentous time in your life that you want to capture. However, I work very hard to create unique, artistic images for you and another camera can be distracting and uncomfortable. Please be respectful and kindly refrain from taking pictures during your session. You will see your gallery images within two short weeks after our session. Trust that it’ll be worth the wait!

XOXO Katie

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