As a newborn photographer in Oklahoma City, one of the most heartwarming parts of my job is capturing the special moments between big siblings and their new baby brother or sister during a newborn photography session. It’s such a joy to see the start of what will be a beautiful lifelong bond! That said, photographing big siblings with your precious newborn can come with its own set of challenges. But don’t worry—I’ve got some tips to prepare big siblings for your newborn photography session. With a little preparation, your family photoshoot can be stress free, fun, and full of sweet sibling moments. Keep reading for practical advice from on how to include big siblings in newborn photos and make your OKC newborn session a memorable experience for the whole family.

General Tips for Preparing Big Siblings During a Newborn Photography Session

1. Schedule the newborn photography session at a time when the older sibling(s) are well-rested and fed. Trust me when I say a well napped and fed child is the happiest at sessions! I try to keep snacks on hand and I have a cozy couch if they just need a place to eat and relax, but doing this before your session will be pivotal.

2. Mama, you are tired and want to just kick your feet up after having a baby! Try your best to be patient and flexible during your newborn session. It’s easy for everyone to feel overstimulated and it’s okay to give your young child and yourself some grace. Therefore, it can be helpful to schedule breaks for both the parents and the children during the newborn session. Another popular option is to have a friend or grandparent take siblings home after the initial family/siblings shots.

3. Safety is my motto. Prepare big siblings for newborn photography session by ALWAYS prioritizing safety. Safety should always be the foremost concern when photographing newborns. Remember that older siblings are still adjusting to the arrival of the new baby, whom they may feel possessive of. Make sure they understand the importance of being gentle with the newborn and ensure that someone is supervising whenever bigger siblings are holding the baby. You will hear me ask for supportive hands when baby is being held by siblings. Don’t worry, these loving hands are edited out 🙂

Setting Your Big Sibling Up for Success

Toddlers are bundles of energy, always exploring and climbing anything they can find, which can make a newborn photoshoot a bit tricky. But with a little preparation, you can set your big sibling up for success, making the experience fun for everyone involved.

Start by chatting with your toddler about what to expect during the newborn photoshoot. Let them know how special it is to take pictures with their new baby sibling and encourage them to be gentle. You can also show them some adorable photos from their own newborn session to get them excited for their new role!

I always strive to do family and siblings shots first. My studio is toasty warm for newborns and this gives you and your other children a chance to change out of your picture clothes to something more comfortable for the remainder of your session. Also, you won’t have to keep children clean for pictures if I knock theirs out first.

To keep the energy high and the smiles bright, think about including things your toddler loves in the photoshoot. Bringing along their favorite book or toy can be a great distraction, and playing their favorite songs can keep the fun going! Taking short breaks and having plenty of snacks on hand can make the experience even more enjoyable. You know your little ones best, so setting them up for success ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and delightful newborn session!

Calming Siblings During Newborn Photography Session

It’s completely normal for older siblings to feel a bit overwhelmed or even upset during a newborn photo session, especially if they’re close in age or haven’t had much experience with babies. If your big sibling starts crying or seems upset, don’t worry! It’s perfectly okay to take a little break from the photoshoot to give them a chance to calm down and regroup. Once they’re feeling a bit better, we can give it another shot. Remember, it’s super important to let them participate at their own pace while you prepare big siblings for newborn photography session success!

If your child isn’t quite ready to hold or interact with the newborn, that’s totally fine! There are plenty of fun ways to involve them without making them feel uncomfortable. For instance, you could ask them to stand next to the baby or take some family photos where mom or dad is holding the newborn.

Or what if your newborn is the one upset and crying?! Check out Soothe An Infant During a Newborn Session for some great tips!

Make Siblings Feel Included in Newborn Photography Session

Treat the older siblings with as much care as you would the baby. Allow them time to warm up; some kids jump right in, while others need a bit of time to adjust. Start the session with a few candid family photos to make big siblings feel included in the newborn photography session and help them ease into the experience naturally.

Make the session fun and interactive, as toddlers are often on the move. Instead of stiff poses, encourage movement and play. Activities like tickling the baby’s toes, giving gentle hugs, or whispering secrets to the baby can lead to the sweetest moments. Pro tip: bring plenty of their favorite snacks! A quick snack break can significantly help keep them happy and engaged. I do keep some snacks at the studio but if they have a favorite one, grab it!

Since toddlers are typically in a phase of wanting to “do it myself” or “help you,” letting them assist makes them feel important and involved. This can include holding the baby’s tiny hand or helping to adjust a blanket- great ways to make your big siblings feel included in the newborn session and capture genuine sibling bonding moments.

Remember to embrace the imperfections!

Not every sibling will strike a perfect pose during a newborn photography session, and that’s completely okay. The most beautiful photos often come from genuine moments of connection. Including older siblings in a newborn photography session isn’t just about creating lovely images—it’s also about making them feel cherished and valued in this new chapter of their lives. When they feel special, it truly shines through in the pictures.

It’s important to remember that welcoming a newborn can be a big adjustment for older siblings, and it’s natural for them to experience a variety of emotions. Show them patience and understanding, and be mindful not to pressure them into participating if they’re not quite ready.

I am a mom to two boys, an Auntie to MANY (IYKYK), and a nurse. The extra wiggles and giggles from siblings are 100% welcome at my studio.

Are you ready to book your Newborn Photography Session? Click HERE for more information and secure your spot today!