Newborn photography is a little different from any other type of portrait photography. You are working with a tiny, precious new life. A little person that can’t always express what they need and is completely dependent on you to make good decisions for them. This is why any photographer you trust with your infant should have gone through extensive newborn safety training so they know poses to avoid, things to look out for, and what’s normal when working with a newborn. Ensuring the safety of your little one is a top priority for me. Here are the top 5 tips for newborn photography safety that I practice in the studio when working with babies:
Tips for Newborn Photography Safety
Tip 1: Never Wrap too Tightly
When I swaddle or wrap babies before starting their session, I wrap across baby’s chest and shoulders, rather than their neck or above their shoulders. We want the fabric to be snug, but not so tight that it might cause overheating or breathing risks. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your fingers can easily fit between baby’s chest and the swaddle fabric.
Tip 2: Always Support Baby’s Neck
You already know how important this is just from holding your baby! Regardless of the pose or position, baby’s neck and head should always be fully supported. When I pose your little one on the beanbag, in a basket, or in mom’s arms, I always make sure their head is properly cradled to prevent the risk of injury or breathing problems. I also use natural posing so that the way you hold baby is organic and feels genuine rather than forced or awkward.
Tip 3: Use Appropriate Newborn Props
Newborn photography props and baskets are adorable and add such a fun element to your baby pictures. But you can’t use just anything. It’s important to do a quality check on the material to make sure there is no splintering wood, loose supports, or risk of collapsing. I love finding antique props for newborn photography, but I always check to make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a baby, has no sharp edges, and can stand flat on its base without the risk of tipping over.
Tip 4: Keep the Room Temperature Comfortable
The ideal temperature for newborn photography is about 68-75 degrees. Any hotter than this, and baby has a risk of overheating, especially if they are wrapped up in several layers of fabric. I like to keep the room at about 72 degrees and occasionally use a space heater NOT pointed directly at the baby.
Tip 5: Respond to Hunger Cues
Any time baby is rooting, showing signs of being hungry, or is just having a hard time, take a break and let baby nurse or have a bottle. Newborns can become easily dehydrated and it can be hard for them to spend a period of time out of mom’s arms. I always plan for some breaks, so don’t worry, feeding and diaper changes won’t throw a hitch in your newborn session!
Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Colorado Springs
When you book your newborn photography session in Colorado Springs with Haili Wright Photography, rest assured that your little one is in safe hands. I take the comfort and security of my littlest clients very seriously, and will guide you through the process so that it’s a great experience for everyone. If you have questions or are interested in booking a session, please get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you!
