New life always whispers so sweetly to my creative soul. I’m grateful to this tender mama (a creative herself over @curateandcompany!) who gave me and my camera a backstage pass to all this love.
My newborn sessions are slow and deliberate and honestly pretty quiet. Here are a few methods I’ve used over the years to keep baby calm. Since offering films, I’ve had to abandon the space heater and pink noise to ensure clean audio, but I thought I’d share these tips for you photographers!
- The Bum Pat
This one always wows a new parent. I was once told by a pediatrician that they use it in the NICU…that it’s considered as effective as a tiny dose of a pain med.
- A Space Heater
Winter is coming and babies love a cozy space. I ask my newborn clients if they have a space heater, and if they don’t, I bring mine! No need to crank the heat throughout the house…a space heater warms the space quickly. The only trick is then keeping baby awake!
- The Swaddle
I don’t love a burrito-baby look and always try to leave baby’s arms out or sneak them out once baby is calm. I bring a number of pretty prewashed swaddling blankets to newborn sessions, but typically, clients have a favorite of their own that we use.
- White Noise
Well, actually, pink. Pink noise is my favorite soothing tone. I play it on my phone and it seems to work on my clients’ babies as well as it did mine!
- Slowing Down
My approach with any session is to keep a family in one place for a while and to let their moments breathe. Babies really respond to this. We avoid a lot of passing off, jostling, and outfit changes in order to just be.
What are your favorite soothing techniques for a newborn?
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