How to successfully capture newborn portraits with a toddler sibling

One of my favorite parts about being a newborn photographer is seeing families come back with their second (or third, or fourth) babies to my studio. I adore watching the toddlers I’ve photographed since they were newborns become big siblings and welcome their new baby brothers or sisters to the world. It’s so special - being able to capture these milestones for families. Not just the new baby, but the transition into siblinghood for the older toddlers, too. But, capturing these toddlers comes with it’s own challenges, and just about every parent I talk to is worried about how their toddler will be with the new baby during our portraits. It’s such a common fear - and I totally get it! But it’s 100% possible to have a beautiful session - with your toddler and new baby. Look at how well Baby Dylan and his big brother Owen did!

When I last saw Owen during their outdoor family portrait session in the fall, he was shy and quiet and only wanted to be held by his dad. This time around, he was excited to introduce me to his baby brother Dylan, and he loved playing with all of the toys in my studio. He eagerly joined the family portraits, and he was all smiles for the camera when he saw the different rattles and bubbles that I brought out for his session. Now, I know that not all toddlers are like Dylan - but over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks about how to help your toddlers feel better in the studio during newborn portraits.

Tips for engaging toddlers:

• Go at their pace, don't rush them - or everyone’s going to have a rough time.

• Make them feel special! It’s hard to understand why you aren’t the center of attention anymore. Start off by talking to the toddler and playing with them, and make it all about them instead of all about the baby.

• Let them feel in control, give them easy choices like "Do you want to start with just you and baby, or mommy and daddy and baby? Do you think we should use the white or the blue blanket?"

• Never underestimate the power of a bribe. I keep my studio snack cart stocked with toddler favorites, and it's amazing to see how hard these kids will keep it together for a promised goldfish or juice box when they are all done!

• Give them breaks. Mix up the family poses so that the child isn't in every single one for long periods of time. Let them go play, have a quick bite, help you find a new toy, etc. while you mix family portraits with mom and baby, dad and baby, sibling portraits, etc.

• Make it fun! Sing songs, blow bubbles, hide toys or snacks with the baby, ask them to find an animal in your camera lens, use rattles, lean in for little tickles, etc.

• Remember to keep the baby's safety your top priority and plan all shots around poses that will keep the baby supported and secure. Always have a parent or two nearby to spot the baby, and give the toddler clues or magic words that will let them know when it's safe to get up and move.

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