Calm Baby, Sleepy Baby
Sometimes, getting a newborn baby to sleep can be easier said than done. However, there are steps that can be taken to help improve our changes of a sleepy baby for your newborn session in my studio. I try to create a womb experience for your baby. They have hung out in there for about the last 9 months, so mimicking this space helps a baby fall right to sleep.
Get them MILK DRUNK
You read that right, milk DRUNK. This can be achieved by over feeding baby. A milk drunk baby will go into a deeper sleep and stay asleep longer. Don't forget to burp baby during and after feeding! An upset tummy, or gassy baby, will cause too much discomfort for them to sleep.
WARMTH
Since babies are used to being nice and toasty in mommy's belly, I keep my studio at a warm 73 degrees (dress accordingly). This insures they don't get cold and remain comfortable. Also, while baby's are being posed naked, there will be a heating pad underneath their set up. The heating pad will be set to a low temperature in order to keep them comfortable while they don't have on clothes.
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
SHUSHER
I have a sound machine that plays multiple different white noises. Some of the white noises include, shushing, heartbeat, a fan, and crashing waves. In the womb, babies hear their mama's heartbeat, her breathing, and muffled outside noises. I have found that sound machines work wonders in keeping a baby asleep and have even used them at home for my own daughter.
NEWBORN DETAILS | BABY TOES
SWADDLE POSES
Another way to mimic being in the womb is to wrap newborns in a swaddle. I like to try and swaddle babies firsthand and get those images out of the way. If I notice a newborn is immediately in a deep sleep after feeding, we may do non-swaddled poses first. Then swaddle later to help keep them asleep longer.
LIFESTYLE NEWBORN | NURSERY
THIRD EYE MASSAGE
This massage happens between the tip of baby's nose and the middle of their forehead. Slowly rubbing this area of the baby's face can be relaxing, causing a baby to go to sleep.
OUTDOOR NEWBORN | BASEBALL GLOVE
2-3 HOURS OF PLAY
Before your session, I recommend 2-3 hours of play with your newborn. They are all different in how much play they will be able to stand, but here are different ways to help keep them awake. Diaper only play causes a newborn to be slightly chilled, keeping them awake for longer periods. Tummy time is used to help a baby learn head control and usually helps a newborn stay awake. Although it is not a practice of safe sleep, some babies may prefer to sleep on their bellies, and this may not work. Lastly, give him/her a bath!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
There are some babies that just won't sleep, no matter how much effort you, or I, put into getting them to sleep and THAT'S OKAY. I don't sleep well in new environments either! But, I do love the occasional bright-eyed and bushy tailed newborn sessions.
LIFESTYLE NEWBORN | SIBLING KISSES
