Oftentimes, the newborn photography I capture in Edina & the Twin Cities is filled with family, including new big brothers or big sisters. Experiencing the love and joy shared between siblings at such a tender age is a moment unlike any other.

You may be preparing to schedule a newborn photoshoot at home, while wondering how your active toddlers can participate in a way that creates heirloom-quality family photos. As a mom myself, I know all too well how active the toddler stage can be. Many parents have concerns that older siblings will not have the ability to partake in a photoshoot because they are on the go.

Here are some of my top tips for creating an engaging, stress-free environment where newborn photography with your family, at home, will be a memorable experience.

Top Tips for Newborn Photography with Family at Home

1. Scheduling your Session

You may still be adjusting to your new schedule. It’s possible your toddler(s) had a solid nap and snack schedule. But now your sweet newborn has a brand new schedule, all their own. If at all possible, try to schedule your newborn photography with family for a time that works best for your toddler. They should be well rested, fed, and ready to have a little fun in front of the camera. When working with families on newborn photography in Edina and beyond, I always make sure our session provides time for feedings or diaper changes as needed. That way, your toddler is fed and happy, and you can shift your focus as needed throughout our time together.

2. Creative Fun

I would never expect a playful toddler to sit still and smile for the camera throughout the duration of a family photoshoot. Instead, I encourage creative play. Silly games (when not holding baby, of course), exploration, or even showing off their favorite toys are all part of the fun. I know moms and dads want those perfectly posed moments of their children to hang on the walls of their home. We will capture those cherished memories. But, we’ll also work on drawing out those adorable toothy smiles with genuine joy and authentic moments that feel like any other day inside your home. A little unexpected playtime is a great way to involve older siblings in a way that feels exciting to them.

3. Safety

One of my main points of focus when capturing newborn photos at home is always safety. Aside from proper hand washing & sterilization, we also have to consider the shared moments between your children. You may have concerns about your toddler holding your newborn. Ahead of your photoshoot, talk to your little ones about ‘gentle hands’. While also expressing how exciting it will be for them to hold their sibling. During our time together, mom or dad should be nearby during this moment, just out of the frame. Do you have a nursing pillow on hand? They are wonderful for making babies comfortable and a bit more secure during their big moment in front of the camera. 

If your toddler is not quite ready to hold their sibling, don’t worry. There are plenty of beautiful ways they can be depicted side by side in a way that is safe for both of them.

4. Patience & Understanding

I know all too well what an adjustment it is when families bring home a new baby. Capturing it all to look back on as your little ones grow is a beautiful way to honor a time when they were still so small, and the world was so big. For siblings, especially, they may still be trying to determine what this means for them. Those big feelings come with a wide range of emotions. Approaching this session as a moment for the whole family, with a dash of patience and understanding, is the best way to capture images to look back on for a lifetime. Completely unscripted, full of joy, and laced with heaps of love.

Newborn Family Pictures Captured in your Home

Are you ready to create your own newborn photography experience with family, from the comfort of your home? You can find more details on the packages I offer for newborn photoshoots when you follow this link. 

Or, navigate the links below for my top resources or a look inside my most recent sessions.

• How to Choose an MN Newborn Photographer
• Your Guide to Navigating a Newborn Photoshoot
• At Home Newborn Photography Session in Minneapolis
• 5 Places to go with infants in Minneapolis
• Newborn Photos at Home With Your Furbaby