It’s easier than you think!
In the chaos of your life with a newborn baby, we sometimes forget a few very basic and simple things we can do to make everyone, well, happier! As a newborn photographer, I have worked with hundreds of newborns and am happy to share a few ways to help you comfort your newborn baby. During my newborn portrait sessions, I rely on my knowledge and understanding of baby’s most basic needs. If you think about how simple it can really be, a sleepy baby is relatively “easy”! Don’t get me wrong, newborns are complicated little people but let’s start with the basics!
1. Swaddle
Have you ever heard a new parent say “yes, my baby loves to be naked”? In over thirteen years specializing in newborn portraiture, not one parent told me that their baby loves to feel cold and vulnerable. I can write an entire blog on how I pose naked newborns but I don’t think my clients are interested in doing this at home. There is a lot to learn about babies and feeling secure and snug in their swaddle mimics the environment they just came from, the womb. Wrapping newborns manages their Moro reflex that often startles them causing them to wake. Now, you don’t have to wrap them as I do in the studio, but knowing how to do a simple and secure swaddle can be the key to baby’s happiness.
2. Shushing
One sound you will hear throughout your entire session with me is the infamous Baby Shusher. If baby needs a little more comfort, you will hear the sound directly from me along with the Baby Shusher. Why is this so calming and comforting to baby? Similar to emulating the security of swaddling, the loud and rhythmic sound mimics mom’s blood flow in the womb, naturally calming baby. If you don’t have a Baby Shusher at home, making the sound yourself is just as effective.
3. Sucking
Newborns have a natural need to self- sooth and pacifiers provide this for them. As a young nursing mom myself, I was terrified that pacifiers would cause nipple confusion so I avoided the use of them for both of my children. I was an on-demand food provider and human pacifier which I still wear as a badge of honor. My kids turned out totally fine but I still look back and wonder what life could have been like if I gave them a pacifier. I feel a little guilty actually, but that falls into the “mom guilt” bucket we all proudly own. Everyone should make the decision that is best for them but newborns do naturally need to calm their little nervous systems. I have photographed hundreds of newborns and have the most success if we can use a pacifier during the session.
4. Swinging
There is a reason every newborn family owns a baby swing! While in the womb, baby was rocking and swaying along to every step mom took so naturally, this movement naturally calms them outside of the womb too! Let’s keep it gentle and along with swaddling, shushing and sucking, we have ourselves a calm little baby.
in closing…
Besides offering you gorgeous images of your newborn baby, it is my job to ensure baby is comfortable and sleepy during your session. All of my clients receive a prep guide to help baby arrive to the studio content and sleepy but as we know, babies are unpredictable. If you arrive to your session and baby is still hungry or needs a diaper change, we know that it will take some time to get them sleeping for me again. All of these methods help me and will certainly help you at home too. As your little newborn transitions from the comfort and safety of the womb, we need to make them feel just as protected and nurtured outside of the womb. Hope this helps!
As always, I’d love to hear from you…Get in Touch!
