How to Include Siblings in Your Newborn Photoshoot Without the Chaos…
How to Include Siblings in Your Newborn Photoshoot Without the Chaos
Hey friend! So you’ve got a newborn session scheduled (yay!) and you’re thinking about including the big brother or sister in the mix. I’m here to tell you that yes, it’s totally doable to capture those sweet sibling moments without the chaos. I’m sure you’re imagining a scene where your toddler is running around, or maybe trying to grab the baby’s face, but trust me, there are ways to keep things relaxed while still getting those precious sibling shots!
Let’s dive into some fun, practical tips to make this session enjoyable for everyone – including your older kiddos.
1. Keep Things Fun and Lighthearted
One of the best ways to get those natural, candid sibling interactions is to keep it fun! Don’t stress about getting perfect shots; focus on letting the kids be themselves. I love to let siblings interact in their own way – whether that’s a gentle kiss on the baby’s head, a playful giggle, or just holding hands while you chat. Let them do their thing, and the moments will be so much more genuine!
If your older child is a bit unsure or shy, play a little game with them! You can ask them to “show the baby how much they love them” and watch their imagination run wild. This way, they’ll feel like they’re part of the experience, rather than being told to sit still and pose.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get down to their level – literally! Sitting on the floor or lying on the bed can help them feel more at ease and lead to even more adorable photos.
2. Prepare Older Siblings Before the Session
As much as we’d all love for kids to understand what’s about to happen, sometimes they need a little prep! Before the session, chat with your older sibling(s) about what to expect. Let them know that they’ll be part of a “special photo time” with their new brother or sister. You could even show them some of the photos you love from previous shoots so they understand the vibe you’re going for.
You can also make sure to tell them about the importance of being gentle with the baby. (But don’t worry, if a little roughhousing happens, I’m ready to step in and make sure everyone’s safe while still getting great shots!) I always keep things lighthearted, and encourage the siblings to give each other high fives, hugs, or hold hands. This helps set the tone that it’s a relaxed session, not a stressful one.
Quick Tip: If you’re concerned about the sibling’s attention span, have their favorite toy or book ready to keep them entertained during the moments when it’s just baby time.
3. Balancing Energy and Calm
Let’s face it – siblings can be a lot of energy! But I know how to balance that high-energy vibe with calm moments that showcase the love and tenderness between siblings. Some shots I love to capture are when the older sibling is sitting or lying down with the baby, giving them a soft kiss, or just holding the baby’s hand gently. These moments are all about feeling that sibling bond.
However, I also love to let the older sibling run around or be a bit silly. If there’s a lot of energy, I might get a photo of them jumping around or doing something that shows their personality. These “in the moment” shots are what really tell a story and help capture the real connection between your kids. It’s all about finding the balance between quiet, peaceful moments and bursts of fun energy.
Bonus Tip: If you’ve got multiple kids, grouping them together in ways that make sense for their ages – like having the older sibling hold the baby while sitting on a comfy couch or bed – will keep the chaos to a minimum but still feel relaxed.
4. Plan for Breaks (For Everyone!)
Remember, photoshoots can be a long process for little ones, so we always plan for breaks. If your older child needs a snack, a break, or just a moment to chill, we’ll work it in. Keeping things relaxed means no pressure – just moments of sweetness that we’ll capture as they happen.
5. Keep It Real
At the end of the day, the most meaningful shots are the real ones. Sometimes the most special sibling moments happen when we least expect them. Maybe your toddler reaches over to the baby and gives them an accidental hug, or the baby starts smiling as the older sibling talks to them. These unplanned moments are the ones that really bring the photos to life!
So don’t stress if things don’t go according to plan – just trust that we’re going to get amazing shots, no matter how wild the kids may be!
I hope this helps you feel more at ease about including older siblings in your newborn session. Remember, we’ll keep it relaxed, fun, and full of love – no chaos allowed! If you’re ready to book your newborn session (with or without siblings), reach out to me through my website or find me on Instagram. Let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever!
Happy photo planning! ✨
