The thought of bringing big siblings to your newborn session can seem like a trainwreck. You are already dealing with so many changing family dynamics and adding siblings into the session seems like a headache you don’t want to deal with. However, you desperately want that beautiful sibling photo to hang on your wall! So, what are you supposed to do? Preparing siblings for newborn photos can be challenging, but it certainly isn’t impossible. But how do you do it?

Well, momma, I am here to help you, so don’t you worry! Will it be a disaster? Maybe. Will it be hard? Possibly. Will it be worth it? Absolutely!

The best way to make sure sessions go well with siblings is to help them prepare as much as possible – especially when you are also dealing with a new baby! Keep reading for 4 easy to follow tips to help make sibling photos as smooth as possible.

1. Keep your expectations realistic. I put this one first because I think it is truly the hardest one! I know you want that perfect photo of your babies all together and I promise we will do everything in our power to make that happen! But, at the same time, we have to be realistic with what we can expect. We will get a sibling photo, it just might not be the one you had in mind.

2. Practice before your session! It is super helpful to practice with your big kids before the session. Especially for those younger big kids. You can have your toddler practice gently holding a baby doll or a teddy bear. This will help them be more comfortable with the process at the studio.

3. Save the snacks and screen time. Snacks and screens are definitely a great distraction at the studio! They help keep those littles occupied while we are doing photos. However, it is almost too good of a distraction that if we pull these out too soon – it is hard to get them to participate after they have had a chance to watch a little Miss Rachel. I suggest keeping these packed up until after their portion of their pictures so we aren’t fighting for their attention. The same goes for toys. The general rule of thumb is – if you don’t want it in the picture, don’t give it to them before the photos.

4. Last, but definitely not least, is to make sure your older child has had a chance to snuggle with the baby before coming to the studio. If big brother has never had a chance to hold his baby sister before picture day – it probably won’t go as well as you are hoping.

I hope these 4 easy tips help give you more confidence in preparing siblings for newborn photos. Just remember, I have a lot of experience working with toddlers and big siblings of all ages and will pull out all the tricks I know to help get you the best photos!

If you think I am up for the challenge of capturing your kiddos all together – whether they are newborns or not, click here and let’s get started on booking a session! I know we can do it together!

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